Herbal Remedies For Menopause

While many women once swore by Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), concerns began to grow after a Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial found that women taking the combination estrogen-progestin (Prempro) resulted in an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, blood clots, and dementia.

The results were so disturbing that women began to look for alternatives to minimize their menopause symtptoms.

In a 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science fact sheet on the management of menopause-related symptoms, they addressed six botanicals — black cohosh, dong quai root, ginseng, kava, red clover, and soy – commonly used as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. Because so little research has been done on these botanicals in relation to menopause, conclusions have been mixed. Here’s an overview …

Black cohosh studies have found mixed results in its ability to reduce the hot flashes associated with menopause. However, one significant study (funded by NCCAM and the National Institute on Aging) found that whether black cohosh was used alone or with other botanicals, it failed to relieve hot flashes and night sweats.

Dong quai, in a single clinical study, was not found to be useful in reducing hot flashes. In fact, since Dong quai is known to interact negatively with the blood-thinning medicine, Warfarin, there are potential bleeding complications in women who combine Dong quai with Warfarin.

Ginseng has been found to be helpful with menopausal symptoms such as mood symptoms and sleep disturbances. However, it has not proven to have an effect on hot flashes.

Kava has its own problems. Not only has there been no evidence that reduces hot flashes, but the FDA has issued a warning linking kava to potential liver damage.

Red clover, after several controlled studies, was unable to demonstrate any qualities that helped to reduce hot flashes. In addition, some studies have raised concerns that red clover might have negative effects on hormone-sensitive tissue (such as in the breast and uterus).

Soy extracts have been shown to have mixed results for hot flashes.

Related posts:

1. Natural Remedies For Menopause
2. What Exactly Is Male Menopause?
3. Creating A Menopause Diary