University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing researchers are investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms in women who have breast cancer.

"For years, Western medicine has used hormone replacement therapy as the primary form of treatment for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, headaches, insomnia and anxiety," said Susan Cohen, DSN, APRN, principal investigator and associate professor at the school's department of health promotion and development. "It is thought by many that alternative therapies may be a safer way to treat the physical complaints of women with menopause, especially breast cancer survivors."

Acupuncture points are thought to stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins. And Cohen, a Pennsylvania State Nurses Association member, believes that acupuncture could be a possible remedy for menopausal women.

Funded by the National Cancer Institute, her study will divide participants into three groups: one will receive menopause specific acupuncture, one will receive non-menopause specific acupuncture, and one will receive usual care. Participants receiving acupuncture will have 12 treatments, and those in the usual care group will attend educational sessions where they will learn about non-hormonal menopausal symptom management strategies and healthy living.

The study will continue through 2004.

From Healthy.net