CAM interventions, including mind-body practices and hypnosis, offer promise for alleviating menopausal symptoms, while herbal products lack consistent support.
The article examines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions for managing menopausal symptoms. It highlights the effectiveness of mind-body practices like relaxation, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing stress and hot flashes, with hypnosis demonstrating significant reductions in hot flashes. Herbal preparations lack consistent evidence of efficacy and safety. Some CAM interventions, such as acupuncture and aromatherapy, hold promise but lack empirical support due to limited studies. The article recommends more rigorous research, standardized protocols, and exploration of mechanisms of action for CAM interventions. Healthcare decisions should consider existing evidence, and healthcare providers should initiate discussions with menopausal women about CAM options to ensure informed and safe choices.