Herbal Remedies to Help Menopause Symptoms

Many women in their fifties experience menopause-related symptoms, which are caused by a sharp fall in estrogen levels. This article will look at some of the herbal remedies frequently recommended for easing the discomfort of menopausal symptoms, and it will briefly examine some pros and cons, scientific evidence and myths about using these herbs.

Common Menopause Symptoms

• Symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, migraines, joint pain, dizziness, weight gain, loss of libido and vaginal dryness, may be quite mild or very intense. These symptoms may last for only a short time for some women, but for others they can last for many years. Women use a variety of herbal remedies in an attempt to alleviate symptoms of menopause. Health practitioners have strong and contradictory opinions about whether these remedies provide relief and whether they actually are harmful.

Why Herbal Remedies?

• Herbal remedies have always been used to treat menopause symptoms, but more women turned to herbs and alternative medicine after the extensive Women's Health Initiative study found that hormone replacement therapy, a popular treatment until 2002, might increase the risk not only of breast and ovarian cancer, but also of strokes and other serious medical conditions.

Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh is the most widely recognized and recommended herbal remedy for menopause symptoms. Native Americans used black cohosh for womens' health conditions, such as hot flashes and menstrual cramps, and this herb is still thought to be helpful. In 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said that taking black cohosh may be helpful for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, but it should be taken for no more than six months. This caveat was given because some medical professionals believe black cohosh may cause negative side effects such as indigestion, nausea, headaches, perspiration, leg heaviness, weight gain, changes in blood pressure or vision disturbances. In 2006, Health Canada warned that black cohosh usage may cause or be involved in liver toxicity or damage. Black cohosh is available in tea, capsule, tablet or liquid forms and can be found at health food stores, natural groceries and online, but before using this herb, it is essential to review the information and warnings associated with it and to stop using it after six months.

Dong Quai

• Dong quai can be taken in tea, extract or capsule form and may help to balance postmenopausal hormones and reduce hot flash symptoms. For centuries, dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean medicine. It is sometimes called the "female Ginseng" due to the belief that this herb's root is effective in treating women's health conditions, but there is little evidence confirming its usefulness as a menopause remedy. As a matter of fact, clinical trials of herbal remedies and their effect on menopause symptoms showed that dong quai was not an effective menopause remedy. Another study was done to investigate the estrogenic activity of certain herbs, and the results indicated that, "Dong quai significantly increased the growth of [breast cancer cells]... It is thought that an oil in dong quai called Safrole may be carcinogenic."

Evening Primrose Oil

• Evening primrose oil, usually taken in soft gel capsule form, has been said to help some women cope during menopause. Its usefulness, however, as an effective menopause remedy remains unproven, and at least three clinical studies concluded that evening primrose oil was not effective in treating menopause symptoms or in helping to alleviate hot flashes.

Other Herbal Remedies

• Licorice supplements may act as "phytoestrogens" in the body, meaning licorice may have effects like that of estrogen. Some scientists caution against over use of substances that mimic estrogen, and advise people with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and kidney, heart or liver conditions to avoid licorice, especially if it has not been deglycyrrhizinated. On the other hand, in some human studies, licorice was shown to decrease symptoms of PMS and menopause, and to improve memory and ease mild depression. Drinking chamomile and valerian tea shortly before bedtime may help with insomnia, a common and very disruptive symptom that can create anxiety and trigger hot flashes. This tea is one of the less controversial remedies discussed.

Potential Dangers of Herbal Remedies

• In a January 2009 article, Ike Iheanacho, an editor of the journal, Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, who reviewed 26 published studies about the efficacy of herbal remedies for menopause symptoms, wrote, "There is little scientific evidence that herbal remedies commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms work, and some may be dangerous if taken along with other treatments." "Although black cohosh, red clover, dong quai, evening primrose oil and ginseng are taken to provide relief from hot flashes, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness and diminished sex drive in the belief that they are natural products without risk," Iheanacho warns that "in reality...herbal medicines have pharmacological actions, and so can cause unwanted side effects and have potentially dangerous interactions with other medicines, both herbal and conventional."

Consult with Knowledgable Health Practitioners

• Herbal remedies have long been thought to help women during menopause, but, as with diet suggestions, pharmacological interventions, and other aids and remedies, there are varying opinions about whether herbs and supplements truly help or hurt women in their attempts to ease the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause.