OSU study on relief for women with menopause

It's a change every woman goes through, but millions are plagued with severe symptoms during menopause. <br/><br/>OSU is one of only two universities in the nation conducting a study on how to provide

Friday, January 28th 2005, 10:11 am

By: News On 6

It's a change every woman goes through, but millions are plagued with severe symptoms during menopause.

OSU is one of only two universities in the nation conducting a study on how to provide relief without the dangers of artificial hormones.

The News on Six's Heather Lewin has more on what doctors say you can take and stay safe.

Kay Archambo: "I would go through hot flashes probably 6-7 times between the day and the nighttime." After years on Hormone Replacement therapy, Kay Archambo was still dealing with symptoms disrupting her daily life. "Sometimes it was very embarrassing, because we could be somewhere and if I didn't have something to fan myself with you could see the perspiration."

After the risks of HRT came to light, an increased chance of breast cancer, heart disease and stroke, Archambo stopped the treatments and was lost, until she joined the herbal study. Now she wants to help others. â€œI think a lot of women get out there and they don't know what to do."

That was the case for 52-year old Celia Ferguson. Afraid of the risks of hormones, she took nothing and simply suffered. "I used to have em 15 times a day. I would count them and it would last at least a minute. At night it was horrible." After just a few weeks on herbal supplements, both women said their symptoms disappeared, with no side effects.

The herbal supplements used in the study are already available over the counter. Dr Gerald Wootan says just look for one with Black Cohosh as the main ingredient. So if they're already out, why investigate further? Supplements don't have to be FDA approved and organizers want scientific proof this works. â€œThere is a great skepticism about doing anything that's not prescription today and even though the research data is overwhelming in many areas that natural products actually do a better job. There's still a strong bias against doing things naturally." It's one he hopes to change, by joining the OSU project.

The women in the study say the herbs are improving men's lives as well. Kay Archambo: "He says its wonderful now, he says at times it wasn't easy to live with me because I was such a grump, but now he says it's much nicer."

OSU is still looking for women between the ages of 35 and 75.The study now includes the Tulsa area as well.

For more information, call the research study line at 405-880-6902.