Carla Pandozzi1, Elisa Giannetta2, Maria G Tarsitano3. 1. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 2. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy - elisa.giannetta@uniroma1.it. 3. Department of Clinical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a critical period of the woman life, characterized by a peculiar modification in estrogens concentration and accompanied by different signs and symptoms. To prevent and contrast unfavorable consequences of menopause, different therapeutic approach could be evaluated. The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most known, but it has several contraindications. The increasing interest in phytotherapy introduces the necessity for endocrinologist involved in menopause to suggest different therapeutic approach, considering the state of health of patient and the real efficacy of the drug. We aim to outline the main phytotherapy treatments to choose in menopause. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Phytotherapy involves the use of plants or plant extracts for the treatment of diseases thanks to the activities of their compounds and metabolites. In particular, many of them have an estrogen-like activity and are identified as phytoestrogens, because thanks to their chemical structure are able to bind the estrogen receptors and carry out biological estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activities. The supplementing diet with these compounds can ensure an advantage on various aspects of the climacteric syndrome and some of them also have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular risk, bone health and sleep complaint. These substances can be used with safety due to their good tolerability and low rate of side effects. There are no known serious adverse events associated with their consumption, but as a precaution, its use is not recommended during pregnancy and in association with hormonal therapies or in women with hormone responsive-cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Phytotherapy has to be considered an interesting tool in the treatment of sign and symptoms in selected menopause woman.
INTRODUCTION: Menopause is a critical period of the woman life, characterized by a peculiar modification in estrogens concentration and accompanied by different signs and symptoms. To prevent and contrast unfavorable consequences of menopause, different therapeutic approach could be evaluated. The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most known, but it has several contraindications. The increasing interest in phytotherapy introduces the necessity for endocrinologist involved in menopause to suggest different therapeutic approach, considering the state of health of patient and the real efficacy of the drug. We aim to outline the main phytotherapy treatments to choose in menopause. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Phytotherapy involves the use of plants or plant extracts for the treatment of diseases thanks to the activities of their compounds and metabolites. In particular, many of them have an estrogen-like activity and are identified as phytoestrogens, because thanks to their chemical structure are able to bind the estrogen receptors and carry out biological estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activities. The supplementing diet with these compounds can ensure an advantage on various aspects of the climacteric syndrome and some of them also have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular risk, bone health and sleep complaint. These substances can be used with safety due to their good tolerability and low rate of side effects. There are no known serious adverse events associated with their consumption, but as a precaution, its use is not recommended during pregnancy and in association with hormonal therapies or in women with hormone responsive-cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Phytotherapy has to be considered an interesting tool in the treatment of sign and symptoms in selected menopause woman.