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Dong QuaiEvening PrimroseGinsengMenopauseVitamins

CAM for menopause?

JR

The authors, from the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia make a potentially important point that hadn’t been mentioned here before.

But, does it matter?

First, the details.

  • Studies of prescription drugs and CAM were reviewed.

And, the results.

  • Not effective for relieving hot flushes
    • Ginseng
    • Evening primrose
    • Dong quai
    • Vitamin E
  • Other effects of these therapies including possible improvements in mood are yet to be substantiated.

The bottom line?
In this area of research, the authors observe, “There is a general lacking of longer-term follow-up beyond the trial lengths of 6-12 weeks in the use of CAM, although women may be taking these medications for many years.”

Now, if we find one that has some promise, a long-term study might be warranted.

4/7/09 20:55 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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