Current Status of Anti-Aging Medicine, Especially Involving Management of the Menopause, as a Component of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Korea

Recently, many developing countries have had changes in the composition of population and have become aging societies. Therefore, anti-aging medicine which is believed to have beneficial effect on the risk factors of geriatric associated diseases has been paid much attention. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely accepted by the general population, and is consequently known to account for a large share of health care costs in many countries.Hormone therapy (HT) is the gold standard to alleviate menopausal symptoms, but only 2.3% of Korean menopausal women are on HT. Many other women seek alternative means, including Korean traditional medicine, phytoestrogen-containing products such as black cohosh, soy (isoflavone), Dong quai, Ginseng, and evening primrose oil. Bioidential hormone therapy (BHT) is HT with individually compounded recipes of steroids in various doses. Its efficacy is yet to be confirmed and the risks of developing endometrial hyperplasia and breast cancer have been reported. Other CAM methods involving lifestyle and behavioral interventions include exercise, caloric restriction, weight reduction, and ‘mind-body medicine (homeopathy).’ Dermatologic, plastic, and ophthalmologic interventions have been introduced through the exhibition, as well.Physicians have ignored this novel trend of patients preference to ‘natural hormonal therapy,’ however, they should be aware of the pros and cons of CAM and be able to guide their patients to make right choices. Clinical trials, and the evaluation of every CAM practice should be undertaken.