Homeopathic treatment of hot flushes: a pilot study.

Hot flushes are a common problem, especially for menopausal women for whom hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is contra-indicated or who prefer not to take it and patients receiving Tamoxifen. Some seek homeopathic treatment. We report an uncontrolled, pilot outcome study, conducted at the Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital (TWHH) in 1998-1999. The study was conducted in out-patient consultations booked in the usual way. Thirty-one patients referred to the Department for menopausal flushes and seen for an initial consultation and at least one follow-up review, were assessed in three groups: Hot flushes: No history of carcinoma of the breast. Hot flushes: Treatment for breast carcinoma, not receiving Tamoxifen. Hot flushes: Treatment for breast cancer including Tamoxifen. For all patients, the initial and follow-up assessments included review of hot flush frequency and severity. Patients also completed their own self-assessment rating after follow-up consultations. The results indicate useful symptomatic benefit for all three groups of patients.