Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment–Results of an observational study

 

When a woman reaches her late forties or early fifties, her periods grind to a halt. Menopause marks the move from the reproductive years to a cessation in fertility. This literally means that her supply of eggs, which is determined at birth, has been used up.
For some this change of life comes smoothly and all she notices is that she no longer has her periods. But for others, the change is more rocky and causes much distress with symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and irritation, poor libido, frequent urinary tract infections, poor memory and concentration, fatigue, depression, headaches, weight gain and heart palpitations.
Nearly three-quarters of all menopausal women experience hot flushes which have been described as one of the most distressing symptoms.
Hot flushes (or hot flashes) come unexpectedly. It’s the sudden feeling of intense heat that one feels all over the face and upper body. The skin may turn red and the body starts to sweat. Hot flushes at night disturb a woman's sleep and can be so severe as to cause the bedding to be soaked in sweat.

Ninety-nine physicians in 8 countries took part in this study and included 438 patients with an average age of 55.

Homeopathic medicines were prescribed to all patients; 98% of the prescription lines were for homeopathic medicines. Lachesis mutus, Belladonna, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur and Sanguinaria canadensis were the most prescribed. A non-homeopathic treatment and/or food supplement prescribed for 5% of the patients.

   Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment–Results of an observational study

Source: Science Direct

MF Bordet , A Colas ^, P Marijnen , JL Masson and M Trichard
¹Boiron, Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon, France
²Reims, France
³Ecully, France
⁴Lyon, France
Received 13 December 2006;  revised 19 November 2007;  accepted 19 November 2007.  Available online 11 January 2008.

Abstract

Objective

There is great controversy concerning treatment for menopausal symptoms. We evaluated homeopathic treatments for hot flushes and their effect on quality of life in menopausal women.

Methods

Open, multi-national prospective, pragmatic and non-comparative observational study of homeopathic treatments prescribed and their effectiveness, observing their impact on quality of life.

Results

Ninety-nine physicians in 8 countries took part in this study and included 438 patients with an average age of 55.

Homeopathic medicines were prescribed to all patients; 98% of the prescription lines were for homeopathic medicines. Lachesis mutus, Belladonna, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur and Sanguinaria canadensis were the most prescribed. A non-homeopathic treatment and/or food supplement prescribed for 5% of the patients.

This observational study revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the frequency of hot flushes by day and night and a significant reduction in the daily discomfort they caused (mean fall of 3.6 and 3.8 points respectively, on a 10 cm visual analogue scale; p<0.001).

Ninety percent of the women reported disappearance or lessening of their symptoms, these changes mostly taking place within 15 days of starting homeopathic treatment.

Conclusions

The results of this observational study suggest that homeopathic treatment for hot flushes in menopausal women is effective. Further studies including randomized controlled trials should be conducted.