In the hormonal treatment of uterine myomas, which are estrogen dependent, GnRH agonist (GnRHa) therapy has become widespread. However, GnRHa therapy causes uncomfortable or harmful side effects such as climacteric symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Kampo (herbal) medicine to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by the GnRHa. Twenty-six patients with symptomatic uterine myoma were recruited, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. Leuprolide acetate depot 3.75mg (LA) as GnRHa was given with subcutaneous injection every four weeks for six months. After LA therapy was initiated, Toki-shakuyaku-san, Kami-shoyo-san, or Keishi-bukuryo-gan was given from the second month of treatment. Climacteric symptoms were evaluated with Simplified Menopausal Index, which was improved for Japanese women. In the present study, we found all three Kampo medicines were useful. In particular, Kami-shoyo-san was useful for climacteric symptoms induced by LA. Also, LA therapy combined with Keishi-bukuryo-gan had beneficial effects in uterine myomas. However, the precise mechanism by which results were achieved remains unclear. Therefore, further research may be necessary to evaluate the ability of Kampo medicines to diminish climacteric symptoms induced by GnRHa.

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) therapy for subfertile couples has become widespread. However, it has been reported that high frequency uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer influence adversely IVF-ET outcome. This article focuses on the methods of administration of shakuyakukanzoto combined with ET for subfertile women. 186 patients who underwent IVF-ET were recruited. 94 women undergoing IVF were randomly assigned to ET with shakuyakukanzoto for 4 days or 92 with no treatment. Background characteristics (age, number of embryo transferred, quality, and luteal function) were similar in the two groups. Pregnancy rate was 33.0% in the shakuyakukanzoto group as compared with 20.7% in the nontreated group. The increased pregnancy rate with shakuyakukanzoto compared with no treated was significant. However, the precise mechanism to explain for the results of this investigation remains to be unclear. Therefore, further research might be necessary to evaluate the effect of shakuyakukanzoto, at the time of ET.
Encounter due to In vitro fertilization ; shakuyaku-kanzoh-toh ; Embryo Transfer ; Shakuyaku ; Combined