9 Women often report feeling confused about their options and rely on the internet as their primary source of information. 9 However, the majority of women using CAM do not discuss it with their health care providers. 9 – 11 Approximately 51% of women use CAM and more than 60% perceive it be effective for menopausal symptoms. However, because of the health risks associated with hormone therapy, many women cannot or choose not to use hormone therapy. Hormone therapy has been the primary treatment for menopausal symptoms. 7, 8 VMS are associated with sleep and mood disturbances, as well as decreased cognitive function and reduced quality of life. 6 These symptoms typically last 5 to 7 years, but can persist for 15 years or more. 5 In the United States, 40 to 50 million women suffer from VMS. VMS affect more than 80% of women in menopause and are the menopause symptoms for which most women seek treatment. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS eg, hot flashes and night sweats) are the primary symptoms of menopause. 3 More than 85% of these women will experience problematic symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction, mood disorders, weight gain, and cognitive declines. 1, 2 Approximately 1.2 billion women worldwide will be menopausal or postmenopausal by the year 2030, with 47 million new entrants each year. Menopause occurs naturally in most women between ages 45 and 52 years and is marked by changes in hormonal status and the cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Health care providers should consider the evidence on CAM in providing an integrative health approach to menopausal symptom management. Evidence is mixed in regard to the efficacy of natural products and there are some safety concerns. In particular, hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that has consistently shown to have a clinically significant effect on reducing hot flashes. Results indicate that mind and body practices may be of benefit in reducing stress and bothersomeness of some menopausal symptoms. Electronic searches were conducted to identify relevant, English-language literature published through March 2017. This article critically reviews the existing literature on CAM treatments most commonly used for menopausal symptoms. Many women seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom management. Menopause is associated with problematic symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep problems, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and declines in cognitive functioning.

Flo progressive weight gain 2017