Evaluation of the Effect of Kampo (herbal) Medicine to Diminish Climacteric Symptoms Induced by the GnRH Agonist

• Published in: Kampo Medicine Vol. 53; no. 5; pp. 537 - 543
• Main Authors: HOSHIMOTO, Kazufusa, HOSHIMOTO, Kazunori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japan Society for Oriental Medicine 2002
• Subjects: climacteric symptoms; GnRH agonist; Kami-shoyo-san; Keishi-bukuryo-gan; Toki-shakuyaku-san; uterine myomas
• ISSN: 0287-4857; 1882-756X
• DOI: 10.3937/kampomed.53.537

In the hormonal treatment of uterine myomas, which are estrogen dependent, GnRH agonist (GnRHa) therapy has become widespread. However, GnRHa therapy causes uncomfortable or harmful side effects such as climacteric symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Kampo (herbal) medicine to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by the GnRHa. Twenty-six patients with symptomatic uterine myoma were recruited, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Leuprolide acetate depot 3.75mg (LA) as GnRHa was given with subcutaneous injection every four weeks for six months. After LA therapy was initiated, Toki-shakuyaku-san, Kami-shoyo-san, or Keishi-bukuryo-gan was given from the second month of treatment. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated with Simplified Menopausal Index, which was improved for Japanese women. In the present study, we found all three Kampo medicines were useful. In particular, Kami-shoyo-san was useful for climacteric symptoms induced by LA. Also, LA therapy combined with Keishi-bukuryo-gan had beneficial effects in uterine myomas. However, the precise mechanism by which results were achieved remains unclear. Therefore, further research may be necessary to evaluate the ability of Kampo medicines to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by GnRHa.