Abstract
Objective:
There is great controversy concerning treatment for menopausal symptoms. We evaluated homeopathic treatments for hot flushes and their effect on quality
of life in menopausal women.
Methods:
Open, multi-national prospective, pragmatic and non-comparative observational study
of homeopathic treatments prescribed and their effectiveness, observing their impact
on quality of life.
Results:
Ninety-nine physicians in 8 countries took part in this study and included 438 patients
with an average age of 55.
Homeopathic medicines were prescribed to all patients; 98% of the prescription lines
were for homeopathic medicines. Lachesis mutus, Belladonna, Sepia officinalis, Sulphur and Sanguinaria canadensis were the most prescribed. A non-homeopathic treatment and/or food supplement prescribed
for 5% of the patients.
This observational study revealed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in the frequency of hot flushes by day and night and a significant reduction
in the daily discomfort they caused (mean fall of 3.6 and 3.8 points respectively,
on a 10 cm visual analogue scale; p<0.001).
Ninety percent of the women reported disappearance or lessening of their symptoms,
these changes mostly taking place within 15 days of starting homeopathic treatment.
Conclusions:
The results of this observational study suggest that homeopathic treatment for hot
flushes in menopausal women is effective. Further studies including randomized controlled
trials should be conducted.
Keywords
homeopathy - hot flushes - homeopathic treatment - observational study - menopause
