Abstract
ObjectivesThis systematic review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulae for managing menopausal hot flushes (MHF).MethodsSeven English and Chinese databases were searched for studies from respective inceptions to February 2019. Randomized controlled trials investigating the clinical effects and safety of CHM formulae on MHF were considered for inclusion. The outcomes of subjective feelings (MHF and quality of life), objective changes (hormones and peripheral blood flow) and safety were analyzed. The most frequently prescribed formulae and herbs were summarized.ResultsNineteen randomized clinical trials involving 2469 patients were included. When compared to menopausal hormone therapy, CHM had similar effects to menopausal hormone therapy on total effectiveness rate (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.35) and total Kupperman index (KI) score (SMD -0.13, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.36), and could significantly reduce vasomotor symptom score (MD -0.43, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.31) and upper-body peripheral blood flow (MD -3.56, 95% CI -5.14 to -1.98 under the jaw, MD -7.10, 95% CI -11.01 to -3.19 in the fingertip). When compared to placebo, CHM could reduce MHF severity (MD -0.70, 95% CI-1.00 to -0.40) and improve total KI score (MD -12.61, 95% CI -15.21 to -10.01). However, no statistically significant changes to hormone levels were detected. Most commonly seen adverse events were mild gastrointestinal tract reactions. The most popularly studied formula was Kun Tai capsule and the most frequently prescribed herb was Bai shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, Paeonia lactiflora Pall.). More than 50% included studies had low risks of bias in the domains of selection, performance, attrition and reporting.ConclusionsThis review indicated that CHM formulae were safe to be applied in MHF females and able to improve MHF-related symptom scores as well as the peripheral blood flow. Further studies should focus on specific formulae.
Highlights
Menopausal hot flushes (MHF) refer to spontaneous but transient erythema and warm or burning sensation on the face and neck which affects 60–70% women during the menopausal period [1]
When compared to menopausal hormone therapy, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) had similar effects to menopausal hormone therapy on total effectiveness rate and total Kupperman index (KI) score (SMD -0.13, 95% confidence intervals (CI) -0.61 to 0.36), and could significantly reduce vasomotor symptom score (MD -0.43, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.31) and upper-body peripheral blood flow (MD -3.56, 95% CI -5.14 to -1.98 under the jaw, mean difference (MD) -7.10, 95% CI -11.01 to -3.19 in the fingertip)
CHM could reduce MHF severity (MD -0.70, 95% CI-1.00 to -0.40) and improve total KI score (MD -12.61, 95% CI -15.21 to -10.01)
Summary
Menopausal hot flushes (MHF) refer to spontaneous but transient erythema and warm or burning sensation on the face and neck which affects 60–70% women during the menopausal period [1]. It has become the primary reason for females to seek medical help [2]. Current therapies including menopausal hormone therapy (or hormone replacement therapy, HRT) and paroxetine (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the recommended therapies for MHF by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) [7, 8] These therapies are efficacious, they are not without adverse events (AEs), such as nausea, dizziness and dry mouth. HRT is contraindicated with hormone-dependent diseases (e.g. breast cancer) and past discontinuation of HRT may contribute to a rebound in hot flushes [9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
