Effect of Vitex on hot flash of menopausal women referred to health center of Isfahan

Menopause is a period in women’s lives that is accompanied with outcomes and effects which can adversely affect on the quality of life and weaken well-being. The most widely recognized outcome of menopause is hot flash that adversely affects on work, social activities, enjoying life, sleep, and- in sum- total quality of living. The common treatment of this symptom is hormone treatment (HRT) which has some adverse effects and sometimes some contraindications. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of Vitex on hot flash.

This double –blind and clinical trial was performed on 54 women with hot flash aged between 45 and 55 years in Isfahan in 2002, which had been referred for treatment. The population was randomly divided into 2 groups: 1) taking Vitex 2) control group, taking placebos. Data collection was done through interviews and a questionnaire considering demographic and hot flash characteristics (using Kupperman Index), which was filled out for each woman. Hot flash was assessed in three stages. The obtained data was analysed by means of SPSS software, descriptive and inferential statistics and P≤0.05 was taken as the significant level.

It was found that there was a significant difference in severity of hot flash before and after treatment in vitex group (P<0.012).While the difference was not significant after treatment in the placebo group. (P>0.05).Comparing the two groups with respect to severity of hot flash after treatment revealed a significant statistical difference (P<0.05) though the difference was not significant before treatment.

Vitex can act as an alternative in treating menopausal hot flash particularly in those who cannot safely bear hormonal treatment.