Natural Remedies for Treatment of Menopause, Pt. II – Extracts

The following are some of the most common herbal supplements and plant extracts used in the treatment of symptoms and side effects of menopause. Please note that caution is always needed when making any treatment plan decisions. If you think might be entering the early stages of menopause, be sure to see your primary healthcare provider before starting any treatments.

Black Cohosh – This is a supplement extracted from the black cohosh plant native to North America. It has been reported to reduce and even eliminate many of the most common symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and even sleep disorders. It appears to have few side effects, and those reported are minor; however any type of estrogen replacement therapy – including natural kinds – are considered to possibly increase the risk of breast cancer. It seems to have constituents that mimic the behavior of estrogen in the body – a useful feature to replace the dropping levels of estrogen that signal the onset of perimenopause.

Chasteberry – This supplement comes from the fruit of the chaste tree in Mediterranean regions. It has been said to relieve several symptoms of menopause including vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and mood swings. So far only mild side effects have been reported, like itchy skin and stomach upset. Rigorous studies have not been conducted to determine any possible long-term side-effects. The extract does not contain any estrogen-like constituents; instead it directly affects the pituitary gland to stimulate the body’s own production of hormones.

Dong Quai – This extract is made from the root of the angelica sinesis plant, also known as Chinese angelica, native to China. It is said to relieve a wide range of symptoms, particularly those related to the female reproduction cycle. It’s anti-spasmodic effect has been reported to help with the “cramps” of the menstrual cycle, and it also has been reported to reduce menopausal symptoms like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness by 25%. Along with the anti-spasmodic effect listed above, dong quai appears to work as a phytoestrogen as well as a mild sedative. One especially nice feature of dong quai is that it also contains Vitamins E, A, and B12.

Ginseng – This supplement is taken from the roots of various ginseng plants – there are ones native to Asia, as well as a North American version. It is said to mainly increase the sex drive in women experiencing menopause, however no studies have ever substantiated that claim. Recent research has suggested that it might possibly help control blood pressure, part of the mechanism in hot flashes. While ginseng is taken the world over for general stress reduction and general health enhancement, it has been reported to have some serious side effects including headache, anxiety, and sleeping disturbances along with some other, less common ones. Research has not been conducted to determine the root’s mechanisms of effect, since proof that it actually has these effects has not been found.

Soy Isoflavones – Soybeans are native to Southeast Asia, but over half of the world’s supplies are grown in the United States. They are popular as a food, but soy isoflavones extracted from the beans have been reported to have a positive effect on a wide variety of symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, osteoporosis, and much more. No substantial side effects of taking soy extracts have been reported; however as with all estrogen replacement therapy, increased risk of breast cancer has been reported. The biological mechanism of soy isoflavones is similar to that of black cohosh in that the soybean contains a natural constituent that mimics the effects estrogen has on the body.

Wild Yam – Various different wild yam plants exist, ranging in locale from Mexico and the United States to Asia. Wild yam is similar to black cohosh and soy isoflavones in that it has been reported to help reduce a wide range of menopausal symptoms. It appears to have no lasting side effects, but studies have not been conducted to prove this. Although similar to some of the other herbal and plant extracts listed, wild yam is not an estrogen replacement therapy; instead it is reported to be a progesterone replacement therapy – one of the few on the market today.
Note, there are many other extracts and supplements that have been used for treatment of symptoms associated with menopause, including evening primrose and St. John’s wort. However, no studies have been conducted to show any reduction in symptoms and several of these have reported serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects, interactions, and complications. As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or extracts.

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