Sydney scientists say a Chinese herbal preparation could alleviate the symptoms of menopause and improve bone mineralisation.

Complementary medicine researchers from the University of Western Sydney are about to start 100 women on a four-month trial of a combination of traditional Chinese herbs.

The herbs have been used through the ages as a treatment for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats caused by hormone fluctuations during the menopause, researcher Corinne Patching said.

"Seventy to 80 per cent of menopausal women suffer from these uncomfortable and embarrassing symptoms," Ms Patching said.

"We're hoping this research will contribute to finding a safe and clinically-proven option for women that can help them through menopause."

The herbs being put to the test also are said to encourage bones to retain their minerals, meaning they could help fight against osteoporosis.

"A number of the Chinese herbs have been reported to have a favorable effect on bone metabolism, especially bone formation," Ms Patching said.

"We want to clinically test this. Should the results prove promising, we will conduct further long-term studies."

The use of hormone replacement therapy dropped by two-thirds in 2002 after the international Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial found it carried a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

The use of alternative therapies to treat the symptoms of menopause almost tripled between 1993 and 2000.

"Significant numbers of Australian women are turning to complementary medicine to relieve their menopausal symptoms but until now there's been very little research done to test if it works," Ms Patching said.