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In a recent study acupuncture has shown safe and effective in reducing hot flashes in women undergoing long term antiestrogen therapy after breast cancer treatment. The study also showed that acupuncture had no side effects and even boosted libido and improved mental clarity.
The study compared acupuncture with the use of venlafaxine (Effexor) which is currently a standard therapy for relieving hot flashes in breast cancer patients. The study included 50 women 82 % of whom were postmenopausal.25 women were given venlafaxin and 25 were given acupuncture. Both groups experienced significant reduction in hot flashes.
However, after two weeks of treatment, the group taking venlafaxine began to experience significant increases in hot flashes, whereas the acupuncture group's incidence of hot flashes remained low. Women in the group taking venlafaxine had side effects including nausea, dry mouth, headache, dizzines and trouble sleeping. The acupuncture group had no side effects but had increased energy and a sense of well being.
This study was published online 12/28/2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.2009.
This is good news for not only breast cancer survivors who wish to avoid taking the anti-depressant venlafaxine and seek relieve from hot flashes, but for all women who experience hot flashes as a result of the hormonal decline experienced in menopause.
For more information on how acupuncture can help in menopause or for breast cancer survivors please visit, www.bethanymuhl.com.
Or call, 310-367-1564 and I will be happy to answer any questions.
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