Menopause is a natural part of the aging process, rather than a health condition, and marks the end of fertility. As the ovaries stop producing eggs, levels of the estrogen, the female sex hormone, decline. As a result, the majority of menopausal women experience symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and sleeping problems. Hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate these symptoms, but it may not be safe. Some herbs may also help relieve menopausal symptoms, although they may not always be effective. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several herbs that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including kudzu and black cohosh. Kudzu, also known as Pueraria mirifica, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for a number of ailments, including diabetes and alcoholism. It may have estrogen-like effects. It also is used to treat hot flushes and night sweats in menopausal women. Black cohosh, also known as Actaea racemosa, may also have effects similar to estrogen and is primarily used to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Administration
Kudzu and black cohosh can be taken as teas or tablets. The amount of each herb needed to relieve menopausal symptoms may depend on other medicines you are taking and your general health. However, UMMC suggests taking 20 mg of black cohosh twice daily to help alleviate menopausal symptoms. The Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website notes that the standard daily dose of kudzu ranges from 9 g to 15 g. Check with a health-care provider to determine if these dosages are suitable for you.
Side Effects
RxList notes that black cohosh may be safe but adds that it may cause side effects such as stomach upset, headache, rash, vaginal spotting and weight gain. Its use has been linked with several cases of liver disease, but whether black cohosh caused these problems is unclear. Kudzu may cause a hypersensitivity reaction in some people. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that it may also cause liver toxicity, but this effect has only been observed in animal studies.
Contraindications
Black cohosh and kudzu are not suitable for everyone. Because both herbs may exert estrogen-like effects, their use is contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, uterine and ovarian cancer. You should also avoid black cohosh if you suffer from uterine fibroids. Don't take either of these herbs if you have a liver disease. Bear in mind that black cohosh and kudzu may interact with other medicines you may be taking. For example, black cohosh heightens the effects of anti-coagulants and may increase your risk of bleeding, while kudzu should not be taken alongside diabetes medicines.
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