According to conventional thought, menopausal symptoms require estrogen replacement. While estrogen does decrease when menstruation stops, during the transition from menstruation to full-blown menopause that can last for years, estrogen dominance is usually the problem. The reason is that the other female hormone, progesterone, is usually lagging during this time period, according to the website of women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup. Symptoms of estrogen dominance include decreased libido, abnormal menstruation, bloating, swollen and tender breasts, headaches, irritability, thyroid imbalance, memory loss, fatigue and PMS. If your doctor diagnoses your symptoms as estrogen dominance, there are a myriad of nutritional supplements available that may prove to be effective treatments.
Licorice
Licorice root has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It may lower estrogen levels and concurrently raise progesterone levels, according to Holistic Online. Use licorice with care if you have high blood pressure. Licorice may deplete potassium in the body and a supplement may be necessary. Asking a doctor's advice is important prior to using licorice root medicinally.
Thyme
Thyme is an herb native to Europe and is cultivated in Africa, India, the Near East and North America. Thyme's name is derived from the Greek word thumus, which means courage. Appropriately, the herb is known for its invigorating qualities. The herb is primarily known for its culinary applications, however, it also has a long history as a medicinal herb. According to Holistic Online, thyme's active compounds, flavenoids and tannins, reduce the production of estrogen in the body, which can be helpful for cases of estrogen dominance.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a well-known liver tonic that increases the production and flow of bile from the gall bladder and liver. The herb is important to women's health because it treats chronic uterine disorders, according to Holistic Online. Milk thistle's impact on estrogen levels is two-tiered. Not only does the herb help the liver screen out unwanted pollutants that contain estrogenic compounds, it also helps the liver remove estrogen naturally produced by the body that accumulates without the properly functioning filtration system.
