GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep and other functions of the brain. Certain medications and dietary supplements may affect the GABA system to produce therapeutic effects, some of which may be useful in treating menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. It is important, however, to consult your physician to discuss treatment options before taking a dietary supplement to relieve menopause symptoms.
Gabapentin for Menopause
Gabapentin is a prescription drug that increases GABA levels. Although it is primarily prescribed as an anticonvulsant for people with seizure disorders, it has also proven to be an effective treatment for symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, according to PubMed Health. A study published in "Gynecological Endocrinology" in 2010 found that gabapentin was as effective as low-dose estrogen-replacement therapy in relieving moderate to severe hot flashes in post-menopausal women. Another study, published in "Journal of Clinical Oncology" in 2007, determined gabapentin decreased hot flashes by 50 percent in women who experienced insufficient hot flash relief from antidepressant treatment. Besides hot flashes, gabapentin may also treat insomnia caused by menopause, according to a study published by "Journal of Women's Health" in 2009.
GABA Dietary Supplements for Menopause
Certain herbs and vitamins may also influence the brain's GABA system to relieve menopause symptoms, although research supporting the use of alternative menopause therapies, including dietary supplements, is not conclusive. An animal study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2010 concluded that the calming effects of the herb Passiflora incarnata L., commonly known as passionflower, may result from stimulation of the GABA receptors in the brain. According to MedlinePlus, passionflower is commonly used to treat menopause symptoms, including insomnia, although there's insufficient evidence to rate its effectiveness for these purposes. Also, vitamin B-6 raises blood levels of GABA and is sometimes used to treat menopausal symptoms; however, there's not sufficient evidence to indicate the usefulness of B-6 supplements to treat conditions other than those related to B-6 deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com.
Exercise and GABA
One possible way to raise GABA levels naturally is to exercise. Regular physical activity is an effective way to decrease stress, which can help you reduce menopause symptoms without taking hormones or medications. A study published in "Journal of Psychopharmacology" in 2010 investigated the theory that the calming effects of exercise may be related to the effect of exercise on the GABA system. The study determined that voluntary exercise among lab rats resulted in increased GABA synthesis in the rats' forebrains, and researchers concluded that the stress-relieving capacity of exercise may indeed be related to its effects on the GABA system. Besides exercise, some other lifestyle changes that may help relieve menopausal symptoms include relaxation techniques such as meditation and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
GABA Alternatives for Menopause
In addition to gabapentin, other prescription medications may also help reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings. Among these medications include hormone replacement therapy, low doses of antidepressant medications such as paroxetine, fluoxetine and buproprion, and the high-blood pressure medication clonidine. According to Ray Sahelian, M.D., besides passionflower, other alternative medicines that may help reduce stress and thereby improve mood and sleep include kava, 5-HTP, ashwagandha and tryptophan. Contact your doctor before taking dietary supplements to treat menopause symptoms, as these may cause dangerous side effects and/or drug interactions.
References
- "Gynecological Endocrinology"; Gabapentin vs. Low-dose Transdermal Estradiol for Treating Post-menopausal Women with Moderate to Very Severe Hot Flushes; W. Aquirre, et al.; May 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Phase III Trial of Gabapentin Alone or in Conjunction With an Antidepressant in the Management of Hot Flashes in Women Who Have Inadequate Control With an Antidepressant Alone: NCCTG N03C5; C.L. Loprinzi, et al.; January 2007
- "Journal of Women's Health"; Effects of Gabapentin on Sleep in Menopausal Women with Hot Flashes as Measured by a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Factor Scoring Model; M.E. Yurcheshen; September 2009
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Modulation of the γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) System by Passiflora incarnata L.; K. Appel, et al.; November 2010
- "Journal of Psychopharmacology"; Voluntary Exercise Alters GABA(A) Receptor Subunit and Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-67 Gene Expression in the Rat Forebrain; L.E. Hill; May 2010
