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Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of Andropause -A Review
Andropause is a common disorder and has received widespread attention in aging male. Diagnosis of andropause is based on presence of symptoms of loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood disorders and low testosterone level. The real benefit of testosterone replacement therapy and short term and long term risks are not yet available.
The purpose of this paper is to review the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine based on clinical studies. It may provide an adjuvant or alternative treatment to conventional treatment.
Methods:
Literature searches were conducted in two electronic databases: PubMed and Cnki (a Chinese scientific periodical database). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involved in the Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment of Andropause were included in this review. Case series and case study were excluded. This review is limited to articles in Chinese and English language.
Results:
13 papers met our inclusion criteria. All of them compared the treatment efficacy of Chinese Herbal Formula, acupuncture, or integrated western medication to conventional medicine or placebo. Among these, 5 studies reported that traditional Chinese medicine treatment provided significant difference than conventional medicine. Seven studies showed that Traditional Chinese Medicine has same treatment result as conventional medicine. One study indicated that TCM is better than placebo treatment. The safety and adverse effects of Tradition Chinese Medicine in the treatment of Andropause was reported in only 2 studies.
Conclusion:
Based on our review, Traditional Chinese Medicine seems provides promising results for patients with Andropause. Further rigorous design, and large sample size RCTs are warranted to draw firm conclusions.
Key Words: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Andropause, Review
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionLearning Objectives:
Assess the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Andropause.
Keyword(s): Alternative and Complementary Health, Men’s Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the co-principle of multiple clinical studies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. And has been a faculty of College of Eastern Medicine affiliated with Southern California University of Health Sciences since 2004. I have been published papers on peer review journals and present oral/poster presentations internationally.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.