Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Can complementary therapies ease menopausal symptoms?

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release: 6 November 2006

Can complementary therapies ease menopausal symptoms?

Complementary therapies like homeopathy, aromatherapy and acupuncture are popular, but there's limited evidence backing their use. So which therapies should women try to ease troublesome menopausal symptoms?

In the Autumn 2006 issue of The Menopause Exchange newsletter, Janet Brockie (menopause nurse specialist at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford) looks at the complementary therapies backed by some research or anecdotal evidence. In her article, she covers acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, reflexology, hypnotherapy, T’ai chi and nutritional therapies, with information on how they work and how effective they are in easing menopausal symptoms.

“Many women find that complementary therapies are effective in easing symptoms like hot flushes, so it is often worth exploring the different options,” says Norma Goldman, founder and director of The Menopause Exchange. “However, it is important to find a therapy that can help your specific symptoms and to use a registered practitioner.”

The Menopause Exchange covers a wide range of subjects like menopausal symptoms, HRT and its alternatives, nutrition and lifestyle and medical conditions (e.g. breast cancer). It is completely independent – it is not sponsored by any companies and is funded purely by subscriptions. Other articles in the Autumn 2006 issue include HRT products (part three of three articles), mood swings at the menopause and the benefits of carbohydrates. The Menopause Exchange has an Ask the Experts panel, information service and fact sheets specifically for members.

For more info on The Menopause Exchange, write to The Menopause Exchange at PO Box 205, Bushey, Herts WD23 1ZS, call 020 8420 7245, fax 020 8954 2783 or send an e-mail to norma@menopause-exchange.co.uk

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NOTES FOR EDITORS:

1.The Menopause Exchange Newsletter was launched in June 1999.

2.The founder and director of The Menopause Exchange is Norma Goldman, a pharmacist with a Master’s degree in health promotion. She gives talks on the menopause at organisations, workplaces, health clubs, pharmacies, exhibitions and other venues. Her daughter, Victoria, the editor of the newsletter, is an experienced health journalist with a BSc. degree in Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Science Communication.

3.The aim of The Menopause Exchange is to raise the awareness of the menopause among women, health professionals (e.g. nurses and pharmacists) and complementary practitioners.

4.Topics covered in previous issues of the newsletter include: HRT questions you forget to ask your doctor; osteoporosis treatments; sexuality after the menopause; heart disease; memory problems; anti-ageing beauty secrets; weight control; eating for the menopause; and phytoestrogens in your diet.

5.UK annual membership (4 issues of the newsletter and regular fact sheets) costs £18 for individuals; £22 for local organisations; £30 for companies/national organisations; corporate (over 10 copies) and overseas memberships are available on request.

6.All press enquiries to Norma Goldman on 020 8420 7245.