At least half of all older women experience hot flashes, according to a 2010 report in the journal "Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico." Menopausal women often report night sweats as well. These signs of low estrogen have a negative effect on daily living. Prescription medications can help alleviate these symptoms, but such drugs may cause side effects. Herbal remedies might eventually become a better alternative, but speak with a doctor before taking herbs.
Black Cohosh
Many menopausal women take black cohosh -- botanical name Cimicifuga racemosa -- to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. This natural remedy remains available over the counter despite safety concerns, according to a 2011 review in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine." Preliminary data suggest that black cohosh is effective and safe; a clinical trial described in the 2010 volume of "Phytomedicine" tested the herb in an animal model of menopausal symptoms. Ask your doctor if black cohosh would be beneficial for your condition.
Soybean Extracts
Soybeans, taken from the Glycine max plant, contain substances with a broad range of health benefits. These chemicals -- soy isoflavones -- produce positive effects in animal models of menopause. According to a 2011 article in "Menopause," a soy-rich diet prevents the vaginal changes often seen in feminine aging. An experiment published in the 2007 volume of "Maturitas" determined whether similar effects could be obtained in human patients. Postmenopausal women received daily doses of either soy extracts or inert treatments for 10 months. Relative to placebo, soy reduced the incidence of hot flashes nearly 70 percent. The participants reliably took the herbal remedy, and they did not experience allergic reactions.
Chinese Angelica and German Chamomile
Women have used Angelica sinensis, commonly known as Chinese angelica, to treat menstrual problems for centuries. This herb has potent effects on the estrogen system, according to a 2006 study in "Phytotherapy Research." Matricaria chamomilla, or German chamomile, produces similar results. An investigation presented in the 2003 volume of "Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology" assessed the impact of combining these two herbal remedies. Postmenopausal women experiencing hot flashes received daily doses of the combination or a placebo for three months. Chinese angelica and German chamomile, relative to placebo, reduced hot flashes and night sweats. The combination also enhanced sleep and reduced fatigue without causing adverse events. Consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with herbs.
Polyherbal Formula
Estrogen plays an important role in hot flashes and night sweats. Several mechanisms, however, underlie these symptoms, according to a 2011 review in "Frontiers in Bioscience." Given this finding, a polyherbal formula may eventually prove the most effective treatment. A pilot study described in the 2010 edition of "Panminerva Medica" tested a polyherbal formula that included a terpene, a mineral, a vitamin, a citrus bioflavoid and a tomato extract. Postmenopausal women were given either the combination or a placebo each night for two months. The polyherbal formula reduced the number of hot flashes. It also had a positive effect on the women's mental health. The patients did not experience side effects, but the long-term effect of using herbal remedies remains unknown. Check with your doctor before using any sort of supplement to ensure safe and proper usage.
References
- "Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico"; Frequency of Symptoms of the Climacteric Syndrome; Marcelino Hernandez-Valencia, et al.; April 2010
- "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Black Cohosh Hepatic Safety; Fabio Firenzuoli, et al.; 2011
- "Phytomedicine"; Cimicifuga Racemosa Special Extract BNO 1055 Prevents Hot Flashes in Ovariectomized Rats; Pawan Kapur, et al.; September 2010
- "Menopause"; Soybean Concentrated Extract Proliferates the Vagina of Adult Rats; Adriana Aparecida Carbonel, et al.; January 2011
- "Maturitas"; Efficacy and Safety of a Soy Isoflavone Extract in Postmenopausal Women; Eliana A.P. Nahas, et al.; November 2007
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Estrogenic Activity of Standardized Extract of Angelica Sinensis; Clara Circosta, et al.; August 2006
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