About Alternative medicine
Women’s health.Alternative medicine is a broad and critical area of healthcare that encompasses various aspects . Alternative medicine offers a range of approaches and therapies that some women find beneficial in managing their health concerns. Here are some medicine practices that are commonly associated with women’s health:
- Herbal Medicine: Herbal remedies address various women’s health issues such as menstrual cramps, menopausal symptoms, and hormonal imbalances. Examples include black cohos for menopausal symptoms and chaste berry for menstrual irregularities.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and alleviate symptoms. It’s often used for managing conditions like menstrual pain, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies are based on the principle of “like cures like” and involve highly diluted substances. Women may use homeopathy for conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flashes, or mood disorders.
- Ayurveda: Originating in India, Ayurveda focuses on achieving balance and harmony in the body. through diet. It offers treatments for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual irregularities, and menopausal symptoms.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic treatments focus on the alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system to improve overall health. Some women find relief from conditions such as back pain, pelvic pain, and headaches through chiropractic adjustments.
- Mind-Body Therapies: Practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi can help women manage stress, improve mental health. These techniques are often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
- Dietary Supplements: Certain supplements support women’s health by promoting bone health, hormonal balance, and heart health. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Natural versus pharmaceuticals
Dr Arentz says that women prefer to use a ‘natural’ medicine compared to a pharmaceutical option with side effect. The herb St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), for example, can be used for mild depression. Systemic reviews, she says, speak to its efficacy and lack of side effects.
There are also some women’s health conditions that are associated with high uptake of CM&T.
More than 70% of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Australia use natural and complementary therapies to improve one or more aspect of their health.
Data from the 2012 Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) cross-sectional survey of 7427 women aged 34-39 years revealed that women with endometriosis were more likely to consult with a massage therapist, acupuncturist and/or naturopath/herbalist compared to women without the disease.
Consultations with a naturopath/herbalist were also significantly higher for women with irregular or heavy periods. Women who had severe period pain were also more likely to consult with an acupuncturist and/or naturopath/herbalist. Similarly, women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were more likely to consult with a massage therapist, acupuncturist, naturopath/herbalist and ‘other alternative health practitioner’.
In a 2017 research paper, women who identified as attempting to conceive were more likely to consult with an acupuncturist or a nephropathy/herbalist.
A professional intervention versus self-prescribing
Given that some complementary medicines are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets and online stores, and carry a perception that they are ‘safe’ because they are ‘natural’, many people tend to self-prescribe. But this can be fraught.
Jean Hailes naturopath Sandra Villella points to Australian research that shows that phytoestrogens, Evening Primrose Oil, and ginseng as three of the most common self-prescribed compounds for treating menopausal hot flushes.
“I wouldn’t prescribe any of those as first-line treatments,” she says. “We know that estrogens, commonly found in soy and also in linseed, legumes and grains, are safe in a diet. But highly-processed soy foods or soy supplements may not behave in the same way.
Respecting a woman’s right to be involved in health choices
Dr Arentz believes that health professionals must respect their patients’ desire to be involved in their own health choices.
“It would help if they developed an understanding of why people are using them and if they stayed open-minded about their risks and benefits… MIMS provides information about complementary medicines.”
She believes it is also helpful for health professionals to remember that 30% of pharmaceuticals have been developed from herbal medicines.
It is worth noting that many CM, especially herbal medicines, are prescribed based on hundreds of years of traditional use. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that this long-term traditional use should not be ignored. WHO supports the appropriate use of herbal medicines and encourages the use of remedies that are proven to be safe and effective. They promote further appropriate scientific studies into herbal medicines and other CM&T.
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