Kampo therapy for premenstrual syndrome: efficacy of Kamishoyosan quantified using the second derivative of the fingertip photoplethysmogram.

Aim: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects 40-80% of women. Japanese herbal medicine, known as Kampo, is frequently prescribed for PMS, so we examined the efficacy of Kamishoyosan using two methods: first, the second derivative of the fingertip photoplethysmogram (SDPTG) evaluating vascular age (VA), and second, a self-assessment questionnaire on subjective symptoms.

Methods: The SDPTG was recorded in 45 patients with PMS (mean +/- SD = 32 +/- 6 years of age) before (0 M), on the first (1 M) and third (3 M) month of therapy.

An assessment of bone mineral density in patients with Addison's disease and isolated ACTH deficiency treated with glucocorticoid.

Glucocorticoid replacement therapy needs to be tailored to individual patient's requirements in order to avoid risk of over or under medication. We measured bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine using dual X-ray absorptiometory in 10 patients with Addison's disease and 5 patients with isolated ACTH deficiency receiving glucocorticoid replacement therapy. We also examined the effect of glucocorticoid replacement on BMD.