Alternative therapies for menopausal symptom care: outlining possibilities and challenges

Objective: The study's goal has been to analyze the main alternative therapies that might reduce the menopause symptoms, as well as to present the challenges faced by nursing professionals dealing with it. Methods: It is an integrative literature review, having a descriptive and exploratory approach. There were used the following databases: the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) [Latin-American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences]. There were found 145 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes) stages. Results: The main alternative therapies identified were as follows: physical exercise, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, medicinal plants, yoga and guided imagery. Each of the indicated modalities of therapy has positive benefits in reducing the menopause symptoms. Nurses play a significant role towards adherence and fulfilment of alternative therapies, but there is still excessive unawareness about how to carry out such practices. Conclusion: It is important to include teaching and qualification in alternative therapies within university education and programs of permanent education in collective health