The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the Kampo medicine saikokeishito before and after treatment in postmenopausal women having various complains followed by a comparison of their effects. From April 2002 to March 2012, thirty-five (35) cases of HRT and eighteen cases of saikokeishito were evaluated by follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Kupperman index, the self-rating questionnaire for depression (SRQ-D) and also various respective climacteric complaints such as hot flush, sweating, cold sensation, excitation, palpitation, stiffness in the shoulders and insomnia. While HRT was significantly more effective than saikokeishito by Kupperman index, hot flush and sweating (p < 0.05), saikokeishito was more than HRT in excitation, stiffness in the shoulders, insomnia significantly (p < 0.05) and also palpitation (p < 0.01). Although Kupperman index and SRQ-D were decreased significantly by HRT (p < 0.01) and saikokeishito (p < 0.05) over three months, HRT was significantly (p < 0.01) more effective than saikokeishito by Kupperman index and SRQ-D.
These results suggested that although HRT and saikokeishito were both effective for climacteric complains, they had many differentiated efficacies in each treatment. Therefore saikokeishito was favorable in women in whom HRT is contraindicated or undesirable. We posit that serious climacteric symptoms with somatic disorders should be treated with HRT. On the other hand, saikokeishito is indicated in psychological disorders.