Experiences of Women in Turkey on Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Methods Against the Symptoms of Menopause: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficiency of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) applications that women have been using against the symptoms of menopause. Methods: The research was conducted in descriptive design with the women between the ages of 45 and 60 (n=629). A Questionnaire Form and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) were used in data collection process. Results: It was determined that women, who were aged 55 and over, were married, had at least 5-year education, and had chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension and had treatment for her diseases, obtained higher scores than the total of MRS and sub-dimensions of the scale at a statistically significant level (p<0.05); 52% of the sample stated that they benefited at least one of CAM methods to cope with menopausal complaints. The most commonly used methods were determined to be praying/worship (33.2%), massage (19.2%) and phytotherapy (14.8%) respectively. Conclusion: An increase in menopausal complaints were observed in various sub-dimensions of the used scale for those who benefited from praying/worship, massage applications and vitamin/mineral supplements while a decrease in menopausal complaints and an increase in life standards were observed for those who applied hydrotherapy, chiropractic, cup therapy, reflexology and osteopathy methods.