A recent study examined the effectiveness of electroacupuncture, in which small electric currents are applied to traditional acupuncture needles, in women with breast cancer treatment-associated hot flashes. 120 women with hot flashes were randomized to [...]
Dyslipidemia is a common side effect of atypical antipsychotics and, for a significant number of patients, may limit the acceptabillily of this class of drugs as an option for long-term treatment. This open trial tested [...]
According to a new study, supplementation with calcium and vitamin D does not appear to improve menopause-related vasomotor symptoms, mood changes, or sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This was a secondary analysis of data from the Women’s [...]
Over the last decade, various studies have evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms. In a recent meta-analysis, studies that reported on the frequency or severity of hot flashes, menopause-related symptoms assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), and quality of life (QoL) assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MSQoL) questionnaire were included. Twelve studies with a total of 869 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.
Many women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. For a significant number of women, the sleep disruption may be so severe as to require some type of intervention. In a previous post, we discussed the use of different types of medications to treat insomnia during pregnancy. While these drugs are highly effective, many women with sleep problems inquire about the use of “natural” agents, such as melatonin, during pregnancy.
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than ever, and many experts are concerned that this deficiency may lead to a wide variety of health problems, including depression.
Approximately 70% of all women experience hot flashes and/or night sweats (also called vasomotor symptoms or VMS) during the menopause transition. Although estrogen-containing hormone therapy is highly effective in managing these symptoms, various studies have raised concerns regarding the risks associated with prolonged use of hormone therapy and many women now use other non-hormonal options to manage their symptoms, including over-the-counter complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs), including soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and omega-3 fatty acids. However, the data regarding the effectiveness of these alternative treatments has been mixed.
85 women with postpartum depression were randomized to receive acupuncture plus psychological intervention (five sessions per week) or treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg per day). The two groups were treated continuously for six weeks. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Hamilton Depression scale (HAMD).
A recent meta-analysis concludes that acupuncture is effective for the management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms.
The active form of vitamin D is produced as a byproduct of natural sun exposure; it can also be in certain foods, including some kinds of fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy and grain products. [...]
