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Complementary Therapies

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) offers women another option to consider for use in menopause. 

  • CAM is a diverse group of medical and health care systems, practices and products not part of conventional medicine.
  • Integrative medicine combines conventional and CAM treatments for which there is evidence of safety and effectiveness.
  • Examples of CAM include acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, aromatherapy, yoga, reiki, therapeutic touch, mindfulness based stress reduction, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, guided imagery, visualization and homeopathy.
  • The most common symptoms in the menopause transition are hot flashes and insomnia. Mild symptoms can be helped by acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary supplements and mind body therapies.
  • CAM therapies are supportive although hormone therapy is most helpful for moderate to severe symptoms during the menopause transition.  CAM can be a helpful adjunctive therapy
  • CAM (if carefully chosen and properly used) can improve quality of life.
  • It is important to let your healthcare practitioner know about any CAM therapies you use or are considering using as not all have evidence of safety and effectiveness.
  • Many CAM modalities are not covered by insurance and therefore have an out of pocket expense.
  • Visit the website from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine for more information
  • It's important to consider the benefits and risks of complementary therapies and alternative treatments in the context of the other forms of treatments that are available.      
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