Complementary medicines for hormone replacement therapy

Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods for at least 12 months. It generally occurs due to physiological changes in ageing ovaries at around 51 years of age, although it may occur in women as young as 40 years. Iatrogenic causes such as removal of the ovaries, chemotherapy, pelvic irradiation and certain medications may also trigger a `medical menopause¿. The peri-menopausal period may last from six months to 10 years (average 3.5 years) and symptoms may vary from nonexistent to severe. Typically periods will become more irregular with changes in frequency, duration or flow. These changes may also be accompanied by vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, sweating), vaginal atrophy or dryness, loss of libido, mood changes, sleep disturbance, loss of concentration, fatigue and other symptoms that impair quality of life.1 Interventions that reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and thus improve quality of life are thus highly sought after.