Advances in Nursing & Midwifery

Abstract

Background and aim

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly administered for vasomotor symptoms of menopause. However, its utilization has been under uncertainty because of its carcinogenesis and side effects. Currently, one of the alternative methods in this regard is relaxation techniques.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted to compare the effects of HRT with relaxation techniques on vasomotor symptoms of menopausal women.

Materials and methods

90 women with vasomotor symptoms were first selected by convenience sampling method and then randomly divided into 3 HRT, relaxation technique and control groups. No intervention was performed in the control group. Data were collected with a questionnaire by interviewing the subjects.

Findings

No significant difference was found between the groups in the severity of the symptoms before the interventions. Both relaxation techniques and HRT decreased the symptoms. All symptoms except vertigo, weakness and lack of energy were significantly reduced in the HRT group compared with the control group. The same happened in the relaxation technique group compared with the control group. Although both HRT and relaxation were effective on vasomotor symptoms, the former seems more effective on the frequency of flushing.

Conclusion

HRT and relaxation techniques are both effective on the management of vasomotor symptoms. Therefore, in case of contraindication for hormones or reluctance of clients, relaxation techniques can be replaced.

Keywords: Relaxation techniques, Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Vasomotor symptoms,

                  Menopause.