Comparison the effect of manhae supplement with hormone therapy on frequency and intensity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women

Introduction: In recent years, many treatments have been used for hot flashes. Non-hormonal methods have the utmost attention and applied by the most women with hot flashes due to their high acceptability and limited side effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Manhae and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Materials & Methods: In this single blind randomized controlled trial, 72 eligible postmenopausal women recruited randomly. The Manhae group was treated with Manhae (850 mg daily) and HRT group was treated with (0.312 mg conjugated estrogen plus 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone daily). Two groups followed-up for 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS software and Repeated Measure, t-test and Chi Square test were used to compare changes in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in two groups.

Results: After 12 weeks intervention, significant differences were not observed between two groups in the frequency of hot flashes (p= 0.73), however, significant differences were observed between two groups in intensity of hot flashes (p< 0.001), when HRT could reduce intensity of hot flashes better.

Conclusion: Manhae and hormone replacement therapy have similar effects on reducing the frequency of hot flashes, but the most significant effect of hormone therapy on reducing the intensity of hot flashes was evident. Manhae appears to be somewhat effective in reducing frequency of hot flashes in women who HRT is contraindicated.

Key words: Menopause; Hot flashes; Manhae supplement