Acupuncture has been studied for its benefits for women who are postmenopausal. A new study shows acupuncture can also help women being treated for breast cancer who take hormones that cause frequent and sometimes sleep interrupting hot flashes. Acupuncture may be a better alternative for women with hot flashes from menopause, or because of breast cancer treatment.
Acupuncture for hot flashes has been found to be as effective as drug therapy, without the side effects in both cases. Hormone therapy during menopause increases breast cancer risk, limiting options for women. Studies regarding black cohosh and red clover failed to prove benefit for hot flashes, making acupuncture an alternative remedy for women with hot flashes.
A study published December 2009 in the journal menopause found that women given placebo, compared to those receiving herbal hot flash remedy with black cohosh and red clover had the same response, showing that herbal hot flash remedies are as effective as receiving no treatment.
The newest study from Henry Ford researchers, published in the December 2009 issue of the Journal of Oncology, revealed that women who take hormones for breast cancer treatment also benefited from acupuncture treatments. An additional perk was that women receiving acupuncture also experienced greater mental clarity and energy. One of the most widely used medications used to treat women with hot flashes undergoing breast cancer treatment (venaflaxine) carries side effects that include dry mouth, constipation, nausea, and decreased appetite.
“Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects,” says study lead author Eleanor Walker, M.D., division director of breast services in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital.
“Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects,” says study lead author Eleanor Walker, M.D., division director of breast services in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Hospital.
For menopausal women, acupuncture was studied and compared to sham (fake) acupuncture. Each therapy reduced hot flashes. The study was conducted by the Mayo Clinic in 2007. Sham acupuncture uses the same principle as acupuncture.
Hot flashes can decrease quality of life, and interfere with sleep from night sweats. The recent findings that acupuncture can provide an alternative therapy is good news, given the growing popularity of safe, drug free, and effective medical treatments. Acupuncture is now shown to help women manage hot flashes. The recent studies show that treatments with acupuncture can imiprove quality of life during menopause and also helps women receiving breast cancer hormone therapy.
Also Read:
- How to get rid of and prevent hot flashes :Menopause
- Hot Flashes
- Women say skinny jeans more satisfying than sex in online poll
- Dangers and side effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Natural cure for Breast Cancer
by on 04. Jan, 2010 in Health News
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