Perimenopause is the period during which women change from having regular menstrual periods to becoming infertile and entering menopause. Different women begin perimenopause at different times, with many entering this period in their 40s. Many women experience unpleasant side effects during this transition, including hot flashes, night sweats and trouble sleeping.
Supplements
Hormone replacement therapy can help minimize the symptoms of perimenopause, but many women do not want to take these medications because they may increase the risk for developing certain health conditions, including some types of cancer. Women sometimes take black cohosh, DHEA, dong quai, evening primrose, ginseng, kava, magnesium, red clover, soy, wild yam or vitamin E in the hopes of relieving their perimenopause symptoms.
Effectiveness
Most studies regarding the use of these supplements either were not well-designed or did not show beneficial effects from taking these supplements, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The evidence isn't strong enough to recommend for their use given the possible drug interactions and side effects involved. Hormone-replacement therapy helped to relieve perimenopause symptoms, but not black cohosh or two mixed botanical supplements, according to a NCCAM-sponsored study published in 2006 in the "Annals of Internal Medicine."
Safety
Women with liver disorders should not take black cohosh. If you have a condition that is hormone-sensitive, including certain cancers, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, you shouldn't take supplements containing soy or red clover, as these may have an estrogen-like effect. Dong quai can interact with blood thinners, and kava may increase your risk for liver disorders.
Considerations
Supplements are not well-regulated, so the supplement you purchase may not have the exact contents listed on the label, or the amounts of ingredients listed on the label. Only use supplements from well-respected companies to limit these risks. Always tell your doctor which supplements you are considering, as they may interact with medications you are taking or may not be advised due to your health conditions.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Hot Flashes; June 12, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs and Supplements for Hot Flashes
- Science Daily; Herbal Supplement Fails To Relieve Hot Flashes In Large NIH Trial; Dec. 19, 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Perimenopause; Sept. 16, 2010
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Midlife Transitions; December 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Menopausal Symptoms and CAM; January 2008
