Effects of herbal medicines on menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy.

The therapeutic effects of certain Japanese herbal medicines on menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy were examined in Japanese women with endometriosis, adenomyosis, or leiomyoma. Menopausal symptoms occurred in 17 of the 22 patients. Toki-shakuyaku-san, Shakuyaku-kanzo-to, Keishi-bukuryo-gan, Kami-shoyo-san, Tokaku-joki-to, or Keishi-to was administered to 13 of the 17 patients with menopausal symptoms, and efficacy was observed in all 13. Eleven patients with hot flashes were treated with Toki-shakuyaku-san, and all II patients experienced some relief; four experienced total relief. Three patients complaining of severe shoulder stiffness were treated with Shakuyaku-kanzo-to and were completely relieved of symptoms. There was no significant change in serum estradiol levels after treatment with the Japanese herbal medicines. Our results indicate that Japanese herbal medicines can be recommended for menopausal symptoms induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists without a negative effect on serum estradiol levels.