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Hemachandra C, Taylor S, Islam RM, Fooladi E, Davis SR. A systematic review and critical appraisal of menopause guidelines. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 50:122-138. [PMID: 38336466 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2023-202099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To identify and appraise current national and international clinical menopause guidance documents, and to extract and compare the recommendations of the most robust examples. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Practice guidance documents for menopause published from 2015 until 20 July 2023. Quality was assessed by the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. RESULTS Twenty-six guidance papers were identified. Of these, five clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and one non-hormonal therapy position statement met AGREE II criteria of being at least of moderate quality. The five CPGs listed symptoms associated with the perimenopause and menopause to be vasomotor symptoms (VMS), disturbed sleep, musculoskeletal pain, decreased sexual function or desire, and mood disturbance (low mood, mood changes or depressive symptoms). Acknowledged potential long-term menopause consequences were urogenital atrophy, and increased risks of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. VMS and menopause-associated mood disturbance were the only consistent indications for systemic menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Some CPGs supported MHT to prevent or treat osteoporosis, but specific guidance was lacking. None recommended MHT for cognitive symptoms or prevention of other chronic disease. Perimenopause-specific recommendations were scant. A neurokinin 3B antagonist, selective serotonin/norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin were recommended non-hormonal medications for VMS, and cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnosis were consistently considered as being of potential benefit. DISCUSSION The highest quality CPGs consistently recommended MHT for VMS and menopause-associated mood disturbance, whereas clinical depression or cognitive symptoms, and cardiometabolic disease and dementia prevention were not treatment indications. Further research is needed to inform clinical recommendations for symptomatic perimenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandima Hemachandra
- Women's Health Research Program, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sasha Taylor
- Women's Health Research Program, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rakibul M Islam
- Women's Health Research Program, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ensieh Fooladi
- Monash School of Nursing and Midwifery, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Endocrinology and Diabetes, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Zhou WB, Xue B, Ouyang YQ, Redding SR. Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by perimenopausal women in China: a cross-sectional study. Menopause 2023; 30:208-214. [PMID: 36696646 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by perimenopausal women and explore factors associated with their preference. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 558 perimenopausal women in Wuhan, China. Online questionnaires were available from December 2021 to April 2022. Instruments used were the International Complementary and Alternative Medicine Questionnaire and the Greene Climacteric Scale. The association between scores and participants' sociodemographic characteristics and perimenopausal symptoms was analyzed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS The overall utilization of CAM by perimenopausal women was 50.4% (281/558). Perimenopausal symptoms affecting the frequency of CAM usage included anxiety (adjusted β = 0.18), somatic (adjusted β = 0.07), and vasomotor symptoms (adjusted β = 0.76), P < 0.05. The most commonly used CAM were massage (37.7%), herbal therapies (19.9%), and dietary supplements (18.2%). Walking (58.6%) was the most popular self-practice therapy. Perimenopausal women consulted Western (38.4%) and Chinese medicine physicians (34.8%) and dentists (36.0%) most frequently. CONCLUSIONS Perimenopausal women experience discomforts during this age-related stage, and their use of CAM to manage symptoms is common. The usage and preferences of these management strategies are worthy of further exploration. There is a need to understand cost-effective and appropriate management interventions to improve the quality of life of perimenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin Zhou
- From the Department of Psychology, Hubei Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People Armed Police Forces, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Kenda M, Glavač NK, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M. Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders. Molecules 2021; 26:7421. [PMID: 34946512 PMCID: PMC8708702 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal products are often used as an alternative to pharmacological therapy. Menopausal symptoms and gynecological disorders (such as premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea) are the indications where pharmacological therapy may have serious adverse events, hence many women prefer to use herbal products to help with these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and derived products, which are commonly used for the abovementioned indications, focusing on clinical data, safely profile and whether or not their use is justified. We noted that limited data are available on the use of some plants for alleviating the symptoms of menopause and gynecological disorders. While black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemose) and red clover (Trifolium pretense) were consistently shown to help reduce menopausal symptoms in clinical studies, currently available data do not fully support the use of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), hops (Humulus lupulus), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and soybean (Glycine max and Glycine soja) for this indication. For premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) shows effectiveness, but more clinical studies are needed to confirm such effect upon the use of evening primrose (Oenothera biennis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Kenda
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (N.K.G.)
| | - Nina Kočevar Glavač
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (N.K.G.)
| | - Milan Nagy
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Pharmacy, 83232 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Marija Sollner Dolenc
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (N.K.G.)
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Natari RB, Hollingworth SA, Clavarino AM, Dingle KD, McGuire TM. Long term impact of the WHI studies on information-seeking and decision-making in menopause symptoms management: a longitudinal analysis of questions to a medicines call centre. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:348. [PMID: 34607596 PMCID: PMC8491426 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01478-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While women are taking a greater role in decisions about menopause symptom management, the legacy of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies persist. Despite hormone therapy (HT) being effective in reducing all-cause mortality, many women seeking relief of menopausal symptoms exaggerate HT harms and overstate the perceived benefits or ignore the risks of alternative therapies. We aimed to explore the longitudinal impact of the widely-publicised WHI 2002 study on women's information-seeking and describe determinants of decision-making about managing menopausal symptoms. METHODS In a longitudinal analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, we explored consumer questions about menopause-related medicines received by two Australian medicines call centres (1996-2010) before, during, and after WHI 2002. We analysed calls by age and gender of caller and patient, their relationship, postcode, enquiry type, and motivation to help-seek. We compared calls regarding HT and herbal medicines (HM) with the rest of calls, and thematically analysed question narratives across the three time-periods. RESULTS There were 1,829 menopause-related calls received of over this time-period, with a call surge, primarily from women in their mid-fifties, in the two months after the WHI 2002 publication. Two in three calls were motivated by negative media reports as women sought support for decision-making, primarily reassurance to cease HT. While HT safety concerns persisted for eight years post-publication, the nature of information-seeking changed over time. Callers subsequently sought reassurance to use menopause treatments together with their other medicines; and pursued HT substitutes, including HM, in response to HT product discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS Women sought information or reassurance to support a decision, based on dynamic changes in internal (symptom or risk intolerance, attitude towards menopause and treatment preferences) and external factors (perceived source trust and changes in treatment availability). In assessing HT benefit versus risk, women tend to overestimate risk with HT safety concerns persisting over time. Decision-making in managing menopause symptoms is complex and dynamic. Reassurance to reach or justify decisions from a perceived trusted source can support informed decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifani B Natari
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Jambi Regional Psychiatric Hospital, Jambi, 36129, Indonesia
| | - Samantha A Hollingworth
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.
| | - Alexandra M Clavarino
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Kaeleen D Dingle
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Treasure M McGuire
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia.,Mater Pharmacy, Mater Health, Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, 4226, Australia
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5
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Davis SR, Herbert D, Reading M, Bell RJ. Health-care providers' views of menopause and its management: a qualitative study. Climacteric 2021; 24:612-617. [PMID: 34240683 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1936486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore Australian health-care providers' knowledge of menopause and its consequences, and their views about menopause-related health care. METHODS This was a cross-sectional qualitative study of Australian general practitioners (GPs), gynecologists (GYs) and pharmacists (PHs). Recruitment was ultimately achieved through professional networks and cold calling. RESULTS There were equal numbers of GPs, GYs and PHs, and equal numbers of males and females in each group. All participants demonstrated sound understanding of menopause and its consequences. A strong theme was recognition of high usage of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) by women for menopausal symptoms. Most participants highlighted lack of efficacy evidence for most CAMs, but the majority of GPs and PHs considered CAMs to 'have a role'. Most supported menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) when symptoms impaired quality of life. Limitations to comprehensive care included knowledge gaps and lack of time. CONCLUSIONS Australian health-care providers appeared knowledgeable about menopause, but uncertain about its management. MHT prescription appeared limited to women with severe symptoms despite lifestyle modification and a trial of CAMs. The upskilling of clinicians providing care for women at midlife, with respect to the indications for and prescribing of MHT, urgently needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Davis
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - D Herbert
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M Reading
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R J Bell
- Women's Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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6
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Herbert D, Bell RJ, Young K, Brown H, Coles JY, Davis SR. Australian women’s understanding of menopause and its consequences: a qualitative study. Climacteric 2020; 23:622-628. [DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1791072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Herbert
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R. J. Bell
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - K. Young
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - H. Brown
- Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - J. Y. Coles
- Monash University Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - S. R. Davis
- Women’s Health Research Program, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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7
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Salagame U, Kliewer EV, Demers A, Banks E, Velentzis LS, Goldsbury D, Egger S, Leslie WD, Canfell K. Trends in Prescribing Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Bisphosphonates in Australia and Manitoba, Canada and Adherence to Recommendations. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:177-186. [PMID: 31895627 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.7828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Recommendations for using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and bisphosphonates for postmenopausal osteoporosis management have changed over time. After the release of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial results in 2002, new evidence on risks and benefits of MHT became available, and newer guidelines generally specify that MHT should not be prescribed for prevention of chronic disease, including osteoporosis. This raises the question of whether bisphosphonate prescribing changed over time to compensate for the decrease in MHT use. Materials and Methods: We examined trends in dispensed prescriptions in Australia (national) and Canada (province of Manitoba) in relation to prescribing recommendations. Administrative data were used to describe dispensing patterns and changes for persons of all ages from 1996 to 2008, and for women aged 50 to ≥80 years from 2003 to 2008 in Australia and 1996 to 2008 in Canada. Results: In both geographic settings, MHT dispensing increased 1996-2001, peaked in 2001, and declined substantially thereafter (67% reduction in MHT prescriptions for Australia; 64% reduction for Manitoba, Canada to 2008). From 2003 to 2008, the number of MHT prescriptions declined among all age groups in both settings, with the highest declines among women in their 50s. Concurrently, bisphosphonate dispensing increased until 2005 (2001-2005: 260% increase in the number of prescriptions in Australia; 125% increase in Manitoba) and stabilized thereafter, in both settings. Annual bisphosphonate dispensing rates increased 4.1-10.9% for women in their 70s and 80s in Australia and Manitoba during the period studied. Conclusions: Based on dispensed prescriptions data, more recent guidelines for MHT and bisphosphonates use for postmenopausal osteoporosis, which were updated during the study period (and are still consistent with the current guidelines), appear to have been broadly adhered to in both settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Salagame
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia.,Centre of Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Erich V Kliewer
- CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Cancer Control Research, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alain Demers
- Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Sax Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louiza S Velentzis
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia.,Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Goldsbury
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia
| | - Sam Egger
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia
| | - William D Leslie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Salagame U, Banks E, O’Connell DL, Egger S, Canfell K. Menopausal Hormone Therapy use and breast cancer risk by receptor subtypes: Results from the New South Wales Cancer Lifestyle and EvaluAtion of Risk (CLEAR) study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205034. [PMID: 30403669 PMCID: PMC6221262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer risk is increased with current Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) use, with higher risks reported for ER+ (Estrogen Receptor positive), and ER+/PR+ (Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor positive) breast cancers than those of ER- and ER-/PR- status, respectively. There is limited evidence to suggest MHT use is associated with the specific subtype characterised as ER+/PR+/HER2- (Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor positive and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor2 negative) status. This study aims to investigate the MHT-breast cancer relationship for breast cancer tumor receptor subtypes defined by ER expression alone, by ER and PR expression only and by joint expression of ER, PR, and HER2. Analyses compared 399 cancer registry-verified breast cancer cases with receptor status information and 324 cancer-free controls. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for current and past versus never MHT use, for subgroups defined by tumor receptor expression. Current, but not past, use of MHT was associated with an elevated risk of ER+ breast cancer (aOR = 2.04, 95%CI: 1.28-3.24) and ER+/PR+ breast cancer (aOR = 2.29, 1.41-3.72). Current MHT use was also associated with an elevated risk of the ER+/PR+/HER2- subtype (aOR = 2.30, 1.42-3.73). None of the other subtypes based on ER, ER/PR or ER/PR/HER2 expression were significantly associated with current MHT use in this analysis. Current, but not past, use of MHT increases the risk of breast cancer, with consistently higher risks reported for ER+ and ER+/PR+ subtypes and mounting evidence regarding the specific ER+/PR+/HER2- subtype. Our findings contribute to quantification of the effects of MHT, and support efforts to articulate the receptor-mediated mechanisms by which MHT increases the risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Salagame
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Sax Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianne L. O’Connell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sam Egger
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Ooi SL, McLean L, Pak SC. Naturopathy in Australia: Where are we now? Where are we heading? Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 33:27-35. [PMID: 30396623 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Naturopathy is the general practice of natural therapies. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and promotion of optimal health through therapeutic modalities which encourage the self-healing process of the body. Formalized in the 19th century by the hydrotherapy and nature cure movement in Austria and Germany, naturopathy was introduced to Australia at the turn of the 20th century. It became popular since the 1970s due to social and cultural change characterized by the post-modern philosophy, as well as government policies highlighting individual responsibility and freedom of choice. Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today with naturopaths received 4.9 million consultations annually. Naturopathic consultations are sought for a variety of conditions and, in some areas, as a form of primary care, especially by middle-aged women who have a higher education level and a higher annual income. The number of Australian naturopaths was estimated to be over 4000 in 2017 and expects to grow to over 4600 by 2022, although this number is likely to be an underestimation. Australian naturopaths, as a predominantly female profession, work mainly in private clinical practice with nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, as well as massage therapies being the most common modalities used. There are also signs of greater integration with community pharmacies and integrative medicine clinics in major cities. The Bachelor's degree programs in Naturopathy has just become the only accredited entry-level qualification since late 2015. Currently, there are only 5 private colleges offering naturopathic education, a far cry from the 40 over in mid-2000. The profession continues to be self-regulated. There is no barrier of entry to practice and unqualified practitioners of naturopathy can potentially do harm to the public. The registration of naturopaths remains unresolved due to fragmented representation under many professional associations, disunity among the profession, and objections by certain health care lobbyists. There is a dearth of research demonstrating efficacy of the whole practice of naturopathy in Australia, which has directed the government's decision to withdraw it from private health insurance coverage from 2019. Moving forward, the whole system research of naturopathy in Australia will be in focus with the recent establishment of a practice-based research network and an international research consortium. With increasing scrutiny from evidence-based medicine, the present and future challenge to Australian naturopaths is centered on the integration of both scientific and traditional evidence to form the foundation of a person-centered, evidence-informed practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Liang Ooi
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia
| | - Lisa McLean
- School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sok Cheon Pak
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, 2795, Australia.
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10
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Abstract
Musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia and arthritis are all more common in women, and their frequency increases with age and in some appears to be associated with the onset of menopause. The clinical assessment, investigation and management of women presenting with musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia or arthritis at the time of menopause are reviewed. Common causes of arthralgia and arthritis in this population are discussed. The epidemiological and trials evidence for the effects of hormone replacement therapy on musculoskeletal pain and arthritis (primarily from RCTs of HRT for other menopausal symptoms) are discussed. Lastly, the possible underlying aetiological roles of sex hormones including estrogen, and their deficiency, in predisposing to musculoskeletal pain and arthritis are overviewed. Although the association appears strong, a causal link between estrogen deficiency and musculoskeletal pain or different types of arthritis is lacking; there have been few studies specifically within this group of symptomatic patients, and there is much still to understand about musculoskeletal pain and arthritis at the time of the menopause, and about how we might prevent or treat this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona E Watt
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Byard RW, Musgrave I, Maker G, Bunce M. What risks do herbal products pose to the Australian community? Med J Aust 2017; 206:86-90. [PMID: 28152355 DOI: 10.5694/mja16.00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Traditional herbal products are widely used in Australia to treat a broad range of conditions and diseases. It is popularly believed that these products are safer than prescribed drugs. While many may be safe, it is worrying that the specific effects and harmful interactions of a number of their components with prescription medications is not well understood. Some traditional herbal preparations contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals, as well as naturally occurring organic toxins. The effects of these substances can be dire, including acute hepatic and renal failure, exacerbation of pre-existing conditions and diseases, and even death. The content and quality of herbal preparations are not tightly controlled, with some ingredients either not listed or their concentrations recorded inaccurately on websites or labels. Herbal products may also include illegal ingredients, such as ephedra, Asarum europaeum (European wild ginger) and endangered animal species (eg, snow leopard). An additional problem is augmentation with prescription medications to enhance the apparent effectiveness of a preparation. Toxic substances may also be deliberately or inadvertently added: less expensive, more harmful plants may be substituted for more expensive ingredients, and processing may not be adequate. The lack of regulation and monitoring of traditional herbal preparations in Australia and other Western countries means that their contribution to illness and death is unknown. We need to raise awareness of these problems with health care practitioners and with the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michael Bunce
- Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory (TrEnD), Curtin University, Perth, WA
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12
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Shepherd-Banigan M, Goldstein KM, Coeytaux RR, McDuffie JR, Goode AP, Kosinski AS, Van Noord MG, Befus D, Adam S, Masilamani V, Nagi A, Williams JW. Improving vasomotor symptoms; psychological symptoms; and health-related quality of life in peri- or post-menopausal women through yoga: An umbrella systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2017; 34:156-164. [PMID: 28917368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), commonly reported during menopausal transition, negatively affect psychological health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While hormone therapy is an effective treatment, its use is limited by concerns about possible harms. Thus, many women with VMS seek nonhormonal, nonpharmacologic treatment options. However, evidence to guide clinical recommendations is inconclusive. This study reviewed the effectiveness of yoga, tai chi and qigong on vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and HRQoL in peri- or post-menopausal women. DESIGN MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database were searched. Researchers identified systematic reviews (SR) or RCTs that evaluated yoga, tai chi, or qigong for vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in peri- or post-menopausal women. Data were abstracted on study design, participants, interventions and outcomes. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed and updated meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS We identified one high-quality SR (5 RCTs, 582 participants) and 3 new RCTs (345 participants) published after the SR evaluating yoga for vasomotor, psychological symptoms, and HRQoL; no studies evaluated tai chi or qigong. Updated meta-analyses indicate that, compared to controls, yoga reduced VMS (5 trials, standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.27, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.05) and psychological symptoms (6 trials, SDM -0.32; 95% CI -0.47 to -0.17). Effects on quality of life were reported infrequently. Key limitations are that adverse effects were rarely reported and outcome measures lacked standardization. CONCLUSIONS Results from this meta-analysis suggest that yoga may be a useful therapy to manage bothersome vasomotor and psychological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | - K M Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center 6301 Herndon Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - R R Coeytaux
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, 2400 Pratt Street, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - J R McDuffie
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center 6301 Herndon Road, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A P Goode
- Department of Physical Therapy, Duke University Medical Center 2200 W. Main Street Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - A S Kosinski
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, 8 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, MC 27703, USA
| | - M G Van Noord
- Duke University Medical Center Library, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - D Befus
- Duke University School of Nursing, 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - S Adam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, 8 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - V Masilamani
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - A Nagi
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - J W Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center 6301 Herndon Road, Durham, NC, USA
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13
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Goldstein KM, Shepherd-Banigan M, Coeytaux RR, McDuffie JR, Adam S, Befus D, Goode AP, Kosinski AS, Masilamani V, Williams JW. Use of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation to treat vasomotor symptoms. Climacteric 2017; 20:178-182. [DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2017.1283685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M. Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - J. R. McDuffie
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - S. Adam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - D. Befus
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A. P. Goode
- Department of Physical Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - A. S. Kosinski
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - V. Masilamani
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J. W. Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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14
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Goldstein KM, McDuffie JR, Shepherd-Banigan M, Befus D, Coeytaux RR, Van Noord MG, Goode AP, Masilamani V, Adam S, Nagi A, Williams JW. Nonpharmacologic, nonherbal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: an umbrella systematic review (protocol). Syst Rev 2016; 5:56. [PMID: 27056180 PMCID: PMC4823860 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-016-0232-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats are a common concern of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and are associated with a decreased quality of life. These symptoms can be effectively managed with hormone therapy, but safety concerns limit its use. Thus, understanding the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic therapies such as acupuncture or yoga is critical to managing these common symptoms in older women. Our review seeks to address the following question: In women with menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, what are the effects on health-related quality of life, vasomotor symptoms, and adverse events of the following nonpharmacologic, nonherbal interventions as compared with any inactive control or active comparator: (a) acupuncture, (b) yoga, tai chi, and qigong, (c) structured exercise, and (d) meditation, mindfulness-based practices, and relaxation? METHODS We describe a protocol for an umbrella review approach, supplemented by evaluating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after the most recent good-quality systematic review for each of the eligible interventions. Specific interventions were chosen based on current literature and with input from a technical expert panel and organizational stakeholders. We will conduct a thorough literature search and perform a quality assessment of potentially included systematic reviews and RCTs. DISCUSSION Our umbrella review, supplemented by an additional search for eligible RCTs, aims to synthesize existing evidence on the use of nonpharmacologic, nonherbal interventions to manage bothersome vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42016029335.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Goldstein
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 411 W. Chapel Hill Street; Suite 500, Durham, NC, 27701, USA.
| | - Jennifer R McDuffie
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 411 W. Chapel Hill Street; Suite 500, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deanna Befus
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Adam P Goode
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Varsha Masilamani
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Soheir Adam
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Avishek Nagi
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John W Williams
- Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 411 W. Chapel Hill Street; Suite 500, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
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15
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Velentzis LS, Banks E, Sitas F, Salagame U, Tan EH, Canfell K. Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy in Australian Women 50 to 69 Years of Age: Results from a National, Cross-Sectional Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146494. [PMID: 27008039 PMCID: PMC4805183 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) use in Australia fell by 55% from 2001 to 2005, following the release of large-scale findings on its risks and benefits. Comprehensive national data, including information on overall prevalence of MHT use as well as information on duration of use in Australia have not been reported since the 2004–5 National Health Survey, when 11% of women aged 45+ years were estimated to be current MHT users. No national data are available on prevalence of use of “bioidentical” hormone therapy (BHT). The objective of this study was to determine recent prevalence of MHT and BHT use. A cross-sectional, national, age-stratified, population survey was conducted in 2013. Eligible women, aged 50–69 years, resident in Australia were randomly sampled in 5-year age groups from the Medicare enrolment database (Australia’s universal health scheme). The response rate was 22% based on return of completed questionnaires, and analyses were restricted to 4,389 women within the specified age range. The estimated population-weighted prevalence of current use of MHT was 13% (95%CI 12–14), which was broadly similar to the previously reported national figures in 2004–5, suggesting that the use of MHT in Australia has largely stabilised over the past decade. A total of 39% and 20% of current-users with an intact uterus reported use of oestrogen-progestagen MHT and oestrogen-only MHT, respectively, whereas 77% of hysterectomised current-users used oestrogen-only MHT. Almost three-quarters of current-users [population-weighted prevalence 9% (95%CI 8–10)] had used MHT for ≥5 years. In regard to BHT, estimated population-weighted prevalence of ever use was 6% (95%CI 6–7) and 2% (95%CI 2–3) for current use. The population-weighted prevalence of MHT and BHT combined, in current users in their fifties and sixties was 15% (95%CI 14–16). These data provide a recent national “snapshot” of Australian women’s use of both conventional MHT and of BHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louiza S. Velentzis
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Freddy Sitas
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Usha Salagame
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Eng Hooi Tan
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Salagame U, Banks E, Sitas F, Canfell K. Menopausal hormone therapy use and breast cancer risk in Australia: Findings from the New South Wales Cancer, Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk study. Int J Cancer 2015; 138:1905-14. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Usha Salagame
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW; Woolloomooloo NSW Australia
- School of Public Health; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Emily Banks
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
- Sax Institute; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Freddy Sitas
- School of Public Health; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Karen Canfell
- Cancer Research Division, Cancer Council NSW; Woolloomooloo NSW Australia
- School of Public Health; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney; Sydney NSW Australia
- Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW Australia
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