Perimenopause is the name for the menopausal transition, that period of time when a woman shifts from regular menstruation to the end of menstruation and infertility that marks menopause. Common symptoms are hot flashes, sleep disturbances and vaginal dryness. Many women use supplements to treat these symptoms, but most of these are unproven and some may carry risks. Consult your doctor before taking supplements for perimenopause.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb that is used to relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of perimenopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. But the research evidence is mixed, and some studies have found that it does not work, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Black cohosh may cause liver problems like hepatitis and liver failure though the evidence is unclear. To be safe, women with liver disease should avoid black cohosh. If you develop signs of liver problems, which include abdominal pain, darkened urine and jaundice, while taking black cohosh stop taking the supplement and call your doctor.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are chemicals found in plants that act like estrogen in the body. They are commonly found in supplements derived from soy, red clover and flaxseed. There is some evidence that phytoestrogens may help reduce mild hot flashes and protect against bone loss, which can be a problem during perimenopause. But this is unproven, according to NCCAM. Because they act like estrogen in the body, phytoestrogens may pose risks if you have a disease that is affected by hormones, such as fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer of the breast, uterus or ovaries, according to the Mayo Clinic. They may also cause problems if you take medications that affect estrogen, such as birth control pills, hormone therapy or tamoxifen. Consult your doctor before taking phytoestrogens.
DHEA
DHEA is the acronym for dehydroepiandrosterone, a natural steroid that your body produces, which some research indicates may help ease the symptoms of perimenopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. But this is unproven, and some research has indicated that it does not work and that high doses of DHEA may cause problems. Potential side effects include increasing the risk of estrogen-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, fibroids and endometriosis, according to MedlinePlus. DHEA might also cause liver problems, mood disorders and cholesterol problems. Consult your doctor before taking DHEA.
Others
Many other supplements and herbal remedies are used to treat the symptoms of perimenopause. But there is too little evidence about these products to know whether they work, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which does not recommend their use. These products include chasteberry, ginseng, valerian root, evening primrose oil, dong quai and wild yam.
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