Positive Health Online

Abstract

DE-LEO and colleagues, Istituto di Ginecologic e Ostetricia, Universita degli Studi-Siena tested a plant herbal product for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

Background

Methodology

Symptoms of the menopause include hot flushes, insomnia, nocturnal sweating, dizziness, headaches and palpitations, which reflect the bodys adaptation to oestrogen fluctuations which affects various central neurotransmitters. The plant product was based upon extracts of Salvia officinalis (sage) and Medicago sativa (alfalfa) leaves. The authors tested the efficacy in the treatment of hot flushes in 30 menopausal women with symptoms.

Results

In 20 women, hot flushes and night sweats completely disappeared, 4 women showed good improvement, the remaining 6 showed a reduction in symptoms. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) tests were performed in 8 women in order to evaluate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) responses prior to and following 3 months of therapy. There was a significant increase in PRL and TSH response to TRH; basal levels of oestradiol, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), PRL and TSH were unchanged.

Conclusion

This plant product appears to exert a central slight antidopaminergic action without side effects and is an effective agent in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

References

De-Leo V et al. Treatment of neurovegetative menopausal symptoms with a phytotherapeutic agent. Minerva Ginecol 50(5): 207-11. May 1998.