Small trial indicates that traditional Japanese herbal medicine is “effective and safe treatment for hot flushes”

[Graham49]

Only a small trial without placebo controls but might be worth trying?

Efficacy and safety of keishibukuryogan, a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine, for hot flashes in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy

December 2020Translational Andrology and Urology 9(6):2533-2540

DOI:10.21037/tau-20-901

LicenseCC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Authors:

Kazuyoshi Shigehara

Kanazawa University

Kouji Izumi

Kazufumi Nakashima

Kanazawa University

Shohei Kawaguchi

Abstract and Figures

Background: The efficacy and safety of keishibukuryogan, a traditional Japanese medicine, were investigated for the treatment of hot flashes in prostate cancer (PC) patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled and orally administered 2.5 g keishibukuryogan three times daily for 12 weeks. The frequency, strength, and duration of hot flashes were self-evaluated by the patients in a diary every 4 weeks. All patients also completed a questionnaire to determine their aging male symptoms (AMS) scale score and underwent blood biochemical testing.

Results: Twenty-five patients completed the 12-week treatment. Hot flash strength significantly improved 4, 8, and 12 weeks after treatment. Their frequency was significantly reduced at the 8-week visit, and duration was significantly shorter after the 8-week visit. In addition, the score of the AMS somatic subscale was improved at the 8- and 12-week visits. Among the somatic items, questions 3 (excessive sweating) and 5 (increased need for sleep) were significantly improved. Obesity, radiation, and a longer duration of PC were predictive factors for treatment response. Prostate specific antigen and total testosterone levels were unchanged, and no patients had severe adverse effects.

Conclusions: Keishibukuryogan was an effective and safe treatment for hot flashes in PC patients.

[Graham49]

This is what Perplexity AI says:

Keishibukuryogan (KBG), also known as Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan in Chinese, is a traditional Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine used to improve blood circulation and treat various conditions. It is commonly prescribed for gynecological issues such as irregular menstruation, menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, and infertility. It also addresses skin conditions like acne, eczema, and frostbite, as well as symptoms like stiff shoulders, dizziness, and headaches.

In addition to its gynecological applications, KBG has shown potential benefits in reducing inflammation, improving hormonal imbalances, and alleviating hot flashes in both menopausal women and men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy. It has also been studied for its antioxidant properties and effects on obesity-related conditions.

KBG typically takes about a month to show noticeable effects and is usually taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. While it is considered safe, side effects may occur, so medical consultation is recommended before use.

[j-o-h-n in reply to Graham49]

For Hot Flashes:

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Veozah. <--- for women

Brisdelle (paroxetine) Brisdelle is a brand-name prescription drug that contains paroxetine, an SSRI commonly used for treating depression. ...

Effexor XR (venlafaxine, extended-release) ...

Neurontin (gabapentin) ...<----I take this for my neuropathy and no hot flashes for me

Ditropan (oxybutynin) ...

Catapres (clonidine)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Aardvark4]

On the other hand, another study reported that KBG could not change the degree of hot flash in postmenopausal women in randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (69)

69.Plotnikoff GA, Watanabe K, Torkelson C, Valleur JL, Radosevich DM. The TU-025 keishibukuryogan clinical trial for hot flash management in postmenopausal women: results and lessons for future research. Menopause. (2011) 18:886–92. 10.1097/gme.0b013e31821643d9 [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

[j-o-h-n in reply to Aardvark4]

For Hot Flashes:

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Veozah. <--- for women

Brisdelle (paroxetine) Brisdelle is a brand-name prescription drug that contains paroxetine, an SSRI commonly used for treating depression. ...

Effexor XR (venlafaxine, extended-release) ...

Neurontin (gabapentin) ...<----I take this for my neuropathy and no hot flashes for me

Ditropan (oxybutynin) ...

Catapres (clonidine)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[Graham49]

It would be good if anybody with experience of using a medication for hot flushes posted.