Menopause Health Article

Herbs

Herbs have been used to relieve menopausal symptoms for centuries. Women who choose to take herbs for menopausal symptoms should learn as much as possible about herbs and work with a qualified practitioner (an herbalist, a traditional Chinese doctor, or a naturopathic physician).

The following list of herbs include those that herbalists recommend to treat menopausal symptoms:

• black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): shown to reduce hot flashes, other menstrual complaints at a recommended dose of 20 mg twice daily
• black currant: breast tenderness
• chaste tree/chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): hot flashes, excessive menstrual bleeding, moodiness
• chickweed (Stellaria media): hot flashes
• evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness
• fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): hot flashes, digestive gas, bloating
• flaxseed (linseed): excessive menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, and other symptoms, including dry skin and vaginal dryness
• ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): memory problems
• ginseng (Panax ginseng): hot flashes, fatigue, vaginal thinning
• hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata): memory problems, fuzzy thinking
• horsetail (Equisetum arvense): osteoporosis
• lady's mantle: excessive menstrual bleeding
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root: general menopausal symptoms
• Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) root: vaginal dryness, hot flashes, general menopause symptoms
• motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): night sweats, hot flashes
• oat (Avena sativa) straw: mood swings, anxiety
• passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): insomnia, pain
• raspberry leaf: normalizes hormonal system
• sage (Salvia officinalis): mood swings, headaches, night sweats
• skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): insomnia
• sesame oil: vaginal dryness (applied topically)
• valerian (Valeriana officinalis): insomnia
• violet (Viola odorata): hot flashes.

Phytoestrogens

Proponents of plant estrogens (including soy products) believe that phytoestrogens are better than synthetic estrogen, but this has not been proven. The results of small preliminary trials suggest that the estrogen compounds in soy products can relieve the severity of hot flashes and lower cholesterol. It has not been proven that soy can provide all the benefits of synthetic estrogen without its negative effects.

Women in other countries who eat foods high in plant estrogens (especially soy products) have lower rates of breast cancer and report fewer symptoms of menopause. While up to 80% of menopausal women in the United States complain of hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, only 15% of Japanese women have similar complaints. When all other things are equal, a soy-based diet may make a difference (and soy is very high in plant estrogens). One study showed positive effects from soy, but they only lasted about six weeks.

Several studies have shown that a black cohosh extract (Remifemin) relieved menopausal symptoms as well as or better than estrogen and that it showed the greatest promise among alternative treatments. Side effects were rare. Flaxseeds also are a good source of phytoestrogens. Other sources include red clover leaf, licorice, wild yam, chick peas, pinto beans, french beans, lima beans, and pomegranates. In 2003, red clover leaf was thought to offer relief for hot flashes, but in two short clinical trials, it failed to demonstrate hot flash relief.

Herbal practitioners recommend a dose based on a woman's history, body size, lifestyle, diet, and reported symptoms. In one study at Bowman-Gray Medical School in North Carolina, women were able to ease their symptoms by eating a large amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, together with 4 oz of tofu four times a week.

Many women think that natural or plant-based means harmless. In large doses, phytoestrogens can promote the abnormal growth of cells in the uterine lining. Unopposed estrogen of any type can lead to endometrial cancer. However, a plant-based progesterone product sometimes can be effective alone, without estrogen, in assisting the menopausal woman in rebalancing her hormonal action throughout this transition time.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for menopausal symptoms have been clinically successful. For best results, the patient should consult a homeopathic physician. However, the following remedies can be tried to alleviate specific groups of symptoms:

• lachesis: hot flashes, irritability, talkativeness, tightness around abdomen, dizziness, fainting
• sepia: bleeding between periods, chilliness, tearfulness, withdrawal from loved ones, sinking feeling in stomach
• pulsatilla: tearfulness, thirstless, feels better with others, avoids heat, hot flashes, varicose veins, hemorrhoids
• sulfur: philosophical personality, feeling hot, itching and burning of vagina and rectum
• lycopodium: low self esteem, bloated after eating, infrequent menstruation, low blood sugar, weak digestion, belching
• Argentum nitricum: gas, indigestion, craving for sweets and chocolate, panic attacks, fear of crossing bridges
• Magnesium phosphoricum: severe cramping
• transitional formula: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, skin-crawling sensation
• women's formula: perimenopause, PMS, irregular cycles, infertility, absent or excessive bleeding, menopausal discomfort
• vital formula: anxiety, headaches, palpitations, PMS, mood swings