Supplements For Menopause Relief

Menopause is a natural occurrence, not an illness. It occurs when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Some women experience few symptoms, while others have symptoms severe enough to require medical treatment. Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood disturbances, excessive sweating and vaginal dryness. Certain supplements may help. Consult a qualified health-care provider if your symptoms are extreme or persistent.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A research study published in the journal "Menopause" calls omega-3 fatty acids an "important potential treatment alternative" for the symptoms of menopause. In the study, perimenopausal and postmenopausal volunteers took 2 grams per day of fish oil, a rich source of omega-3s. They experienced a significant reduction in both hot flashes and symptoms of depression after eight weeks of treatment. These results need to be confirmed with large-scale studies. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, fish oil may cause adverse effects, including halitosis, belching, heartburn and gastrointestinal upset.

Soy Isoflavones

Women who are residents of Asian countries where soy products are a traditional part of the diet have a lower prevalence of menopause symptoms than do women in western countries. This observation has led to research on whether soy supplements are of benefit for menopause relief. An article by Dana G. Carroll, PHARM.D., of the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa College of Medicine, published in "American Family Physician," notes that research on soy isoflavones has shown conflicting results. Some studies demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms such as hot flashes, while others showed no difference between soy supplements and placebo. Soy contains isoflavones, biologic compounds that are chemically similar to estrogen. Despite the mixed results of research, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that soy isoflavones may be beneficial in the short-term management of menopausal symptoms, but that they are not appropriate for women with breast cancer or other estrogen-related cancers. Consult a qualified medical professional about the use of soy supplements for menopause relief.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, is a plant that grows in the woodland habitats of North America. It has a long history of use by Native Americans for women's health issues, including childbirth and menstrual pain. It has been used in Germany since the 1940s to treat symptoms of menopause, according to a review in the September 2005 "Journal of Women's Health." That review, by Stacie Geller, Ph.D., and Laura Studee, M.P.H., states that black cohosh is a promising treatment for menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes and mood disturbances. The most frequently reported side effect of black cohosh is mild gastrointestinal upset that tends to resolve over time. However, more research is needed on this supplement's long-term effects.