Update - Alternative therapist lack evidence base to treat menopause symptoms

VOL: 102, ISSUE: 39, PAGE NO: 40

There is little scientific evidence that complementary and alternative therapies can help menopausal symptoms or that they provide the same benefits as conventional therapies, according to an opinion paper published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

There is little scientific evidence that complementary and alternative therapies can help menopausal symptoms or that they provide the same benefits as conventional therapies, according to an opinion paper published by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

The authors acknowledge that women have concerns about the adverse effects associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) including breast cancer, heart disease and stroke and this has led to an increase in demand for alternative treatments.

Many alternative therapies are not backed by evidence, although there is evidence to suggest that soy and red clover may help to relieve symptoms and have a beneficial effect on the skeleton and cardiovascular system. Small-scale trials have also shown that homeopathy many help to relieve symptoms.

For further information on the report visit www.rcog.org.uk.