For many women, perimenopause begins with menstrual irregularity, due to erratic hormone levels. Changes may include shorter cycles, increased flow and premenstrual spotting. This combination can leave you with the perception that you are constantly bleeding. Later in perimenopause, skipped periods or longer cycles are common. While most irregular bleeding during this time is normal, it could be a sign of precancerous conditions, so report any significant changes to your physician. Herbal treatments may have unpredictable results and should not be used as a substitute for regular medical care.
Nourishing Herbs
Red clover blossom, nettles and oatstraw make nutritional herbal infusions that support uterine function during change, according to nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Oatstraw comes from the stalk and leaves of the Avena sativa plant; it can be found in oatmeal. Red raspberry leaf, sage and blackhaw bark are also recommended by Balch to tone the uterus and to stem a heavy flow. No randomized, placebo controlled scientific studies have been done to prove these herbs are effective in the prevention or treatment of any condition.
Cinnamon
Susun S. Weed, author of "The New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way," states that cinnamon helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and checks a heavy flow. Drink cinnamon tea liberally and sprinkle it on your food. Although this spice has been studied as a possible aid to lowering blood sugar in diabetics, there is currently no scientific research that suggests cinnamon is beneficial in the treatment of perimenopausal bleeding.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is a slow-acting herb often recommended for irregular periods; daily use may take months to be fully effective. Weed reports that even her clients with fibroids and endometriosis noticed improvement with long-term use and credits the effects to chasteberry's ability to promote progesterone production while decreasing heavy flow. A review of studies by C. Daniele and colleagues, at the University of Rome La Sapienza in Italy, cited the German Commission's approval of chasteberry for the treatment of menstrual irregularities. The analysis, published in "Drug Safety" in 2005, found that only mild and reversible adverse effects have been attributed to chasteberry. Be aware that this herbal medicine may cause nausea, headache, stomach upset, acne and a red, itchy rash in sensitive individuals.
Lady's Mantle
Weed writes in her book that taking a tincture of Lady's Mantle should be effective within three to five days for heavy menstrual bleeding, and that the herb acts as a preventative when taken for one to two weeks before expected menstruation. Other tinctures recommended by Weed are shepherd's purse and witch hazel. Have these on hand as a remedy for both heavy flow and for long-term bleeding. There are no scientific studies that support the use of these traditional remedies for the prevention or treatment of any condition.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2006
- "New Menopausal Years, The Wise Woman Way," Susun S. Weed, 2001
- Pubmed.gov: Vitex Agnus Castus: a Systematic Review of Adverse Events
