Prof. Ernst has reviewed black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) to treat menopausal symptoms. Continue reading Review of black cohosh for menopause
Category Archives: Menopause
Might mindfulness reduce the severity of hot flashes?
Preliminary evidence supports the feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in women experiencing severe hot flashes, according to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Continue reading Might mindfulness reduce the severity of hot flashes?
More on yoga and menopause
There were benefits reported in this study from the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore, India. Continue reading More on yoga and menopause
Peri-menopausal symptoms treated with pycnogenol
This is apparently the first study of pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract) to treat peri-menopausal symptoms. Continue reading Peri-menopausal symptoms treated with pycnogenol
Flaxseed for menopausal symptoms and more
One study reports on flax and flaxseed oil in menopausal women, the second conducts a general review of the literature.
One study is positive; the other is not. Continue reading Flaxseed for menopausal symptoms and more
Herbal options to treat mood and anxiety in menopausal women
Here’s a review by researchers at the University of Illinois, Chicago that focuses on the scientific support for the use of herbals in women during menopause. It differs a bit in its conclusions from a more general review posted here recently.
Both reviews list St. John’s wort as the most useful herbal for alleviating mood and anxiety changes during menopause. Continue reading Herbal options to treat mood and anxiety in menopausal women
Black cohosh has no estrogenic effects on the breast
Black cohosh is an alternative to hormonal therapy to treat hot flashes, mood disturbances, sweating, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness.
Apparently, this is accomplished in the absence of any “systemic or breast-specific estrogenic effects.” According to researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia. Continue reading Black cohosh has no estrogenic effects on the breast
Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment
The results are positive, but the study is bad for homeopathy.
Why? Continue reading Treating hot flushes in menopausal women with homeopathic treatment
Korean pine nut tree and weight loss
The Korean pine nut (Pinus koraiensis), which is also known as PinnoThin was selected as the most innovative ingredient at the First International Conference on Innovations and Trends in Weight Loss and Weight Management (Slimming Germany)
It increases levels of the appetite-suppressing hormones (glucagon-like peptide-1) GLP-1 and cholecystokinin (CCK). But does this actually result in weight loss? Continue reading Korean pine nut tree and weight loss
Reviewing the benefits of soy isoflavone on bone in menopausal women
Researchers from the University of Yamanashi in Japan reviewed studies of soy isoflavones (ie, phytoestrogens [plant estrogens] found chiefly in soybeans) and report “It decreases bone loss in the spine.”
But… Continue reading Reviewing the benefits of soy isoflavone on bone in menopausal women
Yoga and menopause: Review of recent study results
In 2007 there have been 4 published studies on this topic.
Here’s an overview. Continue reading Yoga and menopause: Review of recent study results
Herbal therapy reduces menopausal symptoms
At least when the herbalists who did the study use them. Continue reading Herbal therapy reduces menopausal symptoms
Black cohosh, menopausal symptoms, and the risk of breast cancer and heart disease
Hormone replacement therapy may increase breast cancer and cardiovascular disease risk in menopausal women. But what is the effect of black cohosh extract — a popular alternative for reducing menopausal symptoms? Continue reading Black cohosh, menopausal symptoms, and the risk of breast cancer and heart disease
Update on acupuncture treatment for hot flashes
There are more than 475 million menopausal women in the world. And as if that’s not scary enough, it can last 6 to 13 years and lead to side effects such as night sweats and hot flashes. Up to 75% of menopausal women experience some form of hot flashes.
A small study in England in 2003 found that acupuncture reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in 47 women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer. The mean reduction in hot flashes was 42% at the end of 8 treatments, and 34% at 1-month following the last treatment.
But wait!
Continue reading Update on acupuncture treatment for hot flashes
Soy to treat menopausal symptoms?
In an earlier post, women complained that they did not know the proper dose of soy-containing products to treat the symptoms of menopause, and had low confidence in the ability of healthcare professionals to provide this information.
Maybe now we know why.
Horny goat weed to prevent bone loss during late postmenopause
Horny goat weed, also known as epimedium and yin yan huo, is a source of phytoestrogens.
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong report success using epimedium to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women. Continue reading Horny goat weed to prevent bone loss during late postmenopause
Trying hard to generate positive research results for black cohosh
There are doctors in Germany who are working overtime to convince us that black cohosh is a valuable treatment for menopausal symptoms.
I’m not buying it. But then, I’m not in menopause. Continue reading Trying hard to generate positive research results for black cohosh
Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
And, women like practicing yoga too. Continue reading Restorative yoga helps treat hot flushes
No surprise: Healthcare providers recommend the CAM they know
This survey explored the beliefs and practices of family medicine physicians regarding the use of nonconventional treatment for menopausal symptom management. Continue reading No surprise: Healthcare providers recommend the CAM they know
Black cohosh has no effect on lipids, glucose, insulin, or fibrinogen
Contrary to common lore, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) doesn’t prevent the hot flashes or night sweats associated with menopause.
Here’s more on what it doesn’t do. Continue reading Black cohosh has no effect on lipids, glucose, insulin, or fibrinogen