Menopause, a condition that affects older women when their bodies produce less estrogen and their ovaries stop releasing eggs, can be a difficult time. A range of symptoms occur from this change, many of which result in irritation or pain. Your physician may recommend hormone replacement therapy or other medications to ease symptoms, although you may wish to opt for natural remedies. Consult your physician before taking herbs or other treatments.
Black Cohosh
Taking black cohosh during menopause may provide a natural treatment for a range of symptoms. The Epigee website notes that this herb contains phytoestrogens, compounds that allegedly mimic estrogen in your body. This can help prevent vaginal dryness associated with menopause. The Project AWARE website indicates that this herbal remedy may also relieve hot flashes and depression. Dosages for relieving menopause symptoms ranges, depending on the form you wish to take. Holistic Online recommends that you ingest 250mg of black cohosh in tablet or capsule form two to four times each day. You may also opt to take black cohosh as a tincture, which should be consumed twice daily in a dose of one-half tsp. An article published in the July 2003 "American Family Physician" journal reports that taking black cohosh is relative safe, resulting in few side effects.
Dong Quai
The hot flashes and emotional upheaval that come with menopause may be relieved through the use of dong quai, an herbal remedy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that it is the most widely prescribed Chinese herb for female reproductive problems. According to the website, proponents believe it can help combat vaginal dryness and hot flashes that occur during menopause, although it notes that the herb is most effective taken with other herbs. Project AWARE reveals that dong quai may effectively work to treat hot flashes due to the herb's ability to stabilize blood vessels. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that scientific studies offer conflicting information about the effectiveness of dong quai for relief of menopause symptoms. The website discloses that no recommended dosages exist; however, you can make a tea with 1 tsp. of dong quai per cup of hot water, and you can also take dong quai in capsule form or as a tincture.
Soy
Soy may serve as a natural treatment for menopause. The Women to Women website notes that some compounds in soy, called isoflavones, may treat a range of symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. The website recommends that you consume 40 to 80mg of isoflavones per day, which you can find in soy supplements or soy products like soy milk, roasted soynuts, edamame or tofu. However, isoflavones are a phytoestrogen, which may cause other health problems, according to a study published in the July 2002 issue of the journal "Obstetrics and Gynecology." Researchers warn that the use of dietary soy for menopause symptoms is associated with breast cancer.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause
- PubMed: Use of alternative therapies for menopause symptoms: results of a population-based survey
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Education Pamphlet AP158
- Project AWARE: Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
- American Family Physician: Black Cohosh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai
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