Herbal Product Use and Menopause Symptom Relief in Primary Care Patients: A MetroNet Study

Rhonda K. Dailey, M.D., Anne Victoria Neale, Ph.D., M.P.H., Justin Northrup, M.P.T., Patricia West, Ph.D., R.N., Kendra L. Schwartz, M.D., M.S.P.H.

Abstract and Introduction

Abstract

Objectives: The four study objectives were to determine (1) the prevalence of use of four herbal product types promoted to reduce menopause symptoms (phytoestrogens, St. John’s wort, Ginkgo biloba, and ginseng) among primary care patients approaching or in menopause, (2) the extent to which women who use these types of herbal products report menopause related symptoms compared with herbal product nonusers, (3) the frequency of reported symptom reduction after use, and (4) if use was disclosed to their physicians.
Methods: A cross section of ethnically diverse women 40-55 years of age (35.5% African American, 60.2% Caucasian) who were recruited from eight primary care centers in Michigan to complete a self report survey. The questionnaire included demographic items, health history, recent use of four herbal product types purported to relieve menopause symptoms and perception of symptom improvement, and interest in additional herbal product information.
Results: Of 397 women, 24.9% reported taking, in the previous 6 months, at least one of the four study herbs. Herbal product use did not vary by patient demographics or health characteristics. Herbal product users reported more menopause symptoms than nonusers, and 68% of the users said that the herbs improved their symptoms; 56.4% said that their physician was aware of their herbal product use.
Conclusions: Primary care patients experiencing common menopausal symptoms are likely to use herbal products that are purported to provide menopause symptom relief, and many believe that these products improve their menopausal symptoms. Healthcare providers should be aware of patient’s positive attitude, use patterns, and lack of disclosure of use of herbal medicines. Inquiry of herbal product use is another way for physicians to learn about patient self medication of bothersome symptoms.

Stress-reduction technique may help ease hot flashes, according to a study by researchers from University of Massachusetts Medical School.

This study involved 110 late peri menopausal and early postmenopausal women. All of them were initially experiencing around 5 or more moderate to severe hot flashes or night sweats daily.

After 5 months, women who received mindfulness-based stress reduction training reported a 21% reduction in ‘bother’ caused by hot flashes.

Even though the intensity of hot flashes did not change throughout the study, women with mindfulness training saw improvements in quality of life, subjective sleep quality, and perceived stress.

According to the researchers, mindfulness can help women cope with sleep problems, stress and anxiety.

What Is Mindfulness?

The concept of mindfulness is simple.

It means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.

For example, when you are experiencing a hot flash, instead of being driven crazy by the sudden heat and heart palpitation, you accept this experience with equanimity, observe the physical sensations and acknowledge your responses to those sensations.

Improve Your Menopause Experience With Simple Techniques

If you keep a positive attitude and take a little preparation, you can deal with menopause much better and minimize the side effects of menopause.

Here are some tips to help you go through menopause with ease:

First of all, educate yourself on this subject. Mystery and misconceptions only add stress to your experience. Menopause is a natural part of life, just like toddlerhood and puberty.

Keep a positive attitude. We are what we think. Once you acknowledge that menopause is natural, and all the symptoms are just your hormones having a wild dance, you may be less reactive and stressed about the emotional and physical changes.

Exercise. Exercise is very beneficial for menopausal women. Regular and moderate exercises can keep you fit, both mentally and physically.

Take mindfulness training. As the study above shows, meditation technique can help ease hot flashes, night sweats and sleeplessness. Learn simple techniques such as breathing and yoga, you may be surprised with the changes to your state of mind and health.

Check out www.yestechnique.com

By Karen Collins, R.D.

-

Menopause is a natural step in a woman’s life cycle. Yet several body changes that accompany menopause pose problems for many women. Fortunately, lifestyle choices may help women diminish common concerns, like weight gain and hot flashes.

Reuters

Experience among women varies, but studies show that menopause is often linked to weight gain and a movement of fat from the thighs and hips to the waistline. Some women blame hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but studies show the opposite. HRT seems to lessen the shift of fat to the waist.

Women are right to be concerned about weight gain. A recent Finnish study found that each two pounds of weight gained during menopause raises the risk of high blood pressure five percent. Menopausal weight gain also raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Excess weight and weight gain in adulthood are both strongly linked to risk of breast and other hormone-related cancers after menopause.

Exercise and nutrition are key
Research shows that weight gain at menopause can be prevented or minimized. Weight gain at this time is often related to a drop in exercise level. To counter weight gain and weight shifts, women should keep physically fit with regular exercise. Strength-training exercise may offer special help in maintaining muscle mass and controlling weight.

A low fat, mostly plant-based diet is another aid. The American Institute for Cancer Research’s brochure The New American Plate is an excellent approach to weight management that stresses both portion control and balanced food choices.

Studies confirm the ability of exercise and healthful eating to help control menopausal weight gain. A recent five-year exercise and diet study found that 55 percent of the menopausal women participants could maintain or even lose weight. The program involved a moderate exercise routine that burned 1,000 to 1,500 calories per week. Brisk walking for 30 to 45 minutes, five days a week is one way to fulfill this goal. The women also ate a low fat diet that kept total calories low.

Hot flashes (or “hot flushes” as doctors call them) are another common menopause concern. A new Swedish study suggests that a vigorous exercise program and other steps to limit weight gain may reduce the tendency for hot flashes as a side benefit.