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Homeopathy 2003; 92(03): 131-134
DOI: 10.1016/S1475-4916(03)00035-3
Original Paper
Copyright ©The Faculty of Homeopathy 2003

The homeopathic approach to the treatment of symptoms of oestrogen withdrawal in breast cancer patients. A prospective observational study

E.A Thompson
,
D Reilly
Further Information

Publication History

Received25 September 2002
revised06 January 2003

accepted24 March 2003

Publication Date:
21 December 2017 (online)

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Abstract

This paper reports on an investigation of the homeopathic approach to the management of symptoms of oestrogen withdrawal in women with breast cancer. Forty-five patients entered the study. The most common presenting symptoms were hot flushes (HF) ( n = 38), mood disturbance ( n = 23), joint pain ( n = 12), and fatigue ( n = 16). Other symptoms included sleeplessness, reduced libido, weight gain, cystitis, vaginal dryness and skin eruptions. The active intervention was an individualised homeopathic medicine. Forty women (89%) completed the study. Significant improvements in mean symptom scores were seen over the study period and for the primary end-point ‘the effect on daily living’ scores. Symptoms other than HF such as fatigue and mood disturbance appear to be helped. Significant improvements in anxiety, depression and quality of life were demonstrated over the study period. The homeopathic approach appears to be clinically useful in the management of oestrogen withdrawal symptoms in women with breast cancer whether on or off Tamoxifen and improves mood disturbance. A placebo-controlled trial would be the next stage in this line of inquiry.

Keywords

homeopathy - symptoms of oestrogen withdrawal - breast cancer
 

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