Cornelia von Hagens | PubMed Health

PubMed2006

[Complementary and alternative therapies for climacteric symptoms].

OBJECTIVE: Review on complementary and alternative therapies for climacteric symptoms. METHODS: Search for publications about complementary or alternative treatments for climacteric symptoms based on Cochrane Library and Medline (1966-2006) including the references from the identified clinical trials and reviews. RESULTS: Cimicifuga may influence climacteric symptoms, especially hot flushes. Results for phytoestrogens, hop and Salvia seem promising but are less convincing. St. John's wort is an option for the treatment of moderate depressive symptoms. Phytoestrogens seem to have some potential for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Results for the influence of lifestyle on hot flushes are conflicting, but interventions have demonstrated their use for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle modifications, Cimicifuga and phytoestrogens may relieve climacteric symptoms. Phytoestrogens and Cimicifuga should not be given to breast cancer survivors.

Acupuncture↗

PubMed2003

Cortisol and cortisone in human follicular fluid and serum and the outcome of IVF treatment.

BACKGROUND: The glucocorticoid status of ovarian follicular fluid has been linked to oocyte quality. The aim of this study was to examine whether the concentrations of cortisone and cortisol and their calculated ratios in the follicular fluid and serum samples are predictive of IVF outcome. METHODS: In the prospective study of 387 patients (420 treatment cycles) undergoing IVF treatment the concentrations of cortisone and cortisol were measured with specific assays, and their calculated ratios in the follicular fluid and serum samples obtained after ovarian stimulation and induced ovulation were determined. RESULTS: In 75 patients, treatment resulted in clinical pregnancy and was associated with significantly lower follicular cortisone (24+/-12 versus 29+/-16 nmol/l, P<0.002) and higher cortisol/cortisone ratio (7.24+/-2.22 versus 6.45+/-2.17 nmol/l, P<0.007). In addition, the ratios of serum cortisone and cortisol to follicular cortisone and cortisol were significantly higher in those women who became pregnant. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the follicular fluid glucocorticoid concentration resulting from the conditions in the circulation and the course of the intrafollicular cortisol-cortisone interconversion appear to play a role in the outcome of IVF.

Adult↗