Abstract
Background:Menopause is the stage of time in which the menstruation stops following the loss of ovarian activity. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of gabapentin on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial from Feb 2010 to 2011 was conducted. Sixty postmenopausal women who were referred to obstetrics and gynecology ward of two educational hospitals were recruited and divided into two groups (intervention and control). Intervention group received 300 mg gabapentin three times a day for three months, while control group received placebo. The Intensity and duration of hot flashes in women scored and recorded using visual analog scale. Independent, Paired t-test and chi-square test were used for analyzing data.Results:Intensity of hot flashes in the beginning of research in the intervention group was significantly different with the first, second and third follow-up visit (P<0.05). Also at the end of intervention a significant difference between intervention and control groups were observed regarding the intensity, frequency and duration of hot flashes (P<0.05 and P=0.01 respectively).Conclusion:According to the findings of this study; it appears that the use of gabapentin could decrease the intensity, duration and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. For postmenopausal women who hormone therapy is contraindicated, gabapentine could be an acceptable alternative.
Highlights
Menopause is the stage of time in which the menstruation stops following the loss of ovarian activity
According to the findings of this study; it appears that the use of gabapentin could decrease the intensity, duration and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women
While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can eliminate hot flashes (Creasman, 2002; O’Meara et al, 2004) the treatment should not last more than 4-5 years, because of the risk of breast cancer increases in long-term using of HRT (Alexander & Moore, 2007)
Summary
Menopause is the stage of time in which the menstruation stops following the loss of ovarian activity. It is estimated that the average age of menopause is 50-52 years (McKinlay et al, 1985). Short term changes in the postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats. About 50% of postmenopausal women suffer from hot flashes and about 40% of them have night sweats (Alexander & Moore, 2007). The most common symptom of menopause is hot flash that often disappears after years, but in 15-20% of women leaves adverse impact on their lives (Martin & Manson, 2008). Frequency and intensity of hot flashes are more at night and stresses. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of gabapentin on hot flashes in postmenopausal women
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
