[Complementary and alternative therapies for climacteric symptoms].
OBJECTIVE
Review on complementary and alternative therapies for climacteric symptoms.


METHODS
Search for publications about complementary or alternative treatments for climacteric symptoms based on Cochrane Library and Medline (1966-2006) including the references from the identified clinical trials and reviews.


RESULTS
Cimicifuga may influence climacteric symptoms, especially hot flushes. Results for phytoestrogens, hop and Salvia seem promising but are less convincing. St. John's wort is an option for the treatment of moderate depressive symptoms. Phytoestrogens seem to have some potential for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Results for the influence of lifestyle on hot flushes are conflicting, but interventions have demonstrated their use for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
Lifestyle modifications, Cimicifuga and phytoestrogens may relieve climacteric symptoms. Phytoestrogens and Cimicifuga should not be given to breast cancer survivors.
Reinhard-Hennch
Bettina
B
Ambulanz fur Naturheilkunde und Integrative Medizin, Abteilung Gynakologische Endokrinologie und Fertilitatsstorungen, Universitatsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland.
Strowitzki
Thomas
T
von Hagens
Cornelia
C
D026881:Acupuncture; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019341:Aromatherapy; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D031885:Cimicifuga; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D000075202:Contraindications; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004032:Diet; D027742:Dioscorea; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D027582:Humulus; D006875:Hydrotherapy; D020902:Hypericum; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D016239:MEDLINE; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D027544:Salvia; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors; D029921:Trifolium
D048789:Phytoestrogens; D010936:Plant Extracts