Menopause, which occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and the female sex hormone estrogen, marks the end of fertility. Although it is a natural process, rather than an illness, some women find its symptoms distressing. Though hormone replacement therapy helps relieve symptoms, it may increase the risk of stroke and some forms of cancer. Herbal remedies, including kudzu, are also sometimes used to alleviate symptoms, although evidence to prove they are effective is limited. Get medical clearance before using kudzu.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Also known as Japanese arrowroot, kudzu is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat numerous conditions including alcoholism, diabetes, fever and eye pain. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it may also alleviate menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. It contains a number of isoflavone compounds that likely confer kudzu's medicinal effects.
Administration
The flowers and roots of the kudzu plant are used to make herbal preparations including teas, tinctures, capsules and tablets. RxList states that there is not enough information to determine an appropriate dose of kudzu. However, the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website notes that the standard dosage ranges from 9 g to 15 g daily. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that these dosages are suitable for you.
Effectiveness
Few clinical studies have evaluated the effects of kudzu on menopausal symptoms. However, the results of a study published in the July 2007 issue of the "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" show that kudzu helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats. Research findings published in the July 2003 of "Menopause" also found that kudzu may improve cognitive function in women that have been through menopause.
Safety Considerations
Kudzu may be safe according to RxList, but it may lower blood sugar levels so people suffering from diabetes should check their blood glucose levels carefully when using this herb. Although the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that kudzu is reasonably safe, it adds that you should avoid this herb if you have liver or kidney problems. Also avoid kudzu if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer like breast or uterine cancer. Bear in mind that it may interact with other medicines you may be taking including diabetes medications and anticoagulants.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Kudzu
- RxList: Kudzu
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Kudzu
- "Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand" ;Challenges in the Conduct of Thai Herbal Scientific Study: Efficacy and Safety of Phytoestrogen, Pueraria Mirifica (Kwao Keur Kao), Phase I, in the Alleviation of Climacteric Symptoms in Perimenopausal Women; V. Chandeying and S. Lamlertkittikul; July 2007
- "Menopause"; Comparison of Pueraria Lobata With Hormone Replacement Therapy in Treating the Adverse Health Consequences of Menopause; J. Woo, et al.; July 2003
