enopause, or
female climacteric, affects millions of women, bringing with it a host of
conditions and symptoms that conventional medicine has not been completely
successful in treating. At the same time, there is growing evidence that
Kampo medicines can be effective in treating such common menopausal symptoms
as anxiety and autonomic imbalance. Indeed, many of Japan's prestigious
university hospitals and most advanced medical centers have had good results
in treating patients with these menopause-related conditions. |
| Japanese Angelica (Angelicae Radix)
is an ingredient of some of the most widely-used Kampo formulations
for menopausal symptoms. |
Kampo medicines are frequently prescribed as well for such gynecological conditions as dysmenorrhea, although non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are still the most common medications used for these conditions. Among them, Voltaren(R) (Diclofenac Sodium) is the top-ranking prescription, with a 12% share, while Loxonin(R) (Loxoprofen Sodium) is third (7.8%) and Pontal(R) (Mefenamic Acid) ranks fourth (7.3%). Of the leading Kampo medicines, Toki-shakuyaku-san ranks second with 11.4% and Keishi-bukuryo-gan is in fifth place (5.7%). When combined, the share of the two Kampo prescriptions exceeds that of Voltaren(R) alone. The 9th International Menopause Society World Congress will be held in Yokohama on October 17-21 of this year to explore the various treatment approaches currently available throughout the world. At a pre-event conference of the Japan Menopause Society held December 5-6, 1998 in Yokohama, a medical research group led by Associate Professor Hiroaki Ohta, a Keio University Medical School gynecologist, presented a report on the strengths and weaknesses of various treatments for menopause based on data collected from outpatients. His report evaluated several treatment modalities, including HRT (hormone replacement therapy), Kampo, anti-depressant drugs, psychiatric treatment and counseling.
According to the group's analysis, Kampo has the advantage of being widely accepted, since patients have fewer concerns about its side effects, while HRT is superior in terms of immediate effectiveness. The group also noted that while menopause symptoms traditionally reported in western countries include hot flashes, perspiration, depression and insomnia, in Japan, physical symptoms such as fatigue, shoulder stiffness and chills are the most common. Pointing to these differences, the report concluded that it is important to treat patients individually according to their specific symptoms. Dr. Ohta's group considers Kampo, together with HRT and anti-anxiety medications for autonomic nerve-related physical symptoms and psychological conditions, suitable for symptoms of autonomic imbalance.
In this connection, it is worth noting that Japanese women enjoy the highest average longevity in the world, almost 83.8 years. Of the estimated 20 million Japanese women in menopause, about 300,000 - or less than 2% of the respective population - are treated with HRT. In the U.S., on the other hand, 11 million women, or 25% of those in menopause, receive HRT. An important reason for the low use rate of HRT in Japan is the availability of Kampo drugs as a safe, dependable alternative. As indicated in the Nikkei Medical survey reported in this issue, Kampo drugs are the top-ranking treatment of choice for symptoms of menopause and autonomic imbalance.