[Few alternatives to estrogen replacement therapy for vegetative symptoms after menopause].
Vasomotor symptoms with hot flushes and sweating are reported by about 75 percent of women around menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the treatment of choice but some women have medical contraindications or side effects. There is, therefore, a need of alternative therapies. Progestagens may decrease hot flushes, as will clonidin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Phytoestrogens, which exist in some dietary products and complementary and alternative medicines have estrogen-like effects and may decrease hot flushes, although there are contradictory scientific reports. Acupuncture, exercise and behavioral therapy may also decrease vasomotor symptoms. No alternative therapy is as effective as HRT.
Hammar
Mats
M
Avdelningen för obstetrik och gynekologi, Hälsouniversitetet, Linköping. mats.hammar@lio.se
Nedstrand
Elizabeth
E
Wyon
Yvonne
Y
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D000075202:Contraindications; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D028321:Plant Preparations