Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Menopause

  • 1190 Accesses

Abstract

Vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, are very common during the menopausal transition, affecting approximately 65–76% of women traversing the menopausal transition [1]. Although hormone therapy (HT) has traditionally been used as the most effective treatment to ameliorate these symptoms, since the publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study in 2002 that generated concerns about the safety of this treatment, the prescription has dropped by 40–80% [2].

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 99.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Randolph JF Jr, Sowers M, Bondarenko I, Gold EB, Greendale GA, Bromberger JT, et al. The relationship of longitudinal change in reproductive hormones and vasomotor symptoms during the menopausal transition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90(11):6106–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Burger HG, MacLennan AH, Huang KE, Castelo-Branco C. Evidence-based assessment of the impact of the WHI on women’s health. Climacteric. 2012;15(3):281–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Newton KM, Buist DS, Keenan NL, Anderson LA, LaCroix AZ. Use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms: results of a population-based survey. Obstet Gynecol. 2002;100(1):18–25.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What’s In a Name?. NCCAM; 2016. Available at: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/integrative-health.

  5. Seibel MM. Treating hot flushes without hormone replacement therapy. J Fam Pract. 2003;52(4):291–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Kuiper GG, Carlsson B, Grandien K, Enmark E, Häggblad J, Nilsson S, et al. Comparison of the ligand binding specificity and transcript tissue distribution of estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Endocrinology. 1997;138(3):863–70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Lethaby A, Marjoribanks J, Kronenberg F, Roberts H, Eden J, Brown J. Phytoestrogens for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;12:CD001395.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Villaseca P. Non-estrogen conventional and phytochemical treatments for vasomotor symptoms: what needs to be known for practice. Climacteric. 2012;15(2):115–24.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Booth NL, Overk CR, Yao P, Burdette JE, Nikolic D, Chen SN, et al. The chemical and biologic profile of a red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) phase II clinical extract. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(2):133–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Setchell KD, Brown NM, Lydeking-Olsen E. The clinical importance of the metabolite equol-a clue to the effectiveness of soy and its isoflavones. J Nutr. 2002;132(12):3577–84.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Crisafulli A, Marini H, Bitto A, Altavilla D, Squadrito G, Romeo A, et al. Effects of genistein on hot flushes in early postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind EPT and placebo- controlled study. Menopause. 2004;11:400–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. D’Anna R, Cannata ML, Atteritano M, Cancellieri F, Corrado F, Baviera G, et al. Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on hot flushes, endometrium, and vaginal epithelium in postmenopausal women: a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2007;14(4):648–55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Evans M, Elliott JG, Sharma P, Berman R, Guthrie N. The effect of synthetic genistein on menopause symptom management in healthy postmenopausal women: a multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Maturitas. 2011;68(2):189–96.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Ferrari A. Soy extract phytoestrogens with high dose of isoflavones for menopausal symptoms. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2009;35(6):1083–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Thomas AJ, Ismail R, Taylor-Swanson L, Cray L, Schnall JG, Mitchell ES, et al. Effects of isoflavones and amino acid therapies for hot flashes and co-occurring symptoms during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: a systematic review. Maturitas. 2014 Aug;78(4):263–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Nagata C, Takatsuka N, Kawakami N, Shimizu H. Soy product intake and hot flashes in Japanese women: results from a community-based prospective study. Am J Epidemiol. 2001;153(8):790–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Carmigiani LO, Pedro AO, Cost-Paiva LH, Pinto-Neto AM. The effect of dietary soy supplementation compared to estrogen and placebo on menopausal symptoms: a randomised controlled trial. Maturitas. 2010;67:262–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Albertazzi P, Pansini F, Bonaccorsi G, Zanotti L, Forini E, De Aloysio D. The effect of dietary soy supplementation on hot flushes. Obstet Gynecol. 1998;91(1):6–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Brzezinski A, Adlercreutz H, Shaoul R, Rosler A, Shmueli A, Tanos V, et al. Short-term effects of phytoestrogen rich diet on postmenopausal women. Menopause. 1997;4(2):89–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Radhakrishnan G, Agarwal N, Vaid N. Evaluation of isoflavone rich soy protein supplementation for postmenopausal therapy. Pak J Nutr. 2009;8(7):1009–17.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Cheng G, Wilczek B, Warner M, Gustafsson J-A, Landgren B-L. Isoflavone treatment for acute menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2007;14(3, Part 1):468–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Hanachi P, Golkho S. Assessment of soy phytoestrogens and exercise on lipid profiles and menopause symptoms in menopausal women. J Biol Sci. 2008;8(4):789–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Knight DC, Howes JB, Eden JA, Howes LG. Effects on menopausal symptoms and acceptability of isoflavone containing soy powder dietary supplementation. Climacteric. 2001;4:13–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Bicca ML de O, Horta BL, Lethaby AE. Double-blind randomized clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in the relief of climacteric symptoms. (unpublished data only).

    Google Scholar 

  25. Faure ED, Chantre P, Mares P. Effects of a standardised soy extract on hot flushes: a multicentre, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2002;9(5):329–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Khaodhiar L, Ricciotti HA, Li L, Pan W, Schickel M, Zhou J, et al. Daidzein-rich isoflavone-aglycones are effective in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women. Menopause. 2008;15(1):125–32.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Nahas E, Nahas-Neto J, Orsatti F, Carvalho E, Oliveira M, Dias R. Efficacy and safety of a soy isoflavone extract in postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blind, and placebo controlled study. Maturitas. 2007;58(3):249–58.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Ye Y-B, Wang Z-L, Zhuo S-Y, Lu W, Liao H-F, Verbruggen MA, et al. Soy germ isoflavones improve menopausal symptoms but have no effect on blood lipids in early postmenopausal Chinese women: a randomised placebo controlled trial. Menopause. 2012;19(7):791–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Han KK, Soares JM, Haidar MA, de Lima GR, Baracat EC. Benefits of soy isoflavone therapeutic regimen on menopausal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2002 Mar;99(3):389–94.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Jou H-J, Wu S-C, Chang F-W, Ling P-Y, Chu KS, Wu WH. Effect of intestinal production of equol on menopausal symptoms in women treated with soy isoflavones. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2008;102(1):44–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Upmalis DH, Lobo R, Bradley L, Warren M, Cone FL, Lamia CA. Vasomotor symptom relief by soy isoflavone extract tablets in postmenopausal women: a multicenter double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study. Menopause. 2000;7(4):236–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Baber RJ, Templeman C, Morton T, Kelly GE, West L. Randomized placebo-controlled trial of an isoflavone supplement and menopausal symptoms in women. Climacteric. 1999;2(2):85–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Jeri A. The use of an isoflavone supplement to relieve hot flushes. Female Patient. 2002;27:47–9.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Knight DC, Howes JB, Eden JA. The effect of Promensil, an isoflavone extract, on menopausal symptoms. Climacteric. 1999;2(2):79–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Tice JA, Ettinger B, Ensrud K, Wallace R, Blackwell T, Cummings SR. Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes: the Isoflavone Clover Extract (ICE) Study: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003;290(2):207–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. van de Weijer PH, Barentsen R. Isoflavones from red clover (Promensil) significantly reduce menopausal hot flush symptoms compared with placebo. Maturitas. 2002;42(3):187–93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Imhof M, Gocan A, Reithmayr F, Lipovac M, Schimitzek C, Chedraui P, et al. Effects of a red clover extract (MF11RCE) on endometrium and sex hormones in postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2006;55(1):76–81.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Thomas AJ, Ismail R, Taylor-Swanson L, Cray L, Schnall JG, Mitchell ES, et al. Effects of isoflavones and amino acid therapies for hot flashes and co-occurring symptoms during the menopausal transition and early postmenopause: a systematic review. Maturitas. 2014;78(4):263–76.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  39. Aso T, Uchiyama S, Matsumura Y, Taguchi M, Nozaki M, Takamatsu K, et al. A natural S-equol supplement alleviates hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms in equol nonproducing postmenopausal Japanese women. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2012;21(1):92–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Ishiwata N, Melby MK, Mizuno S, Watanabe S. New equol supplement for relieving menopausal symptoms: randomized, placebo-controlled trial of Japanese women. Menopause. 2009;16(1):141–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Franco OH, Chowdhury R, Troup J, Voortman T, Kunutsor S, Kavousi M, et al. Use of plant-based therapies and menopausal symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;315(23):2554–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Colli MC, Bracht A, Soares AA, de Oliveira AL, Bôer CG, de Souza CG, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of flaxseed meal and flaxseed extract in reducing menopausal symptoms. J Med Food. 2012;15(9):840–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Dalais FS, Rice GE, Wahlqvist ML, Grehan M, Murkies AL, Medley G, et al. Effects of dietary phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women. Climacteric. 1998;1(2):124–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Lewis JE, Nickell LA, Thompson LU, Szalai JP, Kiss A, Hilditch JR. A randomized controlled trial of the effect of dietary soy and flaxseed muffins on quality of life and hot flashes during menopause. Menopause. 2006;13(4):631–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Ososki AL, Kennelly EJ. Phytoestrogens: a review of the present state of research. Phytother Res. 2003;17(8):845–69.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Wuttke W, Jarry H, Haunschild J, Stecher G, Schuh M, Seidlova-Wuttke D. The non-estrogenic alternative for the treatment of climacteric complaints: Black cohosh (Cimicifuga or Actaea racemosa). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2014;139:302–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Beer AM, Osmers R, Schnitker J, Bai W, Mueck AO, Meden H. Efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) medicines for treatment of menopausal symptoms—comments on major statements of the Cochrane Collaboration report 2012 “black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms (review)”. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2013;29(12):1022–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Powell SL, Gödecke T, Nikolic D, Chen SN, Ahn S, Dietz B, Farnsworth NR, et al. In vitro serotonergic activity of black cohosh and identification of N(omega)-methylserotonin as a potential active constituent. J Agric Food Chem. 2008;56(24):11718–26.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Lundström E, Hirschberg AL, Söderqvist G. Digitized assessment of mammographic breast density—effects of continuous combined hormone therapy, tibolone and black cohosh compared to placebo. Maturitas. 2011;70(4):361–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Rebbeck TR, Troxel AB, Norman S, Bunin GR, DeMichele A, Baumgarten M, et al. A retrospective case-control study of the use of hormone-related supplements and association with breast cancer. Int J Cancer. 2007;120(7):1523–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Nikander E, Kilkkinen A, Metsä-Heikkilä M, Adlercreutz H, Pietinen P, Tiitinen A, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial with phytoestrogens in treatment of menopause in breast cancer patients. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(6):1213–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Naser B, Schnitker J, Minkin MJ, de Arriba SG, Nolte KU, Osmers R. Suspected black cohosh hepatotoxicity: no evidence by meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials for isopropanolic black cohosh extract. Menopause. 2011;18(4):366–75.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. Leach MJ, Moore V. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;9:CD007244.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Tanmahasamut P, Vichinsartvichai P, Rattanachaiyanont M, Techatraisak K, Dangrat C, Sardod P. Cimicifuga racemosa extract for relieving menopausal symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):79–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Zhu X, Liew Y, Liu ZL. Chinese herbal medicine for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;3:CD009023.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  56. Eisenhardt S, Fleckenstein J. Traditional Chinese medicine valuably augments therapeutic options in the treatment of climacteric syndrome. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2016;294(1):193–200.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Dodin S, Blanchet C, Marc I, Ernst E, Wu T, Vaillancourt C, et al. Acupuncture for menopausal hot flushes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;7:CD007410.

    Google Scholar 

  58. Lopes-Júnior CL, Cruz LA, Leopoldo VC, Campos FR, Almeida AM, Silveira RC. Effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture versus Sham acupuncture: a systematic review. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2016;24:e2762.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS. Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2015;22(2):234–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Ee C, Xue C, Chondros P, Myers SP, French SD, Teede H, et al. Acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2016;164(3):146–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Lesi G, Razzini G, Musti MA, Stivanello E, Petrucci C, Benedetti B, et al. Acupuncture as an integrative approach for the treatment of hot flashes in women with breast cancer: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial (AcCliMaT). J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(15):1795–802.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Reid R, Abramson B, Blake J, Desindes S, Dodin S, Johnston S, et al. Managing menopause. Chapter 9: complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36(9):830–3. Available at: https://sogc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/gui311CPG1505Erev.pdf.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Mintziori G, Lambrinoudaki I, Goulis DG, Ceausu I, Depypere H, Erel CT, et al. EMAS position statement: non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Maturitas. 2015;81(3):410–3.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Saensak S, Vutyavanich T, Somboonporn W, Srisurapanont M. Relaxation for perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;7:CD008582.

    Google Scholar 

  65. Sassarini J, Lumsden MA. Non-hormonal management of vasomotor symptoms. Climacteric. 2013;16(Suppl 1):31–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago de Chile, Chile

    María Fernanda Garrido Oyarzún

  2. Clinic Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Camil Castelo-Branco

Authors
  1. María Fernanda Garrido Oyarzún
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Camil Castelo-Branco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Camil Castelo-Branco .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain

    Antonio Cano

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Oyarzún, M.F.G., Castelo-Branco, C. (2017). Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms. In: Cano, A. (eds) Menopause. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59318-0_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59318-0_16

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-59317-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-59318-0

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation