Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Women deal with their bodies changing all their lives. These changes often cause various side effects in them that lead to mood swings, heightened emotions, cramps, bloating, and many others. We could only hope to experience some type of relief as we get older, but no the changes still occur. Around our mid years of life (it's different for every woman) we get to experience going through menopause! Menopause another change of life is when a woman has not menstruated for one year and reached an end of the child bearing cycle. Cause for rejoicing! Well, maybe for some, but menopause can bring on some side effects that we would be happy to not experience. Let's discuss some of the changes cause our body to feel and how we can combat them with herbal remedies.

When a woman gets to the menopausal stage it brings along with it headaches, hot flashes, vaganial dryness, emotional changes (yup more of the mood swings, feel grouchy, worries, depressed, etc...there's no escaping), insomnia, irregular periods, problems thinking or remembering things clearly, and palpitations (feeling like your heart beat is too fast or uneven). These symptoms often last the first year sometimes getting worse until all our hormones can balance out and figure out what is going on (source 2). It is probably a good idea to visit your doctor if you are experiencing these things especially if they are causing you a great deal of discomfort. Your doctor will probably suggest or possibly prescribe something to help ease your symptoms. There are also alternative methods you can try of course taking these with medications might need a doctors consent so keep that in mind. I would like to share 10 herbal remedies that I have researched on the internet that may help to ease menopausal symptoms.

1. Black Cohosh is among the top of herbal treatments for menopause. Some research says that taking a high dosage or for than 6 months can be potentially harmful so you should consult with your doctor first. This herb has effects on the endocrine system which can help to reduce hot flashes, sweating, depressive moods, irritability, headaches, mood swings, sleep problems, and heart palpitations. This herb is available over the counter and can be bought in 20mg pills at your local store (source 1).

2. Soy is another common treatment. Soy has a high amount of chemicals that can act like estrogen to the body. Soy isoflavne is more effective than soy protein and soy is most affect against hot flashes and in addition it helps to combat osteoporosis. Another bonus is that soy is easily food and can be introduced into your diet rather than taking a pill for it. For more information and what foods soy can be found in please see the source used (source 3).

3. St. John Wort is usually combined with herbs like black cohosh for more effect. This herb is helpful against menopausal depression and hot flashes that occur from anxiety or stress. St. John Wort does interfere with some medications so you should consult a doctor if you are interested in using this herb (source 4).

4. Red Clover helps to reduce hot flashes. It is debated at how effective this herb can be as some studies show positive help while others show no effect at all (source 5).

5. Passionflower, Chamomile, or Valerian can be used to help with sleepiness in the content of tablets or herbal tea. It should be noted that in a small amount of people Valerian causes stimulation instead of sleep (source 4).

6. Lavender is helpful against headaches or migraines linked with menopause and it also helps to clear depression. There are many forms of lavender so it would be wise to get a prescription for the right type (source 5).

7. Flaxseed/Linseed helps to reduce vaginal dryness according to studies (4).

8. Licorice can be helpful against night sweats (4).

9. Lemon Balm can help to relieve tension, stress, and depression. It is easy to grow from home and should be used as an herbal tea (4).

10. Ginseng can be helpful for a few different things. There are different types and one should pay attention to the one that you are taking. Ginseng can help with night sweats as well as hot flashes. Ginseng also increases physical performance and vitality which helps to cope with mental and physical stress as well (4).

There you have 10 herbs that can be helpful with menopausal conditions. I would recommend talking to your doctor if you are interested in herbal therapy as many herbs have different dosages, ways of taking, and different side effects just to be on the safe side. For more information on the herbs listed and additional ones please visit my sources.

Sources:

1. Kathe Gallagher. Black cohosh for perimenopausal symptoms. http://health.yahoo.com/hormone-resources/black-cohosh-for-perimenopausal-symptoms/healthwise--tn9522.html. May 26, 2006.

2. Kathe Gallagher. Menopause and Perimenopause. http://health.yahoo.com/women-menopause/menopause-and-perimenopause/healthwise--hw228763.html. May 26, 2006.

3. Kathe Gallagher. Soy for menopausal symptoms. http://health.yahoo.com/women-resources/soy-for-menopausal-symptoms/healthwise--tn9521.html. May 26, 2006.

4. Unknown Author. Herbal Remedies. The Jean Hailes Foundation for women. http://www.managingmenopause.org.au/content/view/77/47/. Last updated March 17, 2008.

5. Unknown Author. Red Clover. University of Maryland Medical Center. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/red-clover-000270.htm. February 13, 2007.