Eficacia y seguridad de una alternativa a la terapia hormonal de la menopausia: extracto purificado de polen / Efficacy and safety of an alternative to menopausal hormone therapy: purified cytoplasm of pollen

Los síntomas vasomotores (SVM) se encuentran entre los síntomas más comunes de la transición a la menopausia. Más del 70% de las mujeres de mediana edad informan SVM en algún momento durante la transición a la menopausia, y para un tercio de las mujeres los SVM son muy frecuentes o graves. Muchas mujeres recurren a terapias naturales para tratar los SVM. Esta revisión se centra en una de esas opciones naturales: el extracto purificado de polen (Serelys®). Se realizó una búsqueda e identificación de artículos publicados hasta octubre de 2022 recopilados de sistemas de búsqueda electrónicos, como Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed y Scopus. Las palabras de búsqueda fueron “Vasomotor symptoms”, “menopause” AND “pollen”. Los estudios preclínicos señalan un mecanismo de acción en su implicación sobre el sistema serotoninérgico, así como su unión a los receptores de dopamina. Los estudios clínicos demuestran la seguridad y el efecto positivo sobre los SVM.

Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are among the most common symptoms of the menopausal transition. More than 70% of middle-aged women report VMS at some point during the menopausal transition, and for a third of women, VMS is very common or severe. Many women turn to natural therapies to treat VMS. This review focuses on one such natural option, purified pollen extract (Serelys®). The information available until October 2022 was collected via the library and electronic search systems such as Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus. The search words were: “Vasomotor symptoms”, “menopause” AND “pollen”. Preclinical studies point to a mechanism of action in its involvement in the serotonergic system, as well as its binding to dopamine receptors. Clinical studies demonstrate the safety and positive effect on VMS.

Temporal trend and contributing factors of depressive symptoms in Chinese menopausal women: analysis based on CHARLS panel data / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To understand the temporal trend of and the factors affecting depressive symptoms in Chinese menopausal women to provide evidence for the development of prevention and treatment strategies.@*METHODS@#CHARLS data were used to select menopausal women aged 45-60 years. Complete values of the key variables were screened and missing values were removed to obtain the cross-sectional data of the years 2011 (n=4318), 2013 (n=4200), 2015 (n=3930), and 2018 (n= 4147). The panel data were matched by the cross-sectional data, and a total of 5040 cases with complete record of the follow-up data were obtained for the 4 years to constitute a balanced short panel dataset with n=1260 and T=4. The prevalence and temporal trend of depressive symptoms in the menopausal women were analyzed based on the panel data. The random-effects Logit model with a panel dichotomous choice model was used to explore the factors affecting depressive symptoms in the menopausal women.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the menopausal women calculated based on the panel data was 35.9%, 33.1%, 36.7% and 43.7% in the 4 years, respectively, showing no statistically significant changes in the temporal trend (APC=3.25%, P=0.183). The results of the random-effects Logit model analysis showed that living in the urban area (OR=0.570, 95%CI: 0.457-0.710), a high education level (OR=0.759, 95%CI: 0.655-0.879), and having a spouse (OR=0.363, 95% CI: 0.236-0.558) were associated with a decreased incidence of depressive symptoms, while poor self-reported health (OR= 2.704, 95% CI: 2.152-3.396), disability (OR=1.457, 95%CI: 1.087-1.954), chronic disease (OR=1.407, 95% CI: 1.179-1.680), falls in the last two years (OR=2.028, 95% CI: 1.613-2.550), abnormal sleep duration (OR=2.249, 95% CI: 1.896-2.664), and dissatisfaction with life (OR=4.803, 95% CI: 3.757-6.140) were associated with an increased incidence of depressive symptoms.@*CONCLUSION@#The prevalence of depressive symptoms is relatively high in menopausal women in China. Measures should be taken to ensure that the menopausal women living in rural areas, with low education level, without spouse, with a poor self-reported health status, disability, chronic diseases, falls in recent two years, abnormal sleep time and dissatisfaction with life have access to psychological health care services and interventions.

Conhecimento das mulheres sobre a terapia de reposição hormonal / Women's knowledge about hormone replacement therapy

Climatério é período de transição hormonal da mulher, com manifestações genitais e extragenitais que requerem ou não tratamento. Este estudo transversal analisou o conhecimento básico de mulheres de Curitiba-PR entre 45 e 60 anos sobre terapia de reposição hormonal através de questionário autoaplicado. Das 623 mulheres participantes a minoria fez ou fazia uso da terapia de reposição hormonal, sendo sintomas prevalentes dessa fase fogachos, distúrbio do sono, alteração do humor e diminuição da libido. Mais de 80% delas acreditavam que terapia de reposição hormonal pode melhorar qualidade de vida. No entanto, muitas disseram ter medo de iniciar esse tipo de tratamento. Maioria das entrevistadas foram orientadas sobre a menopausa, porém apenas uma parte delas foi instruída sobre benefícios e riscos da terapia. Esses dados corroboram a premissa de que ainda faltam orientações e medidas voltadas para o cuidado integral das mulheres no climatério

The climateric is a biological transition phase of the woman's life, being accompanied by genital and extra-genital manifestations whose symptons may, or may not, require treatment. The present transversal study intends to analyze the basic knowledge of the women between 45 and 60 years old about the hormone replacement therapy through a self-administered questionnaire. It has been observed that only few women have used or use hormone replacement therapy and that the most prevalent symptoms on this phase are hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes and decreased libido. More than 80% of the interviewees believe that the hormone replacement therapy can improve life quality. However, many reported being afraid to initiate such treatment. The majority of the interviewees have been previously oriented about the menopause, but only a part of them have been warned about the benefits and risks of the said therapy. These data corroborate the premise that there is a lack of guidance and measures aimed at the integral care of women in the climateric

Prevalence of hot flashes in women of 40 to 65 years of age with metabolic syndrome

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Hot flashes have a negative impact on the quality of life of women during the menopausal transition and thereafter. The progressive reduction in gonadal estrogen levels associated with aging promotes an accumulation of abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension, all of which are components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of hot flashes and evaluate their relationship with MetS in women ≥ 40 years of age. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving women aged between 40 and 65 years. We used the Kupperman index to quantify the climacteric symptoms and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for the diagnosis of MetS. RESULTS: 1,435 women were initially selected, and we obtained information from 647. The mean age at menopause was 45.99 years (SD 6.61 years) and the prevalence of hot flashes and MetS were 55.83% (95% CI: 52.35-59.25%) and 46.29% (95% CI: 44.75-52.53%), respectively. We identified a positive association between MetS and hot flashes (OR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01-1.33). CONCLUSIONS: In women ≥ 40 years of age, hot flashes are highly prevalent and appear to be associated with MetS.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: As ondas de calor têm um impacto negativo na qualidade de vida das mulheres no climatério. A redução progressiva dos níveis de estrogênio gonadal associada ao envelhecimento promovem o acúmulo de gordura abdominal, dislipidemia e hipertensão arterial, componentes da síndrome metabólica (SM). O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a prevalência de ondas de calor e avaliar sua relação com SM em mulheres com idade ≥40 anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal envolvendo mulheres entre 40 e 65 anos de idade. Utilizamos o índice de Kupperman para quantificar os sintomas climatéricos e os critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III para o diagnóstico de SM. RESULTADOS: Mil, quatrocentas e trinta e cinco mulheres foram selecionadas inicialmente e obtivemos informações de 647. A idade média da menopausa foi de 45,99 anos (DP 6,61 anos) e a prevalência de ondas de calor e SM foi de 55,83% (95% CI: 52,35-59,25%) e 46,29% (95% CI: 44,75-52,53%), respectivamente. Identificamos uma associação positiva entre SM e ondas de calor (OR 1,16; IC95%: 1,01-1,33). CONCLUSÕES: Em mulheres com idade ≥40 anos, as ondas de calor são altamente prevalentes e parecem estar associadas a SM.

Ação da acupuntura no sintoma de fogachos em mulheres após câncer de mama: revisão integrativa / Acción de la acupuntura sobre los síntomas de sofocos en mujeres después de cáncer de mama: revisión integrativa / Acupuncture action on hot flashes in women after breast cancer: an integrative review

Objetivo: Investigar evidências, na literatura, acerca da ação da acupuntura no sintoma de fogachos em mulheres, após câncer de mama e estabelecer um protocolo para o tratamento dessa condição. Método: Revisão integrativa, conduzida em agosto de 2019. Utilizaram-se bases de dados nacionais e internacionais. Resultados: Foram encontradas 288 pesquisas e 11 foram incluídas no estudo. A acupuntura demonstrou resultados positivos sobre os sintomas de fogachos. Não há padronização no tratamento, porém um possível protocolo foi proposto: realização da acupuntura sistêmica ou eletroacupuntura nos acupontos Baço 6, Fígado 3, Rim 3, Circulação sexo 6, Vaso concepção 4, Bexiga 23 e Vaso Governador 20, agulhas sistêmicas que devem ser manipuladas até obter a sensação De qi, 10 sessões, uma ou duas vezes por semana, com retenção das agulhas nos acupontos em aproximadamente 25 minutos. Conclusão: a acupuntura parece ser uma intervenção efetiva para o tratamento e controle dos fogachos em mulheres, após câncer de mama e consiste em uma opção terapêutica a qual o enfermeiro pode executar de maneira autônoma e independente em todos os níveis de atenção. Torna-se necessária a realização de ensaios clínicos randomizados com a utilização do protocolo proposto a fim de validá-lo(AU)

Aim: to investigate evidence in the literature about the action of acupuncture on hot flashes in women after breast cancer and to establish a protocol for the treatment of this condition. Method: an integrative review of national and international databases conducted in August 2019. Results: 288 studies were found and 11 were included in this study. Acupuncture has shown positive results on the symptoms of hot flashes. Even though there is no standardization in treatment, the following protocol was proposed: a) performing systemic acupuncture or electroacupuncture in acupoints Spleen 6, Liver 3, Kidney 3, Circulation sex 6, Conception vessel 4, Bladder 23 and Governor vessel 20, b) systemic needles should be manipulated until the patient gets the De qi sensation, c) 10 sessions, once or twice a week, with needles retained in the acupoints for approximately 25 minutes. Conclusion: acupuncture appears to be an effective intervention for the treatment and control of hot flashes in women after breast cancer. In addition, it is a qualified therapeutic option which nurses can perform autonomously and independently at all levels of care. Further randomized clinical trials are necessary to validate the proposed protocol.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar la evidencia en la literatura sobre la acción de la acupuntura en los síntomas de sofocos en mujeres después del cáncer de mama y establecer un protocolo para el tratamiento de esta afección. Método: una revisión integradora realizada en agosto de 2019. Se utilizaron bases de datos nacionales e internacionales. Resultados: se encontraron 288 búsquedas y se incluyeron 11 en el estudio. La acupuntura ha mostrado resultados positivos en los síntomas de los sofocos. No hay estandarización, no hay tratamiento, un posible protocolo: realizar acupuntura sistémica o electroacupuntura en puntos de acupuntura Bazo 6, Hígado 3, Riñón 3, Circulación sexual 6, Vaso de concepción 4, Vejiga 23 y Vaso gobernador 20, agujas sistémicas que deberían ser manipuladas hasta obtener la sensación De qi, 10 sesiones, una o dos veces por semana, con agujas retenidas en los puntos de acupuntura durante aproximadamente 25 minutos. Conclusión: la acupuntura parece ser una intervención efectiva para el tratamiento y el control de los sofocos en mujeres después del cáncer de mama y es una opción terapéutica en la cual el enfermero puede actuar de forma autónoma e independiente en todos los niveles de atención. Fue necesario realizar ensayos clínicos aleatorios utilizando el protocolo propuesto con el fin de validarlo.(AU)

Enfoque diagnóstico del paciente con rubor facial transitorio en atención primaria / A Diagnostic Approach of Patient with Flushing in Primary Care

El rubor facial transitorio se define como una sensación de calor, acompañada de enrojecimiento de la piel, causada por una respuesta vasomotora con el resultante incremento en el flujo sanguíneo regional, debido a la acción directa de diferentes mediadores liberados por los nervios. Los cuadros pueden ser episódicos o constantes y se relacionan con respuestas fisiológicas y con patologías de origen benigno y maligno. El objetivo de la revisión es realizar un abordaje racional de esta condición en el escenario de atención primaria, con el fin de llegar a un diagnóstico precoz y completo, abordando los principales diagnósticos diferenciales asociados con esta condición.

The definición of flushing involves a sensation of heat along with redness of the skin, caused by vasomotor influx resulting in an increased of the regional vascular blood flow due to the direct action of different mediators through the vasomotor nerves. These symptoms can be episodio or repetitive and they' can be related to benign or malignant conditions. The objective of this review is to develope a racional approach of the condition at primary care, with the purpose of an early and complete diagnosis, covering the main differential diagnosis related to this condition.

Effect of Lavender on Sleep, Sexual Desire, Vasomotor, Psychological and Physical Symptom among Menopausal and Elderly Women: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES: The present systematic review was conducted to compare the effect of lavender on the quality of sleep, sexual desire, and vasomotor, psychological and physical symptoms among menopausal and elderly women. METHODS: There were five electronic databases which selected to search respective articles which included were Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without any language restriction since the study inception to March 10, 2018. The quality of studies was assessed in accordance with a jaded scale. RESULTS: According to three trials, the lavender as utilized in a capsule form or aromatherapy could significantly improve the measured Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score (P < 0.05) in the menopausal and elderly women. The aromatherapy with lavender improved sexual function (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001), and physical (P < 0.001) symptoms. Based on a trial, 66.7%, 70.0%, and 53.3% of subjects reported feelings of relaxation, happiness, and cleanness effects of having used lavender respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested the effectiveness of the use of lavender either in capsule form or aromatherapy on the improved quality of sleep, depression, anxiety, sexual desire, and psychological and physical symptoms. These results, however, should be interpreted with caution considering the limitations of the study.

Professor 's academic thoughts and acupoint selection experience for hot flashes / 中国针灸

Professor is a well-known national veteran doctor with over 70 years of clinical experience. He has unique academic thoughts and clinical experience for common diseases and some difficult and complicated diseases. This paper mainly introduces professor 's syndrome-differentiation thought and experience of acupoint selection for hot flashes. It is emphasized that common hot flashes, such as hot flashes and night sweats, are different between and . While regulating and , more attention should be paid to - harmony, which is not only suitable for women's perimenopausal syndrome, but also for a series of clinical diseases caused by refractory drugs such as endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery. At the same time of acupoint selection based on syndrome differentiation, a more rational prescriptions should be made according to the duration of the disease and the experience acupoints to improve the clinical efficacy.

Cápsulas de estrógenos más progesterona ayudan a los SVM. Estudio REPLENISH / Estrogen plus progesterone capsules help the SVM. REPLENISH study

El estudio REPLENISH, un ensayo multicéntrico aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo de fase 3, de 12 meses, evaluó la eficacia, la seguridad endometrial y la seguridad general de una sola cápsula de 17-estradiol más progesterona (E + P) para el tratamiento moderado a síntomas vasomotores severos (SVM).

The REPLENISH study, a 12-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase 3 placebo-controlled trial, evaluated the efficacy, endometrial safety and overall safety of a single 17-estradiol plus progesterone (E + P) capsule for moderate treatment to severe vasomotor symptoms (SVM).

Prevalência de ondas de calor e fatores de risco associados em mulheres no climatério / Prevalence of hot flashes in women and associated risk factors in the climacteric period

As ondas de calor relatadas no climatério apresentam alta prevalência e afetam de forma significativa a qualidade de vida das mulheres acometidas. O climatério pode cursar com obesidade, hipertensao, diabetes mellitus tipo II e outros fatores de risco cardiovascular, que, em conjunto, compõem a síndrome metabólica, e que pode estar relacionada à maior ocorrência de ondas de calor. O presente estudo tem por objetivo estimar a prevalência de ondas de calor, bem como verificar sua relacao com a síndrome metabólica, em mulheres no climatério residentes em Pindamonhangaba, SP. Assim, em estudo transversal realizado à partir de um banco de dados de um projeto denominado PROSAPIN (PROjeto de SAúde de PINdamonhangaba) foram analisadas 900 mulheres de 35 a 65 anos - período conceituado como climatério (Notelovitz 1988). Todas as participantes foram avaliadas por meio da escala de Kupperman para quantificar os sintomas climatéricos e pelos critérios do ATPIII, para firmar o diagnóstico de síndrome metabólica. A prevalência de ondas de calor foi de 53,89% (IC95%: 50,62% - 57,15%). Por meio de um modelo de Regressao de Poisson múltipla, ainda se constatou nítida associacao da presenca de ondas de calor com síndrome metabólica, insonia, depressao, estresse e raca negra e parda. Em conclusao, as ondas de calor apresentaram alta prevalência na populacao estudada e se associaram a distúrbios emocionais, à raca e à síndrome metabólica

Vasomotor symptoms or hot flushes are very prevalent in the climacteric period and significantly worsen the quality of life of the women affected. Climacteric can occur with obesity, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular risk factors, which, together, represents the metabolic syndrome, that appear to be related to a higher occurrence of hot flushes. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of hot flashes, as well as to verify its relationship with the metabolic syndrome, among climacteric women resident in Pindamonhangaba, SP. Thus, a cross-sectional study from a database of a project called PROSAPIN (PINdamonhangaba`s Health Project) analyzed 900 women from 35 to 65 years-old - a period known as climacteric (Notelovitz 1988). All participants were evaluated through the Kupperman scale to quantify the climacteric symptoms and through the ATPIII criteria, to establish the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of hot flushes was 53,89% (CI95%: 50,62% - 57,15%), and, by a multiple Poisson regression model, it was observed a clear association between the presence of hot flushes and metabolic syndrome, insomnia, depression, anxiety and afrodescendence. In conclusion, the hot flushes presented high prevalence in the study population and were associated with emotional disorders, ethnicity and to the metabolic syndrome

A Multi-center, Randomized, Controlled and Open Clinical Trial of Heyan Kuntai Capsule () and Hormone Therapy in Perimenopausal Women / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heyan Kuntai Capsule (, HYKT) and hormone therapy (HT) on perimenopausal syndromes (PMSs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2005 to 2008, 390 women with PMSs were recruited from 4 clinic centers. The inclusion criteria included ages 40 to 60 years, estradiol (E2) below 30 ng/L, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) above 40 IU/L, etc. The patients were randomly assigned to HYKT group or HT group by random number table method, administrated HYKT or conjugated estrogen with/without medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets for 12 months. During treatment, the patients were interviewed quarterly, Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores, hot flush scores, insomnia scores, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores and adverse effects were used for evaluating drug efficacy and safety respectively. The last interview was made at the end of 12-month treatment RESULTS: After treatment, KMI scores of HYKT group and HT group were both significantly decreased compared with baseline (P <0.01) and there was no significant difference between groups (P >0.05), except that KMI of HYKT group was higher after 3-month treatment (P <0.05). After treatment, hot flush and insomnia scores were both improved significantly in two groups (P <0.01); and HT had a better performance than HYKT in improving hot flush (P <0.05). MENQOL were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P <0.01); but there was no significant difference between two groups (P >0.05). The incidence of adverse event in the HYKT group was much lower than that in the HT group (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HYKT could effectively relieve PMSs and improve patients quality of life without severe adverse reactions. Although HYKT exerted curative effects more slowly than hormone, it possessed better safety profile than hormone.</p>

Poor sleep in middle-aged women is not associated with menopause per se

Whether sleep problems of menopausal women are associated with vasomotor symptoms and/or changes in estrogen levels associated with menopause or age-related changes in sleep architecture is unclear. This study aimed to determine if poor sleep in middle-aged women is correlated with menopause. This study recruited women seeking care for the first time at the menopause outpatient department of our hospital. Inclusion criteria were an age ≥40 years, not taking any medications for menopausal symptoms, and no sleeping problems or depression. Patients were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), modified Kupperman Index (KI), and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). A PSQI score of <7 indicated no sleep disorder and ≥7 indicated a sleep disorder. Blood specimens were analyzed for follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels. A total of 244 women were included in the study; 103 (42.2%) were identified as having a sleep disorder and 141 as not having one. In addition, 156 (64%) women were postmenopausal and 88 (36%) were not menopausal. Follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels were similar between the groups. Patients with a sleep disorder had a significantly higher total modified KI score and total MRS score (both, P<0.001) compared with those without a sleep disorder. Correlations of the PSQI total score with the KI and MRS were similar in menopausal and non-menopausal women. These results do not support that menopause per se specifically contributes to sleep problems.

Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture: a Systematic Review / Efetividade da Acupuntura Tradicional Chinesa versus Sham Acupuntura: revisão sistemática / Eficacia de la Acupuntura Tradicional China frente a la Acupuntura Sham: una revisión sistemática

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify and synthesize the evidence from randomized clinical trials that tested the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture in relation to sham acupuncture for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women with breast cancer. Method: systematic review guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration. Citations were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and LILACS. A combination of the following keywords was used: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, and vasomotor symptoms. Results: a total of 272 studies were identified, five of which were selected and analyzed. Slight superiority of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture was observed; however, there were no strong statistical associations. Conclusions: the evidence gathered was not sufficient to affirm the effectiveness of traditional acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar e sintetizar as evidências oriundas de ensaios clínicos randomizados que testaram a efetividade da acupuntura tradicional chinesa em relação à sham acupuntura para o tratamento dos fogachos em mulheres com câncer de mama no climatério. Método: revisão sistemática guiada pelas recomendações da Colaboração Cochrane. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: MEDLINE via PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL Cochrane, CINAHL e LILACS. Adotou-se a combinação dos descritores: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. Resultados: foram identificados 272 estudos, sendo 5 selecionados e analisados. Foi observada discreta superioridade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham, entretanto, sem fortes associações estatísticas. Conclusões: as evidências obtidas não foram suficientes para afirmar quanto à efetividade da acupuntura tradicional em relação à sham.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar y sintetizar la evidencia de un ensayo clínico aleatorizado que examinó la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional en relación a la acupuntura sham para el tratamiento de sofocos en las mujeres menopáusicas con cáncer de mama. Método: Revisión sistemática guiada por las recomendaciones de la Colaboración Cochrane. Las referencias bibliográficas se buscaron en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE vía PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL y LILACS. Se utilizó una combinación de las siguientes palabras clave: breast neoplasm, acupuncture, acupuncture therapy, acupuncture points, placebos, sham treatment, hot flashes, hot flushes, menopause, climacteric, vasomotor symptoms. Resultados: Se identificó un total de 272 estudios, cinco de los cuales fueron seleccionados y analizados. Se encontró una ligera superioridad de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham; sin embargo, no se encontraron asociaciones estadísticas fuertes. Conclusiones: La evidencia obtenida no fue suficiente para confirmar la eficacia de la acupuntura tradicional comparada con la acupuntura sham.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Hot Flash in Midlife Women: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: The association between body mass index (BMI) and hot flash risk has not been specifically clarifies yet. This meta-analysis was, therefore, conducted to estimate the association between overweight and obesity and hot flash risk. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus for observational studies addressing the association between BMI and hot flash until August 2015. Data were independently extracted and analyzed using 95% odds ratio (OR), and confidence intervals (CI) based on the random-effects models. RESULTS: We identified 2,244 references and conducted seven studies with 4,219 participants. The association between hot flash and overweight was estimated 1.13 (95% CI: 0.97-1.32) and that of obesity was estimated 1.79 (95% CI: 1.52-2.11). No evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was observed. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that, though not to a great extent, obesity does increase the risk of hot flash. The findings from this meta-analysis indicated that obesity is associated with an increased risk of hot flash. Further large prospective cohort studies are required to provide convincing evidence as to whether or not BMI is associated with an increased risk of hot flashes.

Assessment of Menopausal Symptoms among Early and Late Menopausal Midlife Bangladeshi Women and Their Impact on the Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES: Every physical abnormal criterion has an impact on the health. Late menopause causes different physiological problems which alike early menopause. The research interest is associated with both early and late menopausal women of Bangladesh as only few menopausal studies available in South East Asia especially in Bangladesh. The aims of this study are not only to assess the symptoms of menopausal abnormality but also to determine the impact of these symptoms on the quality of life (QOL) of the female society in Bangladesh. METHODS: Data mining techniques are used to rank the 22 factors (conducted with questionnaire) commonly associated with menopause. Among the participants menstruation that stops before 45 years was considered as early menopausal status and after 50 years as late menopausal. The mean of age and mean length of time in years, since menopause for all participants were 61.55±10.7 and 14.13±11.17, respectively. Recorded data indicated 67% were early menopausal women and 33% were late menopausal women. RESULTS: Results indicated that feeling tired or lacking in energy and dizziness (83%) and depression (82%) have worst impact on QOL among all factors, respectively. The next prevalent symptoms included hot flashes (64%), osteoporosis (72%), sweating at night (63%), concentration problem (75%), irritability (63%), feeling tense (77%), headache (66%). However, less frequent factors included breathing problems (33%), loss of feeling (31%), coherent heart disease (13%) and type2 diabetics (9%). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that early menopausal women are facing more physiological problems than the late menopausal women on their QOL.

Hops for Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms: Mechanisms of Action

Menopause is a critical stage of women's life associated with various complaints and distresses. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, and fatigue, are the most common menopause symptoms affecting about 50% to 80% of middle-aged women. Obviously, these symptoms, resulting from estrogen deficiency during menopause, can exert negative effects on women's health and quality of life and thus require to be managed through approaches such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Many herbal treatments for menopause symptoms contain and its components such as 8-prenylnaringenin, 6-PN, isoxanthohumol and xanthohumol. Recent in-vivo studies have highlighted the ability of 8-prenylnaringenin to reduce serum-luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), to increase serum prolactin levels and uterine weight, and to induce vaginal hyperplastic epithelium. Previous research has shown that hops extract can strongly bind to both estrogen receptors, stimulate alkaline phosphatase activity in Ishikawa cells, and upregulate presenelin-2 and progesterone receptor mRNA in Ishikawa cells. Numerous clinical trials have documented significant reductions in the frequency of hot flushes following the administration of hop-containing preparations. Nevertheless, further clinical trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up are warranted to confirm such benefits.

Utilization, Safety, and Related Factors of Illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors in South Korean Men

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), which are prescription drug in South Korea, have been concerned about misuse, overuse and illegal provision of the drugs. This study was performed to investigate utilization and safety of illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), and related factors among South Korean men. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted from May to July in 2013 among 1,500 nationally representative general males using computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI). The questionnaire included the characteristics of population, the characteristics of PDE5Is use, the experience with the use of illegally obtained PDE5Is, and adverse events after PDE5Is use. RESULTS: Among study population, the 1,015 (67.7%) men answered that they have used the illegally obtained PDE5Is. Younger age, single, lower frequency of PDE5Is use in a lifetime was associated with an increased use of illegally obtained PDE5Is. The men experienced adverse events after PDE5Is use is 528 (35.2%). The most common adverse event was mild to moderate hot flashes. CONCLUSION: We need to enhance awareness about the risk of illegally obtained PDE5Is use, especially in younger men and single. Proactive educations and public relations on safe use of PDE5Is for proper patients are needed.