Every woman goes through the change of life differently, and how you deal with the symptoms will depend on their severity. Symptoms commonly associated with menopause include night sweats and hot flashes. Taking natural remedies for side effects of menopause may work well for you, but be sure to contact your physician before beginning any herbal treatment plan.
Red Clover
Red clover can be both a food and a herbal remedy. It has 4 percent protein and 2.6 percent fiber in the leaves, according to Plants for a Future. Medicinally it works as an oestrogenic, or an agent that mimics estrogen in the body. Red clover is an active ingredient in many natural menopausal treatments sold over-the-counter.
Soy
Asian communities have used soy for thousands of years. Today it is becoming more mainstream in the West. It is the source of many foods, such as miso, soy sauce, milk substitute and tempeh. Isoflavones in soy have an estrogen-like effect on the body. According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, it works as a source of dietary protein, reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and can reduce the frequency and duration of hot flashes. Side effects may include bloating, nausea and constipation.
Black Cohosh
Growing throughout North America, black cohosh works to relieve a wide variety of menopausal symptoms. Used with St. John's wort, it has been shown to be 78 percent effective in reduction of hot flashes, according to Plants for a Future. It is another herb often used in over-the-counter products for menopause. It is poisonous in high doses.
Wild Yam
Extract of wild yam functions as an estrogen-like agent. It works to reduce hot flashes and headaches because it functions like dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. DHEA works like the hormones estrogen and progesterone. According to Medline Plus, more studies need to be done on its hormonal agents and menopausal effects. Side effects include stomach upset. It will affect blood glucose results, so diabetics need to be monitored if on wild yam supplements.
