[Effectiveness and safety of the treatment of menopausal syndrome with Cimicifuga racemosa dry extract].

OBJECTIVES Phytoestrogens could be an alternative method of the treatment of menopausal syndrome in women with contraindications to hormonal replacement therapy. DESIGN The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of the therapy with Cimicifuga racemosa dry extract. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty women aged mean 52.4 +/- 4.9 years with climacteric syndrome were treated with Cimicifuga racemosa dry extract in a dose of 40 mg a day during 6 months. Kupperman's Index, biochemical parameters and hormonal profile were estimated before and after 3 and 6 months of the therapy. RESULTS Mean values of Kuppermen's Index were decreased from 30.2 +/- 5.7 points before the therapy to 8.5 +/- 6.3 points after 3 months and to 2.6 +/- 2.1 points after 6 months of the therapy (p < 0.05). No statistical differences in biochemical parameters' concentrations and hormonal profile were observed. CONCLUSIONS Cimicifuga racemosa dry extract was an effective and safe therapy of climacteric women with contraindications to hormonal replacement therapy.