Vascular Effect of CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA

Vascular Effect of CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA Versus Placebo Evaluated by Flow Mediated Dilatation of Brachial Artery (CRDILA)

Postmenopausal women with vascular symptoms will use Cimifuga Racemosa or Placebo and the effects will be evaluated using Flow-Mediated Dilatation of the brachial artery.

The interruption of the secretion of ovarian steroids after menopause, determines a change in the vascular pattern in several levels. Thus, several vascular effects might interfere with women's health. The use of hormone replacement therapy has contributed to the improvement in these effects. In previous studies, the investigators observed the effects of hormonal replacement therapy in improving such effects in postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA on the Flow-Mediated Dilatation of the brachial artery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women with postmenopausal vascular symptoms
• Women without menstrual cycles within the last 12 months and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) > 30 International Units(IU)/Litre
• Women that were not using drugs with potential vascular effect within the last 1 year
• Women that were not using hormone replacement therapy within the last 1 year

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking
• Blood Pressure > 160/90 mm Hg.
• Breast and or endometrial cancer
• History of acute myocardial infarction
• Diabetes
• Vaginal bleeding of any origin
• Hepatic disease
• Thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders