by Dr Janeth Romero de Martinez, Medical Homeopath at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10
As a new study (Women’s mid-life health experiences in urban UK ) puts British women at the top of the list for suffering symptoms of menopause, (Ward T, Scheid V, Tuffrey V. an international comparison, Climacteric, 2010; reports that many are turning their backs on Hormone Replacement Therapy and turning to homeopathy for help.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine which is based on treating the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which trigger the body’s natural system of healing. Based on the patient’s experience of their symptoms, a homeopath will match them with the most appropriate medicine.
The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flushes, night sweats, headaches and mood swings. Homeopathic treatment has been shown to be effective for hot flushes and sweats, tiredness, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, mood swings and headaches. In a study carried out at an NHS well-woman clinic in Sheffield, 81 per cent of 102 patients reported improvement of these menopause symptoms after homeopathic treatment.(2)
Relton C, Weatherley-Jones E. said: Studies have shown there are health risks associated with HRT, including an increased risk of of breast cancer, and many women struggling with symptoms are looking for an alternative. In homeopathy, we look at the whole person, taking into account the unique symptoms of each individual, before we decide on a prescription.
For more information, contact Dr J Romero de Martinez on 07950903332 or by using the form above.
Notes to editors
Two large studies have demonstrated the dangers of HRT and led to significant changes in the way it is prescribed.
A major US research project involving over 16,000 women looked at the effects of the most commonly used form of HRT pills known as combined HRT. In 2002 this trial had to be stopped early because of the health risks to the women involved. The researchers concluded that although this form of HRT gives protection against osteoporosis and bowel cancer, these benefits are outweighed by an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer, heart attack and stroke.(3)
In 2005 results of the NHS-led Million Women Study confirmed the link between breast cancer and combined HRT, with researchers estimating that 20,000 cases of breast cancer over the last decade have been due to HRT use. It was also found that oestrogen-only HRT carries a significant risk of endometrial cancer.(4)
References:
1. Warda T, Scheid V, Tuffrey V. Women’s mid-life health experiences in urban UK: an international comparison. Climacteric, 2010; 13 (3): 278-288
2. Relton C, Weatherley-Jones E. Homeopathy Service in a National Health Service community menopause clinic: audit of clinical outcomes. Menopause Int, 2005; 11(2): 72-3
3. Writing Group for the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results from the WHI randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 2002; 288: 321 333
4. Million Women Study Collaborators. Endometrial cancer and hormone-replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. Lancet, 2005; 365: 1543-51
Notes:
The Society of Homeopaths is the largest body of professional homeopaths in Europe. Established in 1978, it has over 1,500 registered members.
Registered members of The Society of Homeopaths have agreed to practice and abide by a strict Code of Ethics & Practice. A copy of the code is available on www.homeopathy-soh.org.
For further details about the Society, please contact Pamela Stevens on 0845 450 6611 or info@homeopathy-soh.org