Menopause is a time in a woman's life when the menstruation stops and the woman is no longer able to conceive a child. The average age at which this occurs is usually fifty one or fifty two, however, the woman may begin to experience symptoms much before the last period. This stage is called the peri-menopause. Women going through menopause may experience distressing symptoms such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, vaginal dryness, moodiness, hair loss and problems focusing and learning. To combat these symptoms, there are certain dietary supplements that can be used and these are listed below.
Black Cohosh
The Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Health Services states that black cohosh is a menopause dietary supplement. Black cohosh belongs to the buttercup family of plants and is native to North America. A study published in a 2005 issue of The Journal of Women's Health states that this herb may contain certain constituents that promote estrogenic activity, which is normally decreased during menopause. However, it also reports that these findings have not been corroborated by recent studies. In fact, it acts on serotonin receptors, a body chemical and this is what helps in relieving the distressing hot flashes and moodiness that women going through menopause often experience.
Soy Foods
The study in the Journal of Women's Health further states that soy foods and supplements are also beneficial in reducing symptoms of menopause. It says that Asian women consuming high soy diets report experiencing fewer menopausal symptoms than their Western counterparts. However, clinical trials have not been able to prove the role of soy foods and extracts in relieving menopausal symptoms. Soy does have a positive effect on lipid profiles. It does tend to increase high density lipid or good cholesterol and reduce low density lipid or bad cholesterol. These cardiovascular benefits as well as the fact that it may also have beneficial effects on bone strength and cognition, makes soy a good menopausal dietary supplement.
Other Supplements
There are other menopause dietary supplements as enumerated by the study in The Journal of Women's Health. These include chastetree, hops, dong quai, gingko, ginseng, kava and evening primrose are some other menopause dietary supplements that are frequently used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Some women have also noticed benefits on using licorice roots, valerian, lemon balm and wild yam and St. John's Wort.
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