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Menopause Herbs for Relief
Many years ago,
researchers studied the effects of vitamin E supplementation in
reducing symptoms of menopause. Most,13 14 15 16 17 but not all,18
studies found vitamin E to be helpful. Many doctors suggest that women
going through menopause take 800 IU per day of vitamin E for a trial
period of at least three months to see if symptoms are reduced. If
helpful, this amount may be continued. Using lower amounts for less
time has led to statistically significant changes, but only marginal
clinical improvement.19
In 1964, a preliminary trial reported that 1,200 mg each of vitamin C
and the flavonoid hesperidin taken over the course of the day helped
relieve hot flashes.20 Although placebo effects are strong in women
with hot flashes, other treatments used in that trial failed to act as
effectively as the flavonoid/vitamin C combination. Since then,
researchers have not explored the effects of flavonoids or vitamin C
in women with menopausal symptoms. The mineral boron is known to affect estrogen metabolism. In one
double-blind trial using 2.5 mg of boron per day for two months, hot
flashes and night sweats worsened in 21 of 43 women, but the same
symptoms improved in ten others.21 Women who are experiencing hot
flashes or night sweats that have been diagnosed as menopausal
symptoms and who are also supplementing boron (sometimes found in
significant amounts in osteoporosis formulas and multivitamin-mineral
supplements) should consider discontinuing use of boron-containing
supplements to see if the severity of their symptoms is reduced.
Aging in women is characterized by a progressive decline in blood DHEA
(dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) levels. These levels
can be restored with DHEA supplementation. This process also improves
the response of some brain chemicals, called endorphins, to certain
drugs.22 These endorphins are involved in sensations of pleasure and
pain; improving their response may explain why DHEA has an effect on
mood symptoms associated with menopause. In one double-blind trial,
however, menopausal women who took 50 mg of DHEA per day for three
months had no improvement in symptoms compared with women taking
placebo.23 Further study is needed to validate a role for DHEA in the
management of menopausal symptoms.
Natural progesterone supplementation has been anecdotally linked to
reduction in symptoms of menopause.24 25 26 In one trial, natural
progesterone was found to have no independent effect on symptoms, and
synthetic progestins were found to increase breast tenderness.27
However, a double-blind trial found that topical administration of
natural progesterone cream led to a reduction in hot flashes in 83% of
women, compared with improvement in only 19% of those given placebo.28
Preliminary research has found that oral, micronized progesterone
therapy is associated with improved quality of life among
postmenopausal women. However, oral micronized progesterone is
available only by prescription in the United States.29 Hot flashes,
anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and sexual functioning were among
the symptoms improved in a majority of women surveyed. Synthetic
progestins, also available only by prescription, have reduced symptoms
of menopause.30 31 32
Progesterone is a hormone and, as such, concerns about its
inappropriate use (i.e., as an over-the-counter supplement) have been
raised. The amount of progesterone in commercially available creams
varies widely, and the progesterone content is not listed on the label
because the creams are legally regulated as cosmetics, not dietary
supplements. Therefore, a physician should be consulted before using
these hormone-containing creams as supplements. Although few side
effects have been associated with topical progesterone creams, skin
reactions may occur in some users. Effects of natural progesterone on
breast cancer risk remain unclear; research has suggested both
increased and reduced risk.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, also known as lucerne, is a member of the pea family and is
native to western Asia and the eastern Mediterranean region. Alfalfa
sprouts have become a popular food. Alfalfa herbal supplements
primarily use the dried leaves of the plant. The heat-treated seeds of
the plant have also been used.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng is a member of the Araliaceae family, which also
includes the closely related American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
and less similar Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), also
known as eleuthero. Asian ginseng commonly grows on mountain slopes
and is usually harvested in the fall. The root is used, preferably
from plants older than six years of age.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a shrub-like plant native to the eastern deciduous
forests of North America, ranging from southern Ontario to Georgia,
north to Wisconsin and west to Arkansas. The dried root and rhizome
are used medicinally. When harvested from the wild, the root is black
in color. Cohosh, an Algonquin Indian word meaning "rough," refers to
the plants gnarly root structure.
Burdock
Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source
of many herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing
and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous (sticky) texture.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is one of the hormones produced by the
adrenal glands. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it
circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted
as needed into other hormones. Check out these fine Menopause products
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a member of the celery family. Greenish-white flowers
bloom from May to August, and the plant is typically found growing in
damp mountain ravines, meadows, river banks, and coastal areas. The
root is used in herbal medicine.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a class of water-soluble plant pigments. Flavonoids are
broken down into categories, though the issue of how to divide them is
not universally agreed upon. One system breaks flavonoids into
isoflavones, anthocyanidins, flavans, flavonols, flavones, and
flavanones. Some of the best-known flavonoids, such as genistein in
soy, and quercetin in onions, can be considered subcategories of
categories.
Homeopathic Remedy Calcarea carbonica
The following is a list of health concerns for which Calcarea
carbonica is listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual
concerns for more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Glonoinum
The following is a list of health concerns for which Glonoinum is
listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for
more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Graphites
The following is a list of health concerns for which Graphites is
listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for
more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Ignatia
The following is a list of health concerns for which Ignatia is listed
as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for more
information.
Homeopathic Remedy Lachesis
The following is a list of health concerns for which Lachesis is
listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for
more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Lilium tigrinum
The following is a list of health concerns for which Lilium tigrinum
is listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns
for more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Natrum muriaticum
The following is a list of health concerns for which Natrum muriaticum
is listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns
for more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Pulsatilla
The following is a list of health concerns for which Pulsatilla is
listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for
more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Sepia
The following is a list of health concerns for which Sepia is listed
as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for more
information.
Homeopathic Remedy Staphysagria
The following is a list of health concerns for which Staphysagria is
listed as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for
more information.
Homeopathic Remedy Sulphur
The following is a list of health concerns for which Sulphur is listed
as a homeopathic remedy. Refer to the individual concerns for more
information.
Kava
Kava is a member of the pepper family and is native to many Pacific
Ocean islands. The rhizome (underground stem) is used in modern herbal
preparations.
Licorice
Originally from central Europe, licorice now grows all across Europe
and Asia. The root is used medicinally.
Menopause
Menopause is the cessation of the monthly female menstrual cycle.
Women who have not had a menstrual period for a year are considered
postmenopausal. Check out these fine Menopause products
Menopause Symptoms
When women reach the age of menopause, hormonal shifts can cause both
physical and emotional stress. Because of the inevitable but sometimes
disconcerting signs of aging, as well as transitions involved with
children growing up, a woman's life may be undergoing major changes at
this time. Mood swings, depression, hot flashes, cold sweats, and
irregular menstrual cycles--including missed periods and flooding--may
all occur (over months to years) as the woman's body gradually adapts.
Motherwort
Motherwort came from central Eurasia originally, but has spread to all
temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant but also as
an escaped weed. A similar plant, Leonurus heterophyllus, is used in
China. The Chinese name for motherwort is yi mu cao, meaning "benefit
mother herb." The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are
used as medicine. In Chinese herbal medicine, the seeds are also
employed.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone from a corpus luteum, formed by the cyclical
rupture of an ovarian follicle. Progesterone is necessary for proper
uterine and breast development and function.
Red Clover
This plant grows in Europe and North America. The flowering tops are
used in botanical medicine. Another plant, white clover, grows in
similar areas. Both have white arrow-shaped patterns on their leaves.
Sage
Sage is a silvery-green shrub with very fragrant leaves. The most
commonly cultivated species of sage originally came from the area
around the Mediterranean but now also grows in North America. The
leaves of this common kitchen herb are used in medicine as well as in
cooking.
Soy
Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries, contains valuable
constituents, including protein, isoflavones, saponins, and
phytosterols. Soy protein provides essential amino acids. When eaten
with rice, soy provides protein comparable with that found in animal
products. Soy is low in fat and cholesterol-free.
St. John’s Wort
St. John's wort is found in Europe and the United States. It is
especially abundant in northern California and southern Oregon. The
above-ground (aerial) parts of the plant are gathered during the
flowering season.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has a number of biological
functions.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes and other
fat-soluble parts of the body, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL;
"bad" cholesterol) cholesterol, from damage.
Wild Yam
Wild yam plants are found across the midwestern and eastern United
States, Latin America (especially Mexico), and Asia. Several different
species exist. All of which possess similar constituents and
properties. The root is used medicinally.
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