Role of Ayurveda treatment in the management of Menopause

Phase 2/3

Not yet recruiting

Conditions: MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

Registration Number: CTRI/2017/12/010831

Lead Sponsor: All India Institute of Ayurveda

Brief Summary: Menopause is one of the most important stages of life of a woman. It marks the cessation of menstruation leading to womenâ€™s aging process. In other words, it is the physiological cessation of the menstrual cycle associated with advancing age. It is a natural process that happens to every woman as she grows older and not a medical problem, disease or illness, even though it may appear so. As a result of an increase in life expectancy over the last few decades, women may live one third of their lives in post-menopause. While mentioning physiology of menstrual cycle in ayurvedic classics, it is mentioned that menstrual cycle permanently stops at the age of 50 years and also mentioned as a *kshaya* state and it is a *Vata* stage of life as per the dominance of *Doshas* in reference to the phases of life .Women in a reproductive phase of life having *Pitta* predominance terminates into a *Vata* phase of life and during this phase of life of a women she has a various anatomical and psychological symptoms too and the symptoms are described as menopausal syndrome in a modern medical science.

*Kshaya* of *raja* which can be known as *Rajonivritti* or Menopause is attained at the age of 50 years. Ayurveda links it with ageing. Ageing is a *Vata* predominant stage of life. Considering this stage as a generalized *Kshaya Avastha*, *Rasayana* therapy seems to be a treatment of choice, to nourish the *Dhatus*, prevents the ill effects of ageing, increase intelligence and body resistance and affects the body and mind in bringing out physical and psychological improvements.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the main treatment for the menopausal symptoms until the evidence from Womenâ€™s Health Initiative trial revealed potential risks of stroke and breast cancer in 2002. Concern regarding the adverse effects of HRT has led to demand for alternative therapies. Considering this, it has been planned to conduct a survey in different zones of Delhi, further conduct a clinical trial to evaluate impact of Ayurveda treatment regimen in countering the post menopausal symptoms and improve quality of life in such individuals.

Ayurvedic *Rasayana* therapy along with *Panchakarma* procedures alike *Abhyanga (Massage), Swedana (fomentation) and Shirodhara* may help in balancing the vitiated *Vata Dosha* and gives a feeling of well being. *Acharya Charaka* has clearly mentioned that in all *Vata Vikaras, Snehana* should be the first line of treatment. Beyond this, *Abhyanga* also helps to ease the stress and anxiety associated with menopause but also help to restore internal balance within both the mind and body. After *Abhyanga, Swedana* is administered. *Shirodhara* is a type of *Parisheka* among the *Murdha Taila*. The rationality behind using *Tarpana* or *Snehana (Massage)* in menopause is that it is the preferred treatment to control *Vata*, which plays the main role in creating pathology. Hence, to find out an effective solution of menopausal problems with least side effects, this Study has been planned with following aims and objectives.

Detailed Description: Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Not Yet Recruiting

Sex: Female

Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

Women fulfilling the diagnostic Criteria of menopausal syndrome 2.
Post menopausal women with symptoms of menopausal syndrome, who are willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

Post menopausal women who had previous exposure to therapies e.g. Yoga, and Panchkarma procedures taken within 3 months.
Post menopausal women who are undergoing hormonal replacement therapy.
Patients suffering from any major illness, e.g. Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiac disorders, Tuberculosis etc.
Patients having surgical menopause.

Study & Design

Study Type: Interventional

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Improvement in the symptoms as per the KI	21 days

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in Quality Of Life	81 days

Trial Locations

Locations (1): All India Institute of Ayurveda
🇮🇳
South, DELHI, India
All India Institute of Ayurveda
🇮🇳South, DELHI, India
Dr Kamini Dhiman
Principal investigator
8512813414
kd44ayu@yahoo.co.in