Perimenopause irritability is the result of changing hormone levels in women who are approaching menopause. Insomnia, mood changes, depression and other mental and emotional symptoms also often accompany a constellation of physical symptoms that herald the cessation of menstruation and may dominate a woman's life for many years. A variety of herbs are available that may ease a woman's emotional state, making her less likely to develop or continue with uncomfortable feelings and moods. See your health practitioner before starting new herbal treatments to understand the potential for side effects from herbs.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is used for the treatment of a wide range of hormonal symptoms in women during her menstrual years, perimenopause and later during menopause. The University of Connecticut Health notes that black cohosh is high in phytoestrogens, making it an effective treatment for some women needing a boost in estrogenic hormones. Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogen that have a similar effect on the body as do the natural hormones. Black cohosh may reduce irritability, moodiness and depression as well as relieve various physical symptoms like the onset of hot flashes lower sexual libido, and changing hormones. Black cohosh may cause side effects such as weight gain, headaches and joint pain. If you develop symptoms, stop taking it and consult your health practitioner.
Ginseng
Ginseng has been used in China for thousands of years for a wide range of symptoms in both men and women. It is primarily useful as an immune system enhancer and anti-aging tonic. Because ginseng acts on the entire body, it may relieve mood changes and irritability in perimenopausal women, along with reducing depression and sleeplessness. Taking ginseng may keep the walls of the vagina supple, reduce vaginal dryness and relieve itching during perimenopause and menopause.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a Chinese herb that is used to relieve many symptoms affecting women going through various changes in their menstrual cycle. It is a well-known treatment for hot flashes and estrogen dominance. Additionally, dong quai may provide relief from mood swings, irritability, depression, sleeplessness and other emotional states accompanying perimenopause. Dong quai is available in powdered form and as a standardized extract, which is generally more potent and more effective for the treatment of mental and emotional conditions. Buy it at the health food store or from stores that specialize in Chinese herbs. Consult your health practitioner before using dong quai to make sure it is the right herb for your condition.
Dioscorea
Dioscorea or wild yam is used to relieve moodiness and irritability due to changing progesterone levels as a woman's cycle changes and she enters perimenopause. Dioscorea may also help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, increase sexual libido and reduce vaginal dryness. This herb can be found in progesterone creams used for bio-identical hormone replacement. If you use progesterone creams or dioscorea in herbal form, always do so under the supervision of a health practitioner. Dioscorea may produce significant changes in mood, severe depression or suicidal thoughts when the dose is too high. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your practitioner right away for guidance.
References
- "Helio Acupuncture Book, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica"; Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble; 2003
- University of Connecticut Health Center: Major CAM Treatments for Menopause
- The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Herbs for Women: Alternatives to Prescription Medications
- Vanderbilt University: Ginseng and Its Hormonal Effects
- "Modern Encyclopedia of Herbs"; Joseph M. Kadans, N.D., Ph.D; 1970
