Alternative and complementary correction of menopausal disorders

Abstract

   Menopause, defined as the cessation of menses for 12 months and more, is a multidimensional evolutionary process, which has a considerable impact on the women’s quality of life and the risk of development of age-associated pathology. 47 million of women around the world enter the menopausal period each year. The menopause onset age is the most important factor which determines the woman health status and, to a large extent, both the risk of morbidity and mortality. Menopause may be induced by a surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Post-menopause period accounts for about onethird of a woman’s life and is quite often accompanied by the development of different symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency. Vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are primarily referred to the initial manifestations of the climacteric syndrome. VMS frequency prevails within the two-year period immediately before and after the last menstruation. In some patients, hot flashes can begin long before (10 years prior to) the menopause and persist for a long time. Night sweats, dysphoric disorders, urogenital atrophy / urination disorders, sexual (decreased libido) and cognitive changes, and sleep disturbances are often observed due to the estrogen deficiency. MHT should be considered as a first line therapeutic intervention for the correction of climacteric disorders and prevention of age-associated pathology in women with premature ovarian failure and in menopausal women under the age of 60. For patients who are wary of hormonal therapy or have absolute / relative contradictions to the use of MHT, alternative methods of menopausal disorders correction, which include nonpharmacological and pharmacological non-hormonal drugs with different degrees of efficiency and safety should be considered. Phytoestrogens have confidently filled a niche of alternative therapy for the treatment of menopausal disorders.