Health And Fitness News 

Natural Herbal Remedies For Menopause

Today, herbal therapies are also being used in the treatment of menopause.  There are certain vegetable foods that are known to contain phytoestrogens (similar to the female sex hormone-estrogen). 

There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans.  Isoflavones have been found in soybeans, chickpeas and peas.  Lignans have been found in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables.  Researchers in Asia first noticed that women in that part of the world had very mild menopausal symptoms and a much lower incidence of heart disease and osteoporosis.  It was later discovered that their diet was rich in phytoestrogens that provided the protective effect. 

However, the addition of isoflavones to western diets has not been found to be effective at least in the short term and longer terms follow-up is required.  There has also been a concern that high estrogen levels after menopause may be associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer.  So far the data on soy products remains unknown and all reports remain anecdotal. But research on this topic is ongoing.

Vitamin E has been widely postulated to diminish the symptoms of menopause.  Its effects are immediate.  However, there are only a few reports and it only works in a few individuals.  Why it does not work in all women remains a mystery.  Some nutritionists recommend higher doses of vitamin E in women who do not respond to a low dose of vitamin E.  However, the FDA strongly advises against taking more than 400 IU of this vitamin because of the potential for serous toxicity.

Black cohosh has been widely used in northern Europe for more than 2 decades and has recently become popular in North America.  However, even the European data indicates that it does not work in all women and even today there are no scientific data on its clinical benefits.  However, the product is safe.  The North American Menopause Society does supports short-term use of black cohosh for treating menopausal symptoms because it seems to have a low risk of side effects when used for up to six months.  But the exact effects of long term use are not known. 

There are numerous other dietary supplements available that have been postulated to treat menopausal symptoms; many of menopaual females even swear by some of them.  These products include dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream).  Even though these products have been around for more than 2 decades, there is no scientific data to back any of the claims made by the women users or the manufacturers. 
 
Before one starts to take any herbal products be sure to consult your doctor and herbalist.  There definitely are some herbals which are useful but the question is which ones are best for you.  And in the end, like all things in life, be an informed consumer.