Rehmannia for Amenorrhea? Chinese Herbs & Antipsychotic Side Effects
Quick Summary: Research suggests traditional Chinese herbal medicine, including the herb Rehmannia glutinosa, may help women regain their periods after they've stopped due to antipsychotic medications. The study found a high success rate, but it takes several months to see results.
What The Research Found
This study looked at existing research on using Chinese herbal medicine to treat amenorrhea (loss of periods) caused by antipsychotic drugs. The analysis found that these herbal treatments were effective in about 91% of cases. Rehmannia glutinosa (processed as Shudihuang) was one of the most common herbs used in these treatments. However, it's important to know that it usually takes over three months of treatment to see a positive effect.
Study Details
- Who was studied: The research looked at existing studies, not new patients. The studies included women experiencing amenorrhea due to antipsychotic medications.
- How long: The treatment duration varied, but most studies showed results after at least three months of herbal medicine use.
- What they took: The women in the studies took a combination of Chinese herbs, including Rehmannia glutinosa. The specific dosage of Rehmannia was not reported.
What This Means For You
If you've stopped having periods due to antipsychotic medication, this research suggests that traditional Chinese herbal medicine, including Rehmannia, might be a helpful option. However:
- Talk to your doctor: Always discuss any herbal treatments with your doctor, especially if you're taking other medications.
- Be patient: It can take several months to see results.
- It's not a quick fix: This research doesn't provide a quick solution. It's a long-term treatment approach.
Study Limitations
- More research needed: The study looked at existing research, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.
- Combination of herbs: The herbs were used in combination, so it's hard to know how much Rehmannia alone contributed to the results.
- No safety data: The study did not analyze the safety of the herbal treatments.
- No specific dosage: The exact dosage of Rehmannia used in the studies was not reported.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
This meta-analysis found that traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM), including Rehmannia glutinosa (processed as Shudihuang), demonstrated an overall effectiveness of 91% (95% CI: 89–93%) in treating antipsychotic drug-induced amenorrhea. However, the treatment duration required to achieve this effect was typically over three months, highlighting a major limitation. Rehmannia was among the most commonly used herbs in the reviewed studies, though it was administered as part of multi-herb formulations rather than in isolation.
Study Design
The study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of single-arm clinical trials (no control groups). Researchers screened 912 publications across 11 Chinese and 13 English databases, ultimately including 18 articles. The analysis focused on pooled response rates using a random-effects model. Sample sizes and specific trial durations were not detailed in the summary, but the inclusion criteria excluded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) due to inconsistent control groups and studies combining TCHM with other drugs.
Dosage & Administration
Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudihuang) was used as part of standardized TCHM formulas, but specific dosages for Rehmannia alone were not reported. The administration method (e.g., decoction, pill) and duration of treatment varied across studies, though most required ≥3 months to observe menstrual resumption. Other common herbs included Danggui, Chuanxiong, and Baishao, suggesting synergistic effects rather than isolated Rehmannia efficacy.
Results & Efficacy
The primary outcome was the resumption of menstrual cycling. TCHM showed a high pooled effectiveness rate of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89–0.93, p < 0.001), indicating strong statistical significance. However, the analysis relied on single-arm studies without comparative controls, limiting the ability to attribute efficacy solely to TCHM or individual herbs like Rehmannia. The long treatment duration (≥3 months) raises concerns about practicality and patient adherence.
Limitations
- Lack of RCTs: Exclusion of RCTs due to inconsistent control groups weakened causal inferences.
- Combination therapy: Rehmannia’s specific contribution to efficacy could not be isolated.
- Heterogeneity: Variability in study designs, herbal formulations, and patient populations (demographics unspecified) may affect generalizability.
- Publication bias: Only studies in Chinese and English databases were reviewed.
- No safety data: Adverse effects or hormonal mechanisms (e.g., prolactin levels) were not analyzed.
Clinical Relevance
For individuals experiencing antipsychotic-induced amenorrhea, this study suggests TCHM—including Rehmannia—may support menstrual recovery, though effects take ≥3 months to manifest. However, the absence of controlled trials means these results should be interpreted cautiously. Users should consult healthcare providers before combining TCHM with psychiatric medications, as herb-drug interactions are possible. Future research should prioritize RCTs to clarify Rehmannia’s role and optimize treatment protocols.
Note: The study did not specify participant demographics (e.g., age, ethnicity) or antipsychotic types, limiting applicability to broader populations.
Original Study Reference
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine in treating amenorrhea caused by antipsychotic drugs: Meta-analysis and systematic review.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2022
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 35101572)
