Perimenopause is the period of time several years before menopause, which happens around age 51 or 52 for most American women. Menopause is defined as going one year without a period. During perimenopause you may experience a number of bodily symptoms that can be treated either by conventional or alternative medicine. Although some holistic remedies are not supported by scientific evidence, many women claim to find relief with them. Consult with your doctor before embarking on an alternative medicine course of perimenopausal therapy.
Perimenopausal Symptoms
Common symptoms that you might experience during perimenopause include hot flashes and night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness, heart palpitations, headaches, irritability or depression, problems with thinking or memory and fatigue. These symptoms come about due to the natural decline in the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are substances that contain estrogen-like compounds which may relieve menopausal symptoms. Asian women rarely report menopausal symptoms, which is believed to be due to their high intake of phytoestrogens. Foods with high phytoestrogen content include soybeans, flaxseeds, whole grains, nuts, celery, apples, fennel, parsley and alfalfa. Women who have had breast cancer or who are taking drugs that supplement estrogen should be cautious of phytoestrogens due to their estrogen activity. Check with your doctor first.
Herbs
Black cohosh is an herb used for treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. MayoClinic.com reports it as generally safe, but does not find evidence that it is effective. It should not be used if you are pregnant or have a chronic disease or liver problems. In addition to black cohosh, gotu kola, red clover and dong quai are also used to help hot flashes, vaginal dryness and depression according to " The Prescription for Nutritional Healing," by Phyllis Balch, CNC.
Although it has no effect on hot flashes, kava kava may help decrease anxiety. According to Dr. Tori Hudson, a naturopath, three separate clinical trials have shown kava to be effective for reducing anxiety in menopausal women. Ginseng is also used to improve mood and sleep during perimenopause, according to "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Vitamins
Vitamin E is commonly associated with menopause due to its ability to provide relief from mild hot flashes, though not scientifically proven. MayoClinic.com warns against taking more than 400 IU's of vitamin E daily. Vitamin B-complex is known as the anti-stress vitamin that helps with adrenal function, cuts down on water retention and helps to protect against heart disease. A dose of 400 to 600 IU's of vitamin D helps regulate calcium within the body. Along with calcium, vitamin D may reduce mortality in postmenopausal women, according to the "The Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Health: Menopausal Symptoms and CAM
- MayoClinic.com: Menopause
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Dr.Tori Hudson, N.D.; Lesser Known Botanicals For Menopause Symptoms; Dr. Tori Hudson; July 30, 2007
