Menopause marks the end of fertility and menstruation and affects all women, usually when they are in their early 50s. It is a natural biological process rather than a medical condition, but in the lead up to the menopause, some women experience symptoms, including night sweats, hot flashes, depression and weight gain. Although some women quickly come to terms with these effects, others may find menopausal symptoms difficult to cope with and opt for medical treatment, such as hormone replacement therapy. Some herbs may also help to alleviate symptoms, although evidence to prove they are effective is limited. Seek medical advice before taking any herbal supplements.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several herbs that may help to relief menopausal symptoms, including black cohosh and red clover. Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family and contains a number of biologically active compounds that may have hormone-like effects, although the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that evidence to prove this is mixed. Red clover contains chemicals called isoflavones which, according to RxList, are modified by the body to produce compounds that act in a similar way to the female sex hormone estrogen. Ask your doctor how much of these herbs you need to take to alleviate your symptoms.
Efficacy
Evidence to prove that red clover and black cohosh can reduce menopausal symptoms is mixed. The results of a study by B.A. Pockaj and colleagues published in the 2004 issue of "Cancer Investigation" show that black cohosh reduces the frequency of hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause. However, an analysis of clinical data by F. Borrelli and E. Ernst, published in the July 2008 issue of "Pharmacological Research," concludes that the efficacy of black cohosh as a treatment for menopausal symptoms is uncertain and further clinical studies are needed. In addition, a placebo-controlled trial by S.E. Geller et al., published in the November 2009 issue of "Menopause," found that although red clover and black cohosh supplements did not cause adverse effects, neither were more effective than placebo.
Side Effects
Red clover is likely safe, according to RxList, although it may cause a rash, headache, nausea and vaginal bleeding. Black cohosh may cause a number of side effects, including headaches, nausea and vomiting. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center also notes that use of this herb has been linked with liver problems, including hepatitis. Only use this herb under medical supervision.
Contraindications
Red clover is contraindicated in a number of conditions, including ovarian, breast and uterine cancers and a disorder called protein S deficiency. Also avoid this herb if you have a bleeding disorder. Black cohosh may interact with some cancer drugs, so avoid using it if you are undergoing cancer treatment.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Black Cohosh
- RxList: Red Clover
- PubMed: Pilot Evaluation of Black Cohosh for the Treatment of Hot Flashes in Women
- PubMed: Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) for Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Its Efficacy
- PubMed: Safety and Efficacy of Black Cohosh and Red Clover for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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