Administration Progression and Adverse Event Report of Er-Xian Decoction for Menopausal Hot Flushes: Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Objective We report on the administration progression and adverse event of Er-Xian decoction for menopausal hot flushes. A hot flush is a rapid and intense heat-dissipation reaction that involves considerable sweating, enlargement of the peripheral blood vessels, and internal body heat. Er-Xian decoction is a prescription for treating menopausal hot flush symptoms in postmenopausal women. We report administration progression and adverse event of Er-Xian decoction for menopausal hot flush. Methods We used the Menopause Rating Scale and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire to evaluate the progression of hot flushes, and we conducted a literature review to determine the effective dosage of Er-Xian decoction. Result In all cases, Facial hot flushes and evaluation variables were improved by the administration of EXD. However, in Case 1, a rise of liver function indexes which may be related to EXD administration was observed. Conclusion Considering that menopausal flushing usually lasts for several years, The resluts are meaningful that the short-term administration of EXD led to improvement of symptoms. In order to further use EXD in the future, it will be necessary to conduct follow-up studies on the subject of safety verification, such as repeated dose toxicity studies. Keywords: menopause, menopausal syndrome, hot flush, herbal medicine, Er-xian decoction