Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Some plants and herbs contain compounds called phytoestrogens that mimic a woman's own estrogen in a mild way, helping to prevent some of the symptoms and risks associated with menopause.

Soybean products such as tofu, tempeh, and roasted soy nuts are rich in phytoestrogens. Women in Asian cultures who consume large amounts of soy foods do not experience hot flashes, nor does their rate of osteoporosis and heart disease rise dramatically with menopause, as it does in the United States Although you probably can't grow enough soybeans to make tofu, there are other plants and herbs that can be useful.

Licorice has estrogenic effects and is successfully used to treat menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh, alfalfa, and red clover contain phytoestrogens, too. Hot flashes may diminish with the regular use of one or more of these herbs.

Eighty milligrams per day of black cohosh extract, taken in divided doses, is beneficial to some women. Oregon grape and dandelion root are two other herbs that some claim help to reduce hot flashes, but this has not yet been confirmed.

It was thought for some time that wild yam contained a substance similar to progesterone, a female hormone. Unfortunately, the compound it does contain cannot be converted into the needed hormone in the body. However, in the laboratory a progesteronelike substance can be made from wild yam and may be useful for retaining bone density and relieving symptoms. Other wild yam compounds and their actions may be of benefit to menopausal women.

Lignans, which are a component of fiber, also act as phytoestrogens. Lignans are found in flax, whole grains, legumes, and some vegetables.

The vegetables in your garden can also contribute loads of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, both of which may help relieve hot flashes. Although most vegetables contain some vitamin C, those with large amounts include broccoli, beet greens, peppers, parsley, salad greens, citrus fruits, melons, berries, and apricots.

Bioflavonoids are also usually found in foods high in vitamin C. For instance, the white membrane on the outside of a peeled orange and the whitish ribs inside a bell pepper are extremely rich in bioflavonoids. Be sure to eat them rather than throw them away. Berries, including some not normally cultivated in a garden, contain helpful flavonoids. Hawthorn berries, elderberries, and bilberries are all rich in this substance.

Vitamins A and E, aloe vera, and calendula are recommended to counteract vaginal dryness. A solution of calendula can be used as a douche.

Chinese angelica, or dong quai, helps to balance postmenopausal hormones. It, too, reduces hot flash symptoms. Use tea, extract, tincture, or capsules. A common dose is 3-4 g per day.

If insomnia is one of your symptoms, try drinking a soothing cup of chamomile and valerian tea an hour or so before bedtime.

Some women find that gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid derived from evening primrose, borage, or currant seed oil, helps ease them through menopause. Licorice can elevate blood pressure unless it is deglycyrrhizinated. Do not use Chinese angelica if you are pregnant or nursing or during menstruation.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., the author nor publisher take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, including the use of natural or herbal remedies, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Use of these remedies in connection with over the counter or prescription medications can cause severe adverse reactions. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.