Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT was a common treatment to help relieve menopausal symptoms in women until reports appeared linking it to significant risk for various cancers. Many women opted to forego HRT in favor of natural herbal remedies. Herbs may relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness and mood swings; however, they may also produce side effects for some women. If you use herbs to treat symptoms associated with menopause, consult your health practitioner before beginning any new regimen.
Red Clover
Red clover is high in plant-based estrogens called isoflavones, useful in treating symptoms of menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plant-based estrogens act on a woman's body in similar ways to natural estrogen and may be helpful in the treatment of hot flashes, vaginal dryness and mood swings, all related to reduced estrogen levels during menopause. Isoflavones are not only helpful for women in menopause but also in various stages of their menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy. Red clover is best taken as tea and is available for purchase in health food stores. Consult an herbalist or your health practitioner for the appropriate dosage for your condition.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is a culinary herb that has been found useful in the treatment of menopausal symptoms because of its high levels of phytoestrogens, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Like red clover, flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich in isoflavones and lignans, compounds that may be helpful in reducing hot flashes due to fluctuating hormonal levels, writes the "Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition." Flaxseeds may also protect women against heart disease resulting from decreased levels of estrogen, due to their high quantity of alpha-linolenic acid, which is converted to omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil should never be heated, because healthful compounds are destroyed by heat. Grind flaxseeds in a coffee grinder and sprinkle on foods before serving. Use flaxseed oil on salads and in smoothies for best results.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or dioscorea, is used in Oriental as well as Western medicine to help control symptoms of menopause relating to progesterone levels, according to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. They add that wild yam is especially helpful in controlling mood swings from vacillating hormones. Additionally, it may help reduce hot flashes, stop vaginal itching and dryness and relieve depression and irritability, writes "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Too much wild yam may cause side effects, including aggravating depression. If you find yourself more depressed than previously, stop taking it and contact your health practitioner.
References
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Herbs for Women: Alternatives to Prescription Medications
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Clover
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
