Herbs used in obstetrics and gynaecology.

This fifth article in the series looks at the long tradition of using herbal treatment for managing complications during pregnancy and with the menstrual cycle. Despite widespread use there has been surprisingly little research into the outcomes or the potential risks of using herbal therapies during pregnancy. Similarly phytoestrogens have become one of the fashionable areas of herbal treatment, although with remarkably little evidence of benefit. Studies have been carried out to assess their effectiveness in cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis but not their effect on irregularities of menstruation. Current herbal treatment in this area comes from traditional use, laboratory work and a lack of adequate clinical trials make it impossible to suggest which remedies may be of benefit.