Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
The climacteric describes the ongoing changes and symptoms, of the phase or transition
period that may last 15-20 years in a woman's lifecycle, when ovarian function and
hormonal production declines. Menopause is the permanent cessation of the menses,
identified retrospectively after one year without menses and occurs within this period of
climacteric (Bernstein et al. 1996). The most common symptoms of climacteric include
hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, nervousness, depressive moods, feelings of
vertigo, inability to concentration, joint pain, headache and heart palpitations. The most
commonly used allopathic medication to palliate these symptoms is hormone replacement
therapy (HRT). There are adverse side effects and risks associated with this treatment and
not all women feel better on HR.T (Stoppard, 2001).
The aim of this research study was to determine the efficacy of the Homoeopathic
complexes Dr Reckeweg RI0® and R20® (Homoeopathic complexes) in relieving the
symptoms of the climacteric.
The methodology and Ethics were accepted by Higher Degrees Committee and Academic
Ethics Committee on the 25 August 2008 (Ethical clearance no: 40/08).
Participants were recruited by advertisements (Appendix A) at the University of
Johannesburg, in health food shops and in pharmacies. This was a double blind, placebo
controlled study involving thirty-two participants who were divided into two matched
groups based on the severity of the menopausal symptoms. Volunteers were selected
. using the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria
completed the information and consent form (Appendix B), and a patient profile and case
history (Appendix C) were taken. The participants were randomly allocated to an
experimental or control group, and given sets of medication (Remedy A and B, 50ml
bottles) to take for a period of eight weeks (Appendix D). The participants took 10 drops
of Remedy A (R10® or placebo) in the morning and Remedy B (R20® or placebo) at
night. The participants were requested to complete the abbreviated Kupperman
Menopause Index (KMI) weekly. The abbreviated KMI (Appendix E) scores were added...