Role of Alternate Therapies to Improve the Quality of Life in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

2023-07
Journal of mid-life health 14(3)
- P Aarshageetha
- P R Rani Janci
- N Devi Tharani

PubMed: 38312763
DOI: 10.4103/jmh.jmh_222_22

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms
Methods: All major electronic sources of relevant information were systematically searched and collected data were pooled under specific subheadings
Funding: Unclear

Middle aged women in majority undergoing menopausal symptoms are unaware of the physiological changes happening in their body, necessary lifestyle changes and alternate therapies to overcome the symptoms. All major electronic sources of relevant information were systematically searched and collected data were pooled under specific subheadings. From the reviewed papers, the awareness on symptoms and related complications of menopause in the middle aged women were consolidated. Studies helped to identify alternative therapies replacing or in parallel with the Hormone Replacement Therapy to overcome the menopausal symptoms. Reduced oestrogen and progesterone level causes physiological, psychological, and genitourinary symptoms. Prolonged consequences cause libido, osteoporosis, and cardio vascular diseases. Hypo-estrogenic status is well managed with alternative therapies including dietary intervention, acupuncture, aromatherapy, exercise, and yoga. Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Non-Hormonal and Non-Pharmacological impact behind acupuncture treatment was well accepted. Various studies proved inhaling and massaging with Lavender, Neroli oil, Fennel, Rose, and Geranium essential oils balance cortisol hormone and reduce stress and anxiety. Impact of yoga therapy on neurohormonal pathways reduce both psychological and physiological symptoms. Reviews summarizes various symptoms and complications during menopausal transition and alternate ways of better management with dietary intervention, yoga, exercise, aromatherapy, and acupuncture to improve the quality of menopausal women's life.

Research Insights

Red Clover→Managed Vasomotor Symptoms
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Red Clover→Reduced Sexual Dysfunction
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Soy→Managed Vasomotor Symptoms
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Soy→Reduced Sexual Dysfunction
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
fennel→Managed Vasomotor Symptoms
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
fennel→Reduced Sexual Dysfunction
Dietary interventions involving foods like Fennel, Soy, Black Cohash, St. John Wort, Red Clover and Date Pollen were found to be managing vasomotor symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small