M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Menopause is the natural or iatrogenic termination of menstrual periods as a result of decreasing ovarian function. Natural menopause begins when menstrual periods have been absent for one year (Beers et al., 2006). The Climacteric is the period which encompasses the transition from the reproductive state to the non-reproductive state. Menopause, therefore, is a specific event that takes place during the climacteric (Collins et al., 2010). The symptoms are usually treated conventionally with Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), but a large number of adverse side-effects are associated with its use (Harvey and Champe., 2009). De Schepper (2001) states that the true Homoeopathic Similimum strengthens a person’s vital force which results in the improvement of disease symptoms. Barton (2008) states that it is very difficult to accurately find the Homoeopathic Similimum for each case; therefore, Grant Bentley and his team have worked to develop a system of analysis, to facilitate the identification of the Similimum for each case. The Grant Bentley Method requires photography of the face and analysis of the facial features necessary to ascertain the miasmatic category into which the participant falls (Barton, 2008). There is no research verifying the effectiveness of this method in the treatment of climacteric symptoms. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of the Homoeopathic Similimum, using the Grant Bentley-method, on Climacteric symptoms. The study was carried out in the form of case studies over a twelve week period. Eleven females, between the ages of forty and sixty-five years, who were experiencing climacteric symptoms and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited, using purposive sampling, by placing advertisements (Appendix A) in local newspapers, pharmacies and medical practices in the Vanderbijlpark area and at the Doornfontein Campus of the University of Johannesburg. The process of the study was explained to the participants and consent forms were signed (Appendix C and D). Participants, with the researcher’s help, completed a Suitability Criteria Questionnaire (Appendix B). During the first consultation the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) (Appendix E and F) was completed and evaluated (Appendix G). The Homoeopathic case studies took the form of one-on-one conversations in order to complete a Case Taking Form (Appendix I) and incorporated a relevant physical examination and a Grant Bentley Evaluation of each participant’s facial features from which their miasmatic categories were determined (Appendix H). The participant’s case information was examined in accordance with the principles of homoeopathic classical prescribing, based on the entirety of symptoms. From this process the similimum was determined and given according to homoeopathic principles...

M.Tech. / Premenstrual syndrome affects millions of premenopausal women and has been described as one of the most common disorders in women. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as the cyclic recurrence of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, food cravings, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches during the luteal phase (from day fourteen to day one) of the menstrual cycle (Nel, 1995). PMS has been estimated to affect 75% of women of reproductive age, and there are no optimal conventional treatment options available (Steiner et al., 2006). Research has found an increased incidence of PMS in black women (Deuster et al., 1999). Due to the high number of women suffering from PMS and side-effects of conventional medicine, a safe alternative treatment for PMS is required. The homoeopathic similimum method involves prescribing one remedy at a time in optimal potency and repetition based on the totality of the individual patient’s mental, emotional and physical symptoms (Vithoulkas, 1985).

M.Tech. / Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactoral disorder of the gastrointestinal tract causing disturbances in gastric motility, resulting in abdominal pain, bloating and abnormal bowel movements. It is defined as a 'disorder of gut function in the absence of structural pathology' (Palmer et a!, 2002). It is the most commonly encountered functional gastrointestinal disorder in the primary and secondary health care system with a prevalence in the general population of five to twenty percent (Bellini et a!, 2005). No definite aetiological factor has been isolated, but factors such as psychological stress, anxiety and depression, certain dietary intolerances, increase in abnormal sensitivity to visceral distension, and hormonal changes in women have been implicated in compounding the symptoms of IBS (Ohman & Simren, 2007). Current treatment regimes include dietary changes and symptomatic relief using allopathic medications, which come with the risk of side-effects and may lead to dependency (University of Maryland Medical Center, 2007). Homoeopathic studies which have addressed the physical symptoms as well as the psychological contributing factors associated with IBS, have recorded favourable results when treating this syndrome (Mathie & Robinson, 2006).The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of Homoeopathic Similimum treatment in IBS. In order to recruit volunteers, this study was advertised in local newspapers, pharmacies and at the University of Johannesburg's Doornfontein Campus. Volunteers completed the Rome III Criteria evaluation to determine their suitability for this study, with the likelihood of any other bowel pathology having been excluded. Ten suitable female volunteers, ranging in age from twenty to thirty five, were selected having met the inclusion criteria. Over a period of three months, each participant partook in four homoeopathic consultations. The initial consultation involved the completion of the information and consent form, an explanation of the research procedures, general well-being and general symptom rating questionnaires were completed, a full homoeopathic case history was taken, and a physical examination was performed. A baseline of four weeks without treatment followed. Participants were requested to complete daily symptom rating scales and keep a daily food diary in the four weeks between consultations. This was continued throughout the study period. The subsequent follow-ups, of which there were three, consisted of a follow-up on the initial consultation, completion of general well-being and symptom rating questionnaire, and a physical examination. A homoeopathic similimum remedy was chosen based on each participant's unique symptoms. Using physical, mental, and emotional symptoms in accordance with classical homoeopathic principles, a single remedy that most suited the individual was chosen and prescribed. It was predicted that the study would provide an alternative and safe treatment option to relieve the symptoms ofiBS. The results of the study showed that the homoeopathic similimum remedy does not provide a statistically significant improvement in the symptoms of IBS. Clinically, however, most participants experienced a general trend of improvement in physical symptoms and general well-being .