Remifemin - for Treating the Symptoms of Menopause - a Product Review

At first, my behavior, attitude, and physical symptoms did not trigger any thoughts that pointed to menopause. My husband and I were trying to finish a major home remodel and we realized we weren't going to be done for Thanksgiving and being done for Christmas was looking questionable. We had been living in less than ideal living conditions for a year and a half. I thought I was just plain miserable in general because of our living environment.

My husband is a kind and good man whose patience is amazing. Because my behavior and attitude was prompting even him to lose all his patience and good will toward me, I knew I was in trouble. Other signs? My mood swings were constant, I had episodes of crying, I had minor hot flashes, I had been experiencing insomnia and I was having heart palpitations. I realized I couldn't go on like this and I told my husband I was going to seek out my doctor and ask for anti-depressants.

Before I called my doctor I did a little research on the Internet and realized my emotional and physical symptoms could also be symptoms of menopause of which I knew I was in. I decided that before I sought out anti-depressants I would visit the pharmacy section of my grocery store and see what kinds of over-the-counter menopausal aids were available. The one thing I knew I didn't want was added hormones or estrogen because of a history of breast cancer in my family.

As I perused the feminine care products on my grocery store shelves, I came across Remifemin, which claimed it was hormone and estrogen free. It is an herbal remedy using black cohosh extract. Being an herbal remedy and available over-the-counter appealed to me immensely. I bought a box ($12.99) at my grocery store and brought it home. The directions were to take one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. The box claimed that I should notice results within four weeks and up to approximately a 70% reduction of symptoms in 12 weeks. Before I started taking Remifemin I continued to conduct a little more research on the Internet and felt satisfied that the black cohosh extract was safe for me to use.

As I said, the box stated the consumer should notice some relief within four weeks. I must be unusual because I began to notice significant relief the same week I began taking Remifemin. I have now been taking Remifemin for approximately eight to 10 weeks and my mood swings and irritability have almost disappeared. I have had significantly fewer hot flashes and my insomnia has all but disappeared. I am also noticing an increase in my alertness and focus and I am laughing more often. My relationship with my husband has greatly improved, more like it used to be. I am still amazed at the difference I am feeling.

While I am sure Remifemin will not be a good choice for everyone experiencing the symptoms of menopause, I believe it may help some women combat these effects and allow her to live more normally and enjoy her life more.

Before I list the pros and cons, I want to remind all women to check with their health care professional before taking Remifemin, just to make sure it is safe for them to take. Also, research the Internet and health sites as much as you can regarding the use of black cohosh generally, and Remifemin, specifically.

Remifemin PROS are (these are MY EXPERIENCES ONLY. Yours may be different.)
1. Reduced anxiety.
2. Reduced mood swings and irritability.
3. Eliminated insomnia.
4. Reduction in the number of hot flashes.
5. Elimination of heart palpitations.
6. Increased alertness and focus.
7. Improved relationships with loved ones.

Remifemin CONS are (these are MY EXPERIENCES ONLY. Yours may be different.)
1. I have difficulty opening the package and tend to tear it and then I can't close it properly.
2. It's a little pricey but well worth it. Then again, I am not on a prescription so I don't know the cost of that or the regular doctor visits associated with being on a prescription.

Remifemin is distributed by Enzymatic Therapy, Inc., Greed Bay, WI but Remifemin is a product made in Germany.

I looked around a little bit at other stores for pricing (drugstore.com, Target, and Wal-Mart) and most all stores have about the same pricing structure. The box I purchased for $12.99 from my grocery store was for 60 tablets or a 30-day supply. Some stores sell larger quantities.

Here's Remifemin's Web site.

http://www.remifemin.com