Chinese herbs relieve side effects of endometriosis treatment

Washington, July 8 (ANI): Chinese herbs have been found to be effective in relieving side effects of the endometriosis treatment, say researchers.

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disorder affecting as many as one in six women of reproductive age.

It can cause pelvic pain, irregular and painful periods, and infertility.

A systematic review by Cochrane researchers has shown that women experienced significant benefits after laparoscopic surgery.

The women also suffered fewer adverse effects if they were given Chinese herbs, compared with conventional drug treatments.

The researchers reviewed two trials, which together focused on a total of 158 women.

In one trial, Chinese herbal medicine provided symptomatic relief comparable to that provided by the hormonal drug gestrinone, but with fewer side effects.

In the other trial, CHM was more effective than the hormonal drug danazol, and also resulted in fewer side effects.

"These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis, but at present we don't have enough evidence to generalize the results," said lead researcher Andrew Flower of the Complementary Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southampton in the UK. (ANI)