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Herbs for Menopause Mood Swings

If you are in the throes of menopause and experiencing mood swings, this is probably the result of fluctuating hormones. If you find that you're flying off the handle, overreacting to situations or experiencing crying jags, there are herbal treatments to help.

  1. Phytoestrogen Versus Non-Estrogenic

    • There are two approaches to dealing with menopausal mood swings using herbal remedies. There are phytoestrogenic herbs, such as black cohosh, which contain estrogens, and there are non-estrogenic herbs, such as maca, that don't contain estrogens but work as well. Phytoestrogens are comparable to the estrogen in our bodies and which many menopausal women lack. However, according to Natural-progesterone-estrogen-supplements.com, non-estrogenic herbs are preferred because a woman's body will eventually produce less of its own estrogen if phytoestrogen herbs are taken. Non-estrogenic herbs reportedly nourish the hormonal glands, making them work better, but do not actually contain estrogen.

    Maca

    • Consider using maca, which is a plant grown in Peru that has been used for centuries by the Peruvians for strength, endurance, stamina and increased libido. Menopausal women may find that they begin feeling better after taking maca. This plant does not contain estrogen but, like hops, has estrogenic effects on a woman's body.

    Black Cohosh

    • Black cohosh was used by the Native Americans to treat a myriad of conditions and is considered by many to eliminate menopausal symptoms because of its estrogenic effects, according to Womentowomen.com. Black cohosh is described as a plant that mimics and supports estrogen.

    Hops

    • According to Mothernature.com, hops has a soothing and calming effect on the body. If you are feeling agitated, anxious, irritable or nervous, taking hops may be the solution. Hops contain components that have an estrogen-like effect and reportedly increases levels of estrogen in menopausal women.

    Licorice Root

    • Licorice root raises progesterone levels while simultaneously lowering estrogen levels, according to Holisticonline.com. Licorice root is made up of cortisone-like components that are comparable to those found in the adrenal glands. It is believed that this root works as a stimulant for the adrenal glands as well as having restorative properties. Do not use licorice root if you have high blood pressure or if you are taking digitalis-based drugs. Licorice can also deplete potassium.

    Ginkgo Biloba

    • Ginkgo biloba extract is said to be beneficial to the vascular system because it increases blood flow. It also reportedly helps clear cognitive problems, or fuzzy brain syndrome.

    Ginseng

    • Mothernature.com advises that ginseng is a good remedy for hot flashes. Some menopausal women suffer from cognitive problems or what is described as a fuzzy or foggy brain, caused by low estrogen levels, and ginseng is said to improve cognitive abilities. Ginseng also increases energy levels.

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