what herbal treatment menopause symptoms

What is the best herbal treatment for menopause?

You may feel better if you:

• Quit smoking, which can cause hot flashes
• Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day
• Keep your body weight at a healthy level
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Get enough calcium (1,200-1,500 milligrams) and vitamin D (400 IU) every day

What are the most common herbs used to treat menopause?

What are Common Herbal Remedies for Menopause?

• Sage. You may be used to using sage in cooking, but its benefits extend outside of the kitchen. ...
• Black Cohosh. Black cohosh is one of the most commonly used supplements for menopause. ...
• Red Clover. Red clover contains phytoestrogens, which means it can mimic estrogen in your body. ...
• Kava. ...
• Dong Quai. ...
• Ginkgo Biloba. ...
• St. ...
• Passionflower. ...

Can herbs really help with menopause?

Pharmaceuticals are considered the most effective treatment, but many women prefer natural alternatives. Herbs and foods like maca, soybeans, valerian root, black cohosh, flax seeds, and red clover are among the most popular menopause supplements, but most lack strong evidence to support their use.

What are the different home remedies for menopausal symptoms?

Which Home Remedies Work Best?

• Relaxation techniques. Stress can worsen menopause symptoms, so its important to take time at the end of the day to try and de-stress and wind down from daily life.
• Practice healthy eating. Be sure to get your recommended daily dose of vitamins, minerals, protein, and whole grains. ...
• Limit alcohol and tobacco. ...
• Take time for yourself. ...

What is the best herbal menopause relief?

Here are 10 herbs and supplements commonly used to manage menopause symptoms, plus the evidence behind them and relevant safety information.Black cohosh. ... Red clover. ... Dong quai. ... Evening primrose oil. ... Maca. ... Soy. ... Flax seeds. ... Ginseng.More items...•

Which popular herb has commonly been used for relief of menopausal symptoms?

Black cohosh: Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is promoted to help alleviate hot flashes, vaginal dryness, itching, moodiness, and depression. Anecdotal evidence indicates that many women find at least some relief when taking this supplement.

What is the best thing to take for menopause symptoms?

Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose and the shortest time frame needed to provide symptom relief for you.

Do herbal remedies work for menopause?

Complementary and alternative therapies Complementary and alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies and compounded bioidentical ("natural") hormones, are not recommended for symptoms of the menopause or perimenopause. This is because it's not clear how safe and effective they are.

Is turmeric good for menopause?

Turmeric Could Boost Your Libido Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is thought to increase testosterone levels and, as a result, help menopausal women to boost their libido. As the female hormonal system is incredibly complex, results can be gradual.

What vitamin is good for menopause hot flashes?

Vitamin E. Taking a vitamin E supplement might offer some relief from mild hot flashes.

What vitamin is best for menopause?

Menopause Supplements: 10 Best Vitamins to Manage SymptomsMagnesium. For many women in our Menopause Solutions Facebook group, magnesium (particularly magnesium glycinate) has been a game changer. ... Vitamin A. Your body can get vitamin A from two forms. ... Vitamins B6 and B12. ... Vitamin K. ... Vitamin C. ... Calcium. ... Vitamin D. ... Omega 3s.More items...

What foods make menopause worse?

What Foods to AvoidSpicy foods: Not surprisingly, spicy foods can make hot flashes worse. ... Alcohol: Having a glass of wine a few times a week probably won't affect your symptoms. ... Fatty foods: Except for fatty fish and nuts, try to keep your intake of fat-laden foods to a minimum.

What foods reduce menopause symptoms?

A whole-foods diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high-quality protein and dairy products may reduce menopause symptoms. Phytoestrogens and healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish, may also help.

What are the 3 stages of menopause?

There are three stages of menopause: perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause.Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. ... Menopause occurs when you've stopped producing the hormones that cause your menstrual period and have gone without a period for 12 months in a row.More items...•

What herb reduces hot flashes?

Black cohosh is among the most popular herbs for treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The root of the plant is used in capsules and, less commonly, tea. Both forms are found in most health food stores and available online.

What is good for menopause anxiety?

Possible treatments for menopause-related anxiety can include hormones, hormone therapy, antidepressants, psychotherapy, or supplements for better mood. Cognitive behavior therapy Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective as a treatment for menopause.

Does chaste tree affect menstrual cycle?

Menstrual irregularities in perimenopause. Mood swings. Chaste tree contains molecules that may affect our neurotransmitters, which act in the brain and other parts of the body. It also helps regulate the menstrual cycle during perimenopause, which is one way it may enhance progesterone production in the body.

Does black cohosh affect serotonin?

Black cohosh may act as a hormone imitator, binding to opioid receptors in the brain, and possibly influencing serotonin levels. By weakly binding to estrogen receptors in the body, red clover’s phytoestrogens help normalize estrogen action. Its phytoestrogens include lignans, coumestans, and isoflavones.

Can herbs help with menopause?

Naturopathic physician Tori Hudson reminds us that using herbs for menopause isn’t a new concept in her article on Menopause Botanicals. As Dr. Hudson explains, “Many herbs have been used traditionally by herbalists and women for decades, and in some cases centuries, to address meno pausal symptoms.

Do phytoestrogens help with estrogen?

In fact, phytoestrogens help to normalize estrogen action in the body , partly because their estrogen-like action is very weak. They work to block the potentially damaging effects of excess estrogen, but also boost estrogen-like action in a woman with low estrogen levels.

Does red clover help with hormones?

As with black cohosh, however, some women claim that red clover has helped them. Studies report few side effects and no serious health problems with use. But studies in animals have raised concerns that red clover might have harmful effects on hormone-sensitive tissue.

Does black cohosh act like estrogen?

Recent research suggests that black cohosh does not act like estrogen, as once thought. This reduces concerns about its effect on hormone-sensitive tissue (eg, uterus, breast). Black cohosh has had a good safety record over a number of years.

Does ginseng help with hot flashes?

However, it has not been found to be helpful for hot flashes.

Does kava cause hot flashes?

Kava. ( Piper methysticum ) Kava may decrease anxiety, but there is no evidence that it decreases hot flashes. It is important to note that kava has been associated with liver disease. The FDA has issued a warning to patients and providers about kava because of its potential to damage the liver.

Is herbal medicine regulated?

The public usually takes herbal therapies in the form of supplement pills, not as a preparation made directly from the herb by a trained herbalist. Keep in mind that herbal supplements are not as closely regulated as prescription drugs.

Does black cohosh help with hot flashes?

Black Cohosh. ( Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa) This herb has received quite a bit of scientific attention for its possible effects on hot flashes. Studies of its effectiveness in reducing hot flashes have produced mixed results. However, some women report that it has helped them.

What are the symptoms of menopause?

Vaginal dryness. Chills. Problems sleeping. Mood problems. Weight gain. Hair or skin changes. Loss of breast fullness. Some women decide to treat their symptoms with herbs and dietary supplements instead of hormone replacement therapy. There are a number of natural options for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

How to stop hot flashes during menopause?

Changes in your lifestyle may help ease the symptoms of menopause. You may feel better if you: 1 Quit smoking, which can cause hot flashes 2 Drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day 3 Keep your body weight at a healthy level 4 Take calcium supplements

Does soy milk help with menopause?

Benefit: Soy has isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens (plant estrogens ). Some studies have observed that soy may be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. However, other studies have found no benefit. Only food forms of soy, like tofu and soy milk, are recommended.

Can herbal supplements cause menopause?

Consult with your doctor before using them. Changes in your lifestyle may help ease the symptoms of menopause.

Does black cohosh help with hot flashes?

Benefit: Black cohosh is derived from a species of buttercup. Studies have had mixed results on whether black cohosh is effective in reducing hot flashes. Some studies indicate it may help with mild hot flashes and night sweats for short-term treatment. May lower blood pressure, as well.

Why do herbs help with HRT?

1. Because of their receptor sites, they can have the same effect as your natural hormones, only milder, and so function more like a gentle, natural HRT. 2. The second way herbs help is to support and normalize your body’s own production of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

What is the best herb for anxiety?

Ashwagandha is one of the best herbs for stress and anxiety. This herb is an adaptogen—another ‘normalizer’—which makes it a great tonic for the adrenal glands. Ashwagandha can also boost a sluggish thyroid, and it counteracts depression and makes your brain function better, especially for memory issues due to stress.

Does Chastetree Berry help with ovulation?

Chastetree berry helps restore your natural ovulation and progesterone production until your body is finally ready to stop cycling altogether. Bringing progesterone levels back in balance will help to offset estrogen dominance and its related symptoms, including hot flashes and low libido.

Does red clover help with menopause?

Here are some examples of how some of my favorite herbs for menopause work in the body…. Red clover and kudzu act like weak estrogens in your body. Because they complement your own, more potent, estrogens, they can help even out both the highs and the lows.

Can you take bioidentical hormones for a long time?

And once you start taking them, you may end up taking them…for a long time. Your doctor may prescribe bioidentical hormone therapy, which can be helpful, but again can mean long term medication use. Your other main option is to use herbal remedies. These herbs generally act two ways in the body: 1.

Does a herbal supplement help with night sweats?

And it reduces night sweats and hot flashes in many women. You’ve probably noticed that, unlike most drugs, herbs often work in more ways than one. They also tend to work by supporting your body’s own natural functions. Keep in mind, though, that herbs work best when you take them regularly over time.

Do women need HRT?

Of course, some percentage of women need HRT. But we recommend you start with the most natural and least invasive approach first, and see if it works for you. Compared to synthetic hormones, herbs are less invasive and generally safe for long term use. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

What is perimenopause treatment?

Perimenopause Treatments. Perimenopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. In that stage, most women are suffering from hormonal fluctuations. It can seem frightening, especially when these changes start manifesting themselves as tangible symptoms. However, it's important to remember that there are options available to manage the symptoms ...

What is perimenopause?

Perimenopause is a natural stage in a woman's life. Most women experience hormonal fluctuations during this stage. Herbs have been used for centuries for a variety of illnesses, and they are considered to be an alternative medicine for treating hormonal imbalance.

What is phytoestrogen?

Phytoestrogens are a kind of plant compound similar to estrogen. There is some evidence that this similarity allows them to replicate the effects of estrogen in your body, helping balance hormone levels. However, they don't help the body to produce its own hormones. Some herbs that contain phytoestrogens include:

Is perimenopause hormone therapy effective?

However, it's important to remember that there are options available to manage the symptoms of perimenopause. While hormone therapy can be effective, the associated risks can also be daunting. The use of herbal treatments as an alternative is becoming increasingly popular. Pin.

Can phytoestrogens cause side effects?

Potential Side Effects of Phytoestrogenic Herbs. It is important to be aware of any potential side effects or problems with consuming phytoestrogenic herbs. Study results on the benefits of phytoestrogens are often contradictory. This may mean that products such as soy affect each individual woman differently.

What is the best supplement for menopause?

1 / 13. Black cohosh is one of the most well studied supplements for menopause. It's made from the root of the North American black cohosh plant. Several studies have found it helps -- especially with hot flashes -- when compared to placebo (a fake treatment). But other studies haven't found a benefit.

What are some alternatives to hormones?

Wild Yam: Alternative to Hormones. 6 / 13. Pills and creams made from certain species of wild yam are popular alternatives to hormone therapy for menopause. Some of the natural compounds in these yams appear similar to estrogen and progesterone, but it's possible they are not active in people.

Does ginseng help with menopause?

A few studies have found evidence that the different types of ginseng might help improve quality of life during menopause. Ginseng has been shown to boost mood and improve sleep. But so far, studies haven't found that either American or Korean ginseng helps with physical symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.

Does flaxseed oil help with hot flashes?

It's a good source of lignans, which tend to balance female hormones. Not all studies have shown these benefits in relieving hot flashes, though.

Does red clover help with menopause?

Many women use red clover hoping that its natural plant estrogens will ease their menopause symptoms. So far, though, the research results have been mixed. Despite early concern, recent studies have not shown an increase in uterine cancer when women took red clover for 3 months.

Does DHEA cause breast cancer?

Natural levels of DHEA hormone drop in our bodies after age 30. Some small studies have found that DHEA supplements ease menopause symptoms such as low libido and hot flashes. The evidence is mixed. Other studies have found no benefit. There is some concern that long-term use or high doses of DHEA may raise the risk of breast cancer.