Alternatives for women through menopause.
Today, 42% of Americans use alternative nonprescription therapies to treat medical conditions; 46% of nonprescription alternative use for principal medical conditions is done without consulting either a medical doctor or a nonphysician practitioner of alternative therapy. Many nontraditional alternatives are used to treat the hot flashes and somatic complaints of menopause, for which options such as hormone replacement therapy and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs are also available. To date, no one agent treats all menopausal symptoms as effectively as estrogen. Selective estrogen-receptor modulators can help prevent osteoporosis but do not relieve menopausal symptoms. However, some women are unwilling or unable to take hormone replacement therapy, and some decide to discontinue therapy. Evidence supporting the use of some nonprescription alternatives for conditions related to menopause is limited. Patients need to be aware of the potential for drug interactions when these alternative therapies are used concomitantly with prescription drugs. The current evidence to support use of hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen-receptor modulators, and nontraditional alternatives is reviewed here.
Gass
M L
ML
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Menopause and Osteoporosis Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Taylor
M B
MB
D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D008517:Phytotherapy; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D020845:Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators