Fluctuating levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone typically occur during menopause and may result in symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, according to the National Institute on Aging, or NIA. While a woman typically enters menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation, at age 51, the symptoms linked to hormonal irregularities may persist for months or years, the NIA says. A number of herbs are purported to ease the symptoms commonly linked to hormonal imbalances. Use caution when taking herbal remedies, as they are not regulated by the FDA.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is the most studied herbal remedy for menopause-related hormonal imbalances and its associated symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Black cohosh may be beneficial in the short-term treatment of hot flashes, defined as eight weeks to one year by the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP.
Common side effects associated with black cohosh include headaches and gastrointestinal problems.This herb is also associated with liver toxicity. Talk to your doctor before taking black cohosh, especially if you have a history of hormone-related cancers, since it's effect on breast tissue is unclear, advises the Office of Dietary Supplements, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Dong Qual
Dong quai has been suggested as an herbal remedy for hot flashes but there is little research to support its effectiveness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. It's uncertain whether dong quai contains estrogen-like properties or if it inhibits estrogens in the body, according to the UMMC.
Caution should be used when taking dong quai supplements. It is known to interact with the blood-thinning medication, warfarin. Consult with your doctor before using dong quai supplements.
Panax Ginseng
Panax or American ginseng may help to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalances during menopause such as mood and sleep disturbances, according to the NCCAM. Panax ginseng appears to have little, if any, effect on menopausal-related hot flashes.
Women who have had breast cancer should not take panex ginseng, advises the UMMC. Side effects associated with this herb include high blood pressure, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea. Check with your doctor before taking this herb.
Red Clover
A proprietary extract in red clover called isoflavones may have estrogen-like effects, according to the UMMC. Falling estrogen levels during menopause can make women more likely to develop the bone degenerative disease osteoporosis.
Isoflavones may reduce the speed of bone loss and promote bone mineral density in menopausal women Research studies into red clover for the treatment of menopausal symptoms have produced mixed results.
Talk to your doctor before taking red clover. Red clover has been known to interact with some medications, says the UMMC.
