A pilot study to examine a combination botanical for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
Hormone replacement therapy has become a controversial treatment for symptoms of menopause, leading many women and their physicians to search for safer, effective alternatives. Certain botanicals are known to contain phytoestrogenic activity, which may be helpful in alleviating menopausal symptoms. We report the results of a study using a combination botanical supplement to treat menopausal symptoms.


METHODS
Prospective pilot study.


METHODS
Family practice medical center, Phoenix metropolitan area.


METHODS
Eight (8) women with moderate vasomotor and somatic symptoms of menopause.


METHODS
Combination botanicals daily for 3 months.


METHODS
Modified Kupperman Index (KI), daily hot flashes severity, and overall quality of life (QoL) using the SF-36 index, which were collected at enrollment, during treatment, and at the end of treatment.


RESULTS
Mean KI total symptoms decreased from 30.3 +/- 7.5 to 22.9 +/- 8.4 (95% CI, 25-34), p = 0.0028. Daily hot flashes decreased from 68.1 +/- 14.3 to 39.6 +/- 9.7 (95% CI, 38-46), p = 0.0003, and the overall QoL also improved at the end of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study demonstrates the potential benefit of a combination botanical for improving moderate menopausal symptoms in women. The efficacy and role of combination botanicals for long-term use to reduce menopausal symptoms requires further exploration.
Smolinski
Debi
D
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA.
Wollner
Debra
D
Orlowski
Jennifer
J
Curcio
Jessica
J
Nevels
Jennifer
J
Kim
Linda S
LS
D000328:Adult; D001130:Arizona; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects*; D016387:Women's Health
D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts