The use of complementary and alternative medications by menopausal women in South East Queensland

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and types of complementary and alternative medications (CAMs) used by women during menopause and explore potential associations between CAM use and menopausal symptoms. Analysis was undertaken with 886 randomly selected menopausal women aged 47–67 years who participated in a postal questionnaire on the menopause experience. The prevalence of CAM use was relatively high (82.5%), with nutrition most commonly cited (67%), followed by phytoestrogens (56%), herbal therapies (41%), and CAM medications (25%). Multivariate analysis adjusted for confounders revealed that women who consumed CAM medications were 17–23% more likely to report anxiety (<i>p</i> = .019) or vasomotor symptoms (<i>p</i> = .013). Women who used herbal therapies (<i>p</i> = .009) or phytoestrogens (<i>p</i> = .030) were 13–16% more likely to experience vasomotor symptoms. Women who used nutrition were 18% more likely to experience anxiety (<i>p</i> = .049). These results highlight the importance for health professionals to incorporate CAMs into their practice to better inform menopausal women of their treatment choices.