Is Homeopathy Effective for Hot Flashes and Other Estrogen-Withdrawl Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors. A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

摘要

Hot flashes, and other symptoms of estrogen withdrawal, are common in breast cancer survivors. The standard treatment for these symptoms, hormone replacement therapy, is contraindicated in breast cancer survivors. Homeopathic medicines have been used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms for more than 100 years. To carry out a pilot study to determine whether there is evidence that homeopathy is an effective treatment to improve the quality of life in breast cancer survivors who are experiencing hot flashes and other menopausal-type symptoms. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial is being carried out in a group of 83 breast cancer survivors with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Subjects were recruited from the Comprehensive Breast Center at Providence Hospital in Seattle and other affiliated clinics. Subjects have a history of hot flashes for at least one month, with at least 3 hot flashes per day. Subjects have been randomized to one of three treatment arms: classical homeopathy, a combination homeopathic remedy, or placebo. Number of hot flashes, general health status, patient satisfaction, and health care utilization services are being measured over a period of 12 months. Data collection is not complete, so there are no results at this time.