A study of lavender and tea tree oils on postmenopausal FSH levels and hot flash severity

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1516-1516
Author(s):  
R. D. Cohn ◽  
C. Bornhauser ◽  
D. MacManus ◽  
M. Sadakane ◽  
W. Read
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Washout Period ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
The Body ◽  
Oil Products ◽  
Tea Tree Oil ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
Tea Tree ◽  
Estrogenic Effect ◽  
Estrogenic Effects

1516 Background: Products containing lavender and tea tree oil have been linked to prepubertal male gynecomastia.(N Engl J Med 356:479–485) This implies that these products may be phytoestrogens, or plant products with estrogenic effects. Exogenous estrogens increase the risk of developing breast cancer and could counteract benefit from adjuvant hormonal manipulations in women with a history of breast cancer. We designed a study to determine the effects of lavender and tea tree oil on healthy postmenopausal women's FSH as a means to determine the estrogenic effect of both products. Hot flashes are a side effect of decreased endogenous estrogen, and in this study we used hot flash severity as an additional assay of estrogenic effect. Methods: Lavender lotion and tea tree oil products were generously donated by The Body Shop. Nine healthy postmenopausal women suffering from hot flashes were asked to apply lavender lotion and tea tree oil according to product directions for a week each, with a washout period in between. Participants were menopausal with baseline FSH > 26 IU/mL. Serum FSH was obtained at baseline, after each lotion and after the washout period. Participants also recorded daily hot flash number and severity. Average daily hot flash severity was calculated for each patient during each period, with lotion use periods compared to Paired, 2-tailed T-tests were used to compare average hot flash severity for each participant as well as FSH values as compared to the baseline obtained before it. Results: Compliance was excellent. No significant differences were seen between time periods with either product for either measure. In no case did FSH dip to premenopausal levels. No indication of improvement in hot flash frequency or severity was seen. Conclusions: In our population, the lavender and tea tree oil products showed no estrogenic effects. This is similar to clinical trials of phytoestrogens, which as used by humans are not potent enough to affect FSH or hot flash severity. Both lotions can probably be used without increasing the risk of recurrent or de novo breast cancer. We intend one more study period in which participants will use a large daily amount of lavender lotion, again tracking hot flash severity and FSH. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Transdermal clonidine for ameliorating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes.

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
R M Goldberg ◽  
C L Loprinzi ◽  
J R O'Fallon ◽  
M H Veeder ◽  
A W Miser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Prospective Study ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Estrogen Therapy ◽  
Crossover Design ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
Mouth Dryness ◽  
History Of ◽  
Protocol Study

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of transdermal clonidine for alleviating tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS A randomized, double-blind, crossover design was used in this prospective study. Women with a history of breast cancer who were receiving tamoxifen and suffering from hot flashes were potentially eligible for this protocol study. RESULTS Clonidine did reduce hot-flash frequency to a degree that was statistically impressive (P < .0001), but clinically moderate (20% reduction from baseline). It also decreased hot-flash severity (P = .02, 10% reduction from baseline). Clonidine was related to increased mouth dryness (P < .001), constipation (P < .02), itchiness under the patch (P < .01), and drowsiness (P < .05). CONCLUSION Better means are needed to alleviate hot flashes among patients in whom estrogen therapy is contraindicated.

A double-blind, randomized cross-over trial of venlafaxine versus clonidine to treat hot flashes in breast cancer patients

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9083-9083
Author(s):  
C. Mom ◽  
C. Buijs ◽  
P. H. Willemse ◽  
H. Boezen ◽  
J. Maurer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
History Of ◽  
Loss Of Appetite ◽  
To Receive

9083 Background: Breast cancer patients who become postmenopausal due to their treatment can experience more frequent and severe hot flashes than healthy postmenopausal women. Estrogens are considered to be contra-indicated. Venlafaxine and clonidine are both used to alleviate hot flashes, with different side effects. This study compared side effects, efficacy and patient preference. Methods: In a double-blind, cross-over study women <60 years, with a history of breast cancer, and experiencing at least 14 hot flashes/week were randomized to receive venlafaxine 75 mg od (and placebo bid) for 8 weeks, followed by a 2 week wash-out period, and 8 weeks of clonidine 0.025 mg bid (and placebo od) or vice versa. Hot flash frequency and hot flash score (frequency × severity) were recorded in a diary and side effects were scored using a questionnaire during the 2nd and 8th week of both treatment periods, and these were compared to a baseline week. Results: Sixty patients were randomized to start with venlafaxine (n=30) and clonidine (n=30), 40 completed both treatment periods. Premature treatment discontinuation occurred in 15/59 patients during venlafaxine and in 5/53 during clonidine due to side effects (p<0.05). The main side effects of venlafaxine were nausea and headache, and of clonidine dry mouth. In the 8th week of treatment women reported more loss of appetite (24% vs 4%; p=0.03) and improved sleeping (55% vs 75%; p=0.03) with venlafaxine. A =50% reduction in hot flash score was found in 21 (49%) and 26 (55%) of the patients with venlafaxine and clonidine respectively (ns). The decrease in hot flash score was most marked in the first treatment period. At study completion 20 (33%) of the patients chose to continue clonidine, and 17 (29%) preferred venlafaxine (ns), whereas 23 (38%) declined further treatment. Conclusions: Venlafaxine and clonidine are both moderately and equally effective in the reduction of hot flashes. Side effects are the main reason for discontinuation, occurring more often during treatment with venlafaxine. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Thermoregulatory physiology of menopausal hot flashes: a review

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 1312-1324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fredi Kronenberg ◽  
John A. Downey
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Peripheral Circulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primate Model ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
Significant Research ◽  
Endogenous Rhythmicity ◽  
Thermoregulatory Function

Hot flashes during the climacteric years have long been a frequent clinical complaint, generally considered within the realm of the internist, gynecologist, or endocrinologist. Yet the underlying mechanism of hot flashes remains unknown. Only within the past 10 years has there been significant research on hot flashes as a disturbance of thermoregulation. This paper focuses on thermoregulatory aspects of hot flashes, reviewing current knowledge of the thermoregulatory physiology and endocrinology of hot flashes and discussing future avenues for research. Hot flashes are compared with fever in terms of thermoregulatory changes and speculated mechanisms. Although several substances in the peripheral circulation are found in increased concentrations during hot flashes, none is a trigger for a hot flash. The pattern of hot flash occurrence is striking in its regularity, and the possibility of endogenous rhythmicity is discussed. Recently, investigators have begun to explore a primate model of menopausal hot flashes. These studies are summarized. Finally, the multiple effects of estrogen on various systems of the body and their interrelationships are discussed. An understanding of the mechanism of hot flashes would not only be of importance to women suffering with hot flashes but would further our knowledge of thermoregulatory function and the interactions between thermoregulatory and reproductive systems.

Pilot evaluation of venlafaxine hydrochloride for the therapy of hot flashes in cancer survivors.

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 2377-2381 ◽  
Author(s):  
C L Loprinzi ◽  
T M Pisansky ◽  
R Fonseca ◽  
J A Sloan ◽  
K M Zahasky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Daily Diary ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

PURPOSE Hot flashes can be a prominent clinical problem for breast cancer survivors and men who undergo androgen-deprivation therapy. Anecdotal information suggested a low dose of a relatively new antidepressant, venlafaxine, could abrogate this clinical problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 28 consecutive assessable patients entered onto a phase II clinical trial. Hot flash data were collected by daily diary questionnaires during a 1-week baseline period and then for 4 weeks, during which time patients received venlafaxine 12.5 mg orally twice daily. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent of patients who completed the study had a greater than 50% reduction in hot flash scores (frequency times severity) during the fourth treatment week as compared with the baseline week. Median weekly hot flash scores were reduced by 55% from baseline during the fourth week of venlafaxine therapy. Therapy was generally well tolerated and appeared to alleviate fatigue, sweating, and trouble sleeping. CONCLUSION Venlafoxine appears to represent an efficacious new method to alleviate hot flashes. Further evaluation of this compound for alleviating hot flashes is indicated.

Internet based double-blind cross-over clinical trial to test efficacy of high dose isoflavone soy in controlling breast cancer survivor hot flashes

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 636-636 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. C. Dooley ◽  
C. Hendricks ◽  
Y. Gusev ◽  
L. Shockney
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivor ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Hot Flash

636 Background: Severe hot flashes are common after completion of allopathic breast cancer treatment. Hot flashes are rare in the Orient where high isoflavone soy diets are common. Methods: We enrolled breast cancer survivors experiencing hot flashes after the completion of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy into a 16 week double blind cross-over casein placebo controlled trial of a 160 mg isoflavone soy dietary supplement. Hot flash frequency, severity, and time of day, exercise time and patient journaling was recorded by an internet diary placed on a HIPPA compliant server with password access. Results: Of 168 patients enrolled, 117 actually participated in taking supplementation and completing internet diaries giving adequate data for analysis. Of this group 13 patients dropped out of study for failure to finish all dietary supplements throughout the study period. The hot flash data during the last 4 weeks on each supplement was compared to determine benefit. There was no statistical difference in hot flash frequency, intensity or duration between either supplement independent of exercise level. Interestingly, 82% of patients reported a decrease in hot flashes in the first 4 weeks of study independent of which supplement they were randomized to receive. The journal entries report during this “induction” period that the majority of patients had identified emotional or dietary or other triggers for their hot flashes. The avoidance of the triggers seemed to substantially reduce their reported menopausal symptoms. Conclusions: High dose soy isoflavone dietary supplementation is ineffective in reducing breast cancer survivor hot flashes. Journaling may have a benefit in allowing survivors to find their individual triggers for the most severe hot flashes. Internet patient data entry provides a unique and highly compliant tool for obtaining direct patient reporting in survivorship clinical trials. [Table: see text]

Comparison of Menopausal Symptoms During the First Year of Adjuvant Therapy With Either Exemestane or Tamoxifen in Early Breast Cancer: Report of a Tamoxifen Exemestane Adjuvant Multicenter Trial Substudy

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (30) ◽  
pp. 4765-4771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen E. Jones ◽  
James Cantrell ◽  
Svetislava Vukelja ◽  
John Pippen ◽  
Joyce O'Shaughnessy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Vaginal Bleeding ◽  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Hot Flash ◽  
Cancer Symptoms ◽  
Vaginal Dryness

Purpose Hormonal breast cancer treatment increases menopausal symptoms in women. This study investigated differences between the symptoms associated with either adjuvant tamoxifen or exemestane. Patients and Methods Ten common symptoms were assessed by self-report questionnaire administered to 1,614 consecutive patients at baseline and every 3 months during the first year of a double-blind, randomized trial of postmenopausal women with early hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. Symptoms were categorized as none, mild, moderate, or severe. A hot flash score was calculated at each time point. Symptoms were analyzed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Each time period was tested repeatedly against the baseline; an overall P value was assigned for each reported symptom. Results Compliance was excellent, with 7,286 questionnaires analyzed. Baseline symptom prevalence ranged from 2% (vaginal bleeding) to 60% to 70% (bone/muscle aches and low energy). There were no significant differences in vaginal bleeding, mood alteration, or low energy. Patients receiving tamoxifen had significantly more vaginal discharge (P < .0001). Exemestane patients reported more bone/muscle aches (P < .0001), vaginal dryness (P = .0004), and difficulty sleeping (P = .03). In both groups, the hot flash score peaked at 3 months and decreased thereafter. At 12 months, patients receiving tamoxifen had a significantly higher mean hot flash score (P = .03), with daily hot flashes increasing from baseline by 33% compared with a 7% increase from baseline with exemestane. Conclusion At 12 months, exemestane was associated with fewer hot flashes and less vaginal discharge than tamoxifen, but with more vaginal dryness, bone/muscle aches, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms were common in both groups.

Tea tree oil presents in vitro antitumor activity on breast cancer cells without cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts and on peripheral blood mononuclear cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 103 ◽  
pp. 1253-1261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Elias Assmann ◽  
Francine Carla Cadoná ◽  
Beatriz da Silva Rosa Bonadiman ◽  
Eduardo Bortoluzzi Dornelles ◽  
Gabriela Trevisan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Antitumor Activity ◽  
Breast Cancer Cells ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Tea Tree Oil ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Tea Tree ◽  
Blood Mononuclear Cells

Multicenter, Randomized, Cross-Over Clinical Trial of Venlafaxine Versus Gabapentin for the Management of Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (35) ◽  
pp. 5147-5152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Bordeleau ◽  
Kathleen I. Pritchard ◽  
Charles L. Loprinzi ◽  
Marguerite Ennis ◽  
Olivera Jugovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Patient Preference ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Hot Flashes ◽  
Baseline Period ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Group Sequential ◽  
Hot Flash

Purpose Nonhormonal pharmacologic interventions are recommended for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. Antidepressants and gabapentin have been shown to be both effective and well tolerated; however, it is not clear which is preferred. Patients and Methods This was a group-sequential, open-label, randomized, cross-over trial of 4 weeks of venlafaxine (37.5 mg daily for 7 days followed by 75 mg daily for 21 days) versus gabapentin (300 mg once per day for 3 days, then 300 mg twice per day for 3 days, then 300 mg three times per day for 22 days), with patient preference as the primary outcome. Postmenopausal women with at least 14 bothersome hot flashes per week for the prior month were eligible. A 2-week baseline period and a 2-week tapering/washout time was used before the first and second treatment periods, respectively. Diaries were used to measure hot flashes and potential toxicities throughout the study. Participants completed a preference questionnaire at the end of the study. A predefined Pocock stopping rule was applied. Patient preference and hot flash and toxicity outcomes were compared between treatments. Results Sixty-six patients were randomly assigned, 56 of whom provided a preference (eight dropped out and two had no preference); 18 (32%) preferred gabapentin and 38 (68%) preferred venlafaxine (P = .01). Both agents reduced hot flash scores to a similar extent (66% reduction). Venlafaxine was associated with increased nausea, appetite loss, constipation, and reduced negative mood changes compared with gabapentin, whereas gabapentin was associated with increased dizziness and appetite compared with venlafaxine (all P < .05). Conclusion Breast cancer survivors prefer venlafaxine over gabapentin for treating hot flashes.

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