Perimenopause refers to the hormonal changes a woman's body goes through as it approaches menopause. Perimenopause isn't over until menstruation has ceased for a year, and then menopause begins. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of perimenopause can include hot flashes, problems sleeping, bone loss and mood disturbances, in addition to menstrual irregularities. Some natural supplements may help ease symptoms. If your perimenopause symptoms continue to trouble you, consult with your physician or health care adviser.
Soy
Isoflavones are estrogen-like compounds found in beans and other plants. Soy is especially rich in isoflavones. Isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors, producing some of the benefits of estrogen. In parts of Asia where soy is a traditional part of the diet, women have significantly milder perimenopause and menopause experiences, including hot flashes. These observations have led to research on the use of soy supplements for perimenopause and menopause symptoms. A review published in the journal American Family Physician reported that in some trials, soy isoflavones decreased hot flashes by 9 percent to 40 percent. However, the estrogen-like activities of soy isoflavones may carry their own health risks, especially for women who have had breast cancer. For this reason, you should consult with your physician before supplementing with soy.
Chasteberry
Chaste tree is an aromatic shrub that originated in the Mediterranean region. It yields a small fruit called chasteberry. The scientific research done so far on chasteberry supports its use primarily for premenstrual syndrome. However, there is overlap between many perimenopause and premenstrual symptoms, such as insomnia, breast tenderness and mood disturbances. This provides indirect support for the use of chasteberry in perimenopause. According to an article published in Clinical Nutrition Insights, the use of chasteberry for medicinal purposes was first recorded by Hippocrates, and it has been traditionally been used in European countries for perimenopause and other women's health concerns. An article in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine states that although robust results from clinical trials are not yet available, pharmacological evidence suggests a potential role for this herb in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Consult your physician before using chasteberry to treat any condition.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a flowering perennial plant that is native to eastern North America. Long known to Native Americans as a treatment for depression, menstrual cramps, and symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, its use was also adopted by European settlers. Like soy, black cohosh contains isoflavones, but it also contains compounds that work on the serotonin system. Clinical Nutrition Insights reports that black cohosh is prescribed widely in Germany for PMS, menstrual irregularities and the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Because the long-term safety of black cohosh has not been determined, consult with your physician before using it.
References
- "Alternative and Complementary Therapies"; Herbal Medicine for Treating Menopausal Symptoms; E. Yarnell et al; Dec. 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Perimenopause
- Nonhormonal Therapies for Hot Flashes in Menopause
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Vitex Agnus-Castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the Treatment of Menopause-Related Complaints; M. van Die et al; August 2009
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