Loss of ovarian function by the treatment for gynecological
malignancy results in a drastic decrease of
estrogen causing physical and mental symptoms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Japanese
Kampo Kamikihito (
KKT) and Kamishoyosan (KSS) on menopausal symptoms in gynecological
cancer patients. Patients who had menopausal symptoms after gynecologic
malignancy treatment were enrolled and randomly divided into a
KKT or a KSS group. Kupperman Menopausal Index (KI) questionnaires were obtained before
tumor treatment, at baseline, and at 4 and 8 weeks. Changes in KI scores and severity of each symptom were evaluated. A total of 33 patients were enrolled: 18 in the
KKT group and 15 in the KSS group. The KI scores significantly decreased at 4 and 8 weeks compared with baseline in both groups. Although no significant difference was found in change in KI scores between the
KKT and KSS groups, efficacy showed some differences. Both
KKT and KSS were effective for
insomnia,
vertigo, and palpitation. KSS was also effective for vasomotor symptoms and
arthralgia/
myalgia. In conclusion, both
KKT and KSS were effective for menopausal symptoms in patients after gynecological
tumor treatment. Tailor-made
Kampo therapy may contribute to improve patients' physical and mental symptoms.