Guiltinan J, Newton K, Reed S, LaCroix A, Grothaus L, Ehrlich K.

Results of the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) study.

Bastyr University, 1307 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103. jguiltin@bastyr.edu

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of 3 herbal regimens compared to placebo and hormone therapy on vasomotor menopausal symptoms.

DESIGN: One-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 351 women age 45 to 55 with vasomotor symptoms.

INTERVENTION: There were no significant differences in any of the primary outcomes comparing herbal supplements and placebo. At 3 months, frequency of vasomotor symptoms decreased 35% with black cohosh, 15% with multibotanical, and 30% with multibotanical plus soy, vs. 21% with placebo and 88% with hormone therapy (global test for herbs and placebo P=.10). At 3 months, the Wiklund Menopause Symptom scores decreased 19% with black cohosh, 14% with multibotanical, and 18% with multibotanical plus soy, vs. 8% with placebo and 55% with hormone therapy (global test for herbs and placebo P=0.33). The Wiklund Vasomotor Symptom subscale scores decreased 27% with black cohosh, 14% with multibotanical, and 23% with multibotanical plus soy, vs. 15% with placebo and 76% with hormone therapy (global test for herbs and placebo P=0.15).

 

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