Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.
Effects of herbal medicines on menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy
The therapeutic effects of certain Japanese herbal medicines on menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropin-releasmg hormone agonist therapy were examined in Japanese women with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or leiomyoma. Menopausal symptoms occurred in 17 of the 22 patients. Toki-shakuyaku-san, Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Kami-shoyo-san, Tokakujoki-to, or Keishi-to was administered to 13 of the 17 patients with menopausal symptoms, and efficacy was observed in all 13 Eleven patients with hot flashes were treated with Toki-shakuyaku-san, and all 11 patients experienced some relief; four experienced total relief. Three patients complaining of severe shoulder stiffness were treated with Shakuyaku-kanzo-to and were completely relieved of symptoms. There was no significant change in serum estradiol levels after treatment with the Japanese herbal medicines. Our results indicate that Japanese herbal medicines can be recommended for menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists without a negative effect on serum estradiol levels.