In a woman's reproductive cycle, the phase leading up to menopause, or the absence of menstrual periods, is called perimenopause. The signs of perimenopause vary from woman to woman, as do the number of years it lasts. Frequently symptoms include hot flashes, fatigue, depression, insomnia, headache and decreased libido, writes naturopath Tori Hudson on her website. Pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy is an option. Some women choose herbs to manage perimenopausal symptoms. Consult a qualified health care provider before adding herbs to your regimen.
Phytoestrogens
Plants are full of chemical compounds, also called phytochemicals, which support their function and existence. One category of these compounds is phytoestrogens. Hundreds of plants contain phytogestrogens, including spinach, flaxseeds, peas, legumes, fruit, coffee, cabbage and nuts, according to Hudson. Herbs that have an estrogenic effect include fenugreek, black cohosh, maca, ginseng and angelica, writes herbalist Michael Castleman in "The New Healing Herbs." Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Chasteberry
Chasteberries are small red fruits produced by the chastetree plant, or Vitex agnus-castus. An age-old herbal remedy to balance women's hormones, it is easily found in health food stores in tincture, extract, tea and capsule forms. Herbalist Susun S. Weed's website states that chasteberry is highly effective at regulating women's hormones and supporting the endocrine system. Phytochemicals in chasteberry can treat perimenopausal symptoms as well as PMS and breast tenderness. Chasteberry compounds have been prescribed by European doctors for menstrual cycle regulation for decades, according to Castleman. Consult your physician before taking chasteberry.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a tall perennial shrub native to North America. Its dark, rough roots are used medicinally. According to Anthony J. Chicoke, author of "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies," black cohosh is a benign and successful alternative to prescription estrogen replacement. It can relieve hot flashes and menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual cycle. A 2011 article published in "Frontiers of Bioscience" confirms the herb's effectiveness in treating perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms, including hot flashes. The Cherokee also employed black cohosh root as a sedative and general tonic. Seek advice frοm a health practitioner before ...sing black cohosh.
Safety
If you take hormone replacement therapy, check with your qualified health practitioner before using estrogenic-active herbs, such as black cohosh and chasteberry. In regard to chasteberry, few side effects have been reported, other than a few cases of stomach distress and hair loss, notes Castelman. Black cohosh should not be taken for more than six months at a time, according to "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs."
References
- Dr. Tori Hudson: Perimenopause: An Integrative Approach
- "Frontiers in Bioscience"; Phytotherapy as Alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy; M.D. Hidalgo; January 2011
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs"; Chris D. Meletis; 2002
- "Secrets of Native American Herbal Remedies"; Anthony J. Cichoke; 2001
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