Estro G-100 herbal extract and hot flashes in postmenopausal women: A randomized double-blinded controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of EstroG-100 herbal extract on hot flashes in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed on postmenopausal women recruited from two university hospitals complaining of hot flashes. The intervention group received two extract capsules (daily for 12 weeks), and the control group received two placebo capsules (daily for 12 weeks). Finally, the frequency and severity of hot flashes (F&S) were subjectively reported and compared weekly during the treatment for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Out of 120 randomized participants, 35 entered the final analysis for each group. In the third week, participants of the control group significantly reported more moderate hot flashes than other group (MD=1.00, P = 0.004). However, in terms of mild (MD=0.74, P = 0.057) and severe (MD=0.60, P = 0.064) hot flashes, the groups did not differ. In the sixth week, mild (MD=1.51, P<0.001), moderate (MD=1.54, P<0.001), and severe (MD=1.22, P<0.001) hot flashes were significantly reported more in the control group compared with another group. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that EstroG-100 herbal extract could improve hot flashes in postmenopausal women.

Stimulant use in medical students and residents requires more careful attention.

BACKGROUND: Stimulant pharmaceuticals are abused among academic students to elevate mood, improve studying, intellectual capacity, memory and concentration, and increase wakefulness. This study was designed to evaluate the current situation of stimulant use among medical students and residents of Babol University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 medical students and clinical residents of Babol University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2014-2015. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-four (79.3%) students filled out the questionnaires. 49 (11%) individuals reported amphetamine and methylphenidate (ritalin) use. The mean age of the stimulant drug users was 24.6±4.8 years. The main initiator factor was to improve concentration (29 persons; 59.2%). There were significant statistical correlations between stimulant drugs abuse and male gender, living in dormitor in residence and internship and past medical history of psychiatric disorders (depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and substance abuse) (p<0.05).16 (32%) students started the drug use on their friends' advice; 15 (30%) due to self-medication and 12 (24%) persons with physician´s prescription. CONCLUSIONS: Because of significant prevalence of stimulant use, regulatory governmental policies and also planning to improve essential life skills, awareness about the side effects and complications of these drugs, screening of at-risk college students and early identification of the abusers are suggested.