Effect of Non-Hormonal Treatment Options On Reducing Vasomotor Symptoms Among Menopausal Women

Abstract

Menopause is the point in a woman's life when she has not had a menstrual period for one year. The primary symptom of peri-menopause is the vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Many postmenopausal women have hot flashes and night sweats. Lifestyle changes are effective and safe options for management of hot flashes. Also marjoram can reduce the negative effects of menopause. Aim of the study: To reduce the intensity and frequency of VMS among menopausal women. Subjects and Methods: A quasi experimental design with pre and post-test was used. Setting: This study was carried out at the primary health care center in Al- Ghory village at Menoufiya Governorate, Egypt. Subjects: a total of 100 menopausal women participated in the study. Data collection tools included structured interviewing questionnaire and VMS assessment questionnaire. Results: near to three quadrants of the women were aged from 45-50 years old. Regarding to drinking tea and coffee, there were statistical significant differences (P<0.001*) between pre and post-test. Also there were big changes in the methods of dealing with VMS such as using cotton bed linens and using well-ventilated bed room (85%) in the post test. In addition, the intensity and frequency of VMS and the time of its occurrence decreased from 78.0% to 57.9%. Conclusion: non-hormonal treatment options (lifestyle changes and marjoram) are viable for the treatment of VMS in menopausal women. It can reduce the intensity and frequency of VMS. Recommendations: encouraging a healthy lifestyle, eating a healthy diet and avoiding dietary triggers such as spicy, hot foods, pickles and caffeine to reduce the intensity and frequency of the VMS.

Key words: Menopause, Vasomotor Symptoms (VMS), Hot Flashes, Lifestyle, Marjoram.