The Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine used in Postmenopausal Women at Srinagarind Hospital

Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of the use of herbal products for various gynecological complaints among a sample of Turkish women. Material and Methods: A total of 1329 women attending our outpatient clinic with various gynecological complaints were interviewed. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, using a pre-structured questionnaire that included demographic features of the participants and specific questions on herbal use. Results: Two hundred and twenty-eight participants (17.2%) reported that they had taken at least one of the 23 different herbal products named in the questionnaire for their current gynecological complaints. The most frequently consumed products were onion extract (43.9%) and parsley (14.9%). The use of herbal products had most commonly been recommended by family or friends (50.4%). Among the users, 90.8% and 88.6% believed the products to be potentially beneficial and safe, respectively. Moreover only 6.6% of the...

2020

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods, as well as the effectiveness and satisfaction of the CAM method used in women with gynecological cancer. Methods: The sample of this descriptive and cross-sectional study consisted of 243 women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. In the study, a questionnaire form consisting of 27 questions was used to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of women, gynecological cancer history, and the use of CAM as a data collection tool. Results: The average age of the patients was 52.6 years (SD = 13.1). Most of them were primary school graduates (40.3%) and married (65.0%). More than half of the women (62.1%) had ovarian cancer, 42.4% of women are in the third stage of cancer, and 55.6% were diagnosed within the 1st year. The prevalence use of CAM method was 68.3%, respectively, body and mind treatments (78.9%), biologicalbased treatments (56.6%), manipulative/body-base...

BMC Women's Health, 2010

BACKGROUND: The present study describes Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) use amongst Italian women transitioning through menopause. Popularity and perceived effectiveness of CAM treatments, use of pharmaceutical medications, characteristics of CAM users, the extent of communication between medical practitioners and women about their use of CAM, and variables associated with CAM use were also investigated. METHODS: Women, aged 45-65 years

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013

Background. Previous surveys found CAM use during menopause to be popular. This paper compares the results from two surveys (Sydney and Bologna) to examine factors that determine the extent and pattern of CAM use to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Methods. Women, aged 45-65 years, who were symptomatic when transitioning through menopause or asymptomatic but taking menopause-specific treatments, were recruited in Sydney ( = 1,296) and Bologna ( = 1,106) to complete the same voluntary, anonymous, and self-administered questionnaire. The results were reanalysed using stratified analyses to determine similarities and differences. Results. Demographics of the two cohorts differed significantly. CAM was more popular in Sydney. The most significant determinants of CAM use were the use of CAM for other conditions besides menopause and the severity of vasomotor symptoms. Occupational status was a determinant of CAM use amongst Bologna respondents only. In order to relieve symptoms, Australian and Italian women used different CAM modalities whose effectiveness was generally perceived as good. Conclusion. CAM use is popular amongst menopausal women from Sydney and Bologna. Differences in the patterns of CAM use seem to depend on CAM availability and on the educational level and professional status of users. The complex interaction between market, social, and cultural factors of CAM use seems to be more influential on women's choice of CAM than the available evidence of their effectiveness.

Objective: This study hopes to assess attitudes and practice of patients and healthcare providers towards the use of complementary and alternative medicine in matters related to gynaecology and obstetrics (e.g. puberty upsets, menstrual irregularities, pregnancy issues & menopausal complaints) in our society. Methodology: This cross-sectional analysis was conducted upon a total of 100 female patients presenting to the Liaquat University Hospital, Outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN). In addition to the patient sample, additional data of 20 doctors was also acquired to get qualitative data and deeper insight into the matter. Data was collected from March 2016 to March 2017. Results: Among the 100 subjects, 77 admitted to using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in several matters related to obstetrics and gynaecology. 33 subjects professed that they considered complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) a superior choice and only resorted to taking medication if and when they could not find relief with CAM. Among the subjects that admitted to suing CAM in matters related to OBGYN, 41 used CAM during pregnancy, 23 used it for menstrual irregularities, 9 used CAM for menopausal woes and 9 used it for other matters during puberty onset. Neither of the subjects reported any observed side-effects. All the doctors supported healthy use of CAM in line with medicinal therapy, but with the approval and under the observation of a doctor. The doctors while agreeing to the benefits of CAM, reported that they had observed many side-effects when patients resort to CAM for ending pregnancies.Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can safely be concluded that both patients and doctors have a healthy and encouraging attitude towards CAM in matters related to OBGYN, however, all medication and therapies should only be used with the approval and under the observation of healthcare professionals.

Online journal of complementary & alternative medicine, 2020

Introduction: The research was conducted to determine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) applications that women resorted for menopause symptoms and the effect of this on life quality. Methods: The descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed on 270 women in 2014. Data were collected using The Survey Form and The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale. Results: Average age of women in the study was 54.2±5.0. It was determined that women in menopause stage experienced frequent hot flushes (86.9%), vaginal dryness/dyspareunia (81.7%), muscle-joint ache (70.4%) and decrease in sexual desire (65.7%). CAM use ratio was found to be 62.2%. It was determined that 10% of women applied these methods by consulting a health team. It was found that the biologically based of therapies (90.5%), with the use of herbal medicine, is the main practice used during menopause, then the mind-body interventions (83.3%) as the prayer of healing and the manipulation body-based methods (34.5%), exercises and acupuncture are also cited with common practices. It was determined that life qualities of women using CAM were better in vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual areas (p<0.05). Conclusion: More than half the women had used a CAM therapy in the study. CAM methods used by women are beneficial considerably (53%-90%) for menopause symptoms. It is suggested that women in this stage, when menopause symptoms are controlled better by CAM use, should receive training and consultancy about safe CAM use and further studies are conducted.

International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology, 2013

Abstract: Ethnic communities living in formidable agro-climatic situations are well acquainted with natural resources and their sustainable management from time immemorial. The uneven topographic situation compels them to conduct a number of trial and error practices with nature and thereby the communities developed numerous locally suited the best practices and technologies. Owing to the significance of traditional knowledge and their sustainable utilization, a study was conducted during 2011-12 years in Simalwara region of Dungarpur district, Rajasthan state to investigate ethnomedicinal knowledge on the treatment of gynecological disorders. The study explored 27 species under 27 genera and 21 families which have been used as major ingredients for treatment of said ailments. The study also documented various plant ingredients being used for medication and significantly floral parts contributed the highest share with 25.71 % where the least was recorded from twig and latex with 2.86 % each in the total part used.

International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 2002

Objectives: To review the clinical evidence available for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with alternative and complementary medicine. Methods: The MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE and COCHRANE electronic databases for the years 1980-2002 were searched for articles concerning soy products, black cohosh, dong quai, acupuncture, ginseng and evening primrose oil. Studies pertaining to menopausal vasomotor symptoms, lipid profiles and bone mineral densities of postmenopausal women were included. The data from clinical trials were reviewed. Results: Soy isoflavones slightly decrease total cholesterol and LDL levels. The clinical significance of this small change is yet to be determined. The synthetic isoflavone derivative ipriflavone increases bone mineral density in healthy peri-and postmenopausal women with moderate bone mineral densities. Although earlier reports have claimed that soy is beneficial for the improvement of vasomotor symptoms, recent data do not support this claim. There are insufficient data on the other alternative therapies for treating menopausal symptoms at this time. Conclusion: Alternative and complementary medicine may play a role in the management of menopause, however, well-designed large studies are still needed.

Women’s Health Issues, 2004

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medications (CAMs) used by women during menopause and explore potential associations between CAM use and menopausal symptoms. Analysis was undertaken with 886 randomly selected menopausal women aged 47-67 years who participated in a postal questionnaire on the menopause experience. The prevalence of CAM use was relatively high (82.5%), with nutrition most commonly cited (67%), followed by phytoestrogens (56%), herbal therapies (41%), and CAM medications (25%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for confounders revealed that women who consumed CAM medications were 17-23% more likely to report anxiety (p _ .019) or vasomotor symptoms (p _ .013). Women who used herbal therapies (p _ .009) or phytoestrogens (p _ .030) were 13-16% more likely to experience vasomotor symptoms. Women who used nutrition were 18% more likely to experience anxiety (p _ .049). These results highlight the importance for health professionals to incorporate CAMs into their practice to better inform menopausal women of their treatment choices.

Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 2007

critical concern about the probable serious risks associated with non-educated CAM practitioners. Therefore, informed and educated healthcare professionals should inform and help in relieving patients in a more professional and multidisciplinary way.