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Alternatives for women through menopause
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Menopause and Osteoporosis Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 25, 2001
Summary
Many Americans use alternative therapies for menopause without consulting doctors. Evidence for these nonprescription options is limited, and patients must consider potential drug interactions.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Women's Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 42% of Americans utilize nonprescription alternative therapies for medical conditions.
- A significant portion of alternative therapy use occurs without professional consultation.
- Menopause symptom management often involves exploring alternatives to conventional treatments like hormone replacement therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence supporting nonprescription alternative therapies for menopause.
- To compare the efficacy of alternatives with conventional treatments.
- To highlight patient awareness of potential drug interactions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence.
- Analysis of current therapeutic options for menopause.
- Discussion of hormonal and non-hormonal treatments.
Main Results:
- No single agent effectively treats all menopausal symptoms as well as estrogen.
- Selective estrogen-receptor modulators aid osteoporosis prevention but not menopausal symptoms.
- Limited evidence supports many nonprescription alternatives for menopausal conditions.
Conclusions:
- Women seek alternatives to hormone replacement therapy due to various reasons.
- Patients must be informed about the limited evidence and potential risks, including drug interactions, associated with alternative therapies.