Alternative Therapies to Ease Symptoms
Today, women are seeking herbal and nutritional
therapies to ease hot flashes and other symptoms
of menopause. While many herbal remedies may help
ease those discomforts, these therapies have not
been proven to reduce risk of heart disease or
osteoporosis. If you're considering alternative
therapies, talk to your health care provider.
Note, though, that not all doctors feel comfortable
recommending herbal or nutritional therapies for
symptoms of menopause.
Female Herbs
These leading female herbs, deemed safe by the
FDA, appear to balance estrogen in the body when
the human hormone level becomes too low or too
high. They are available dried, as capsules or
tinctures, or in teas:
- Dong quoi (Angelica sinesis) -- To
quell hot flashes and regulate hormonal production.
Investigators have confirmed dong quoi's pain-relieving,
antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Ginseng -- A tonic that increases energy
and endurance.
- Feverfew -- To relieve migraine headaches
triggered by perimenopausal hormone fluctuations.
- St. John's wort -- Scientifically shown
to relieve mild depression and anxiety.
- Valerian -- To promote sleep and relieve
anxiety.
- Motherwort -- To relieve vaginal dryness.
- Wild yam -- Regarded as a progesterone-producing
herb to ease hot flashes and breast tenderness.
- Garlic -- Whether eaten or taken in
deodorized capsules, may lower harmful lipids
and protect the heart.
These alternative therapies also may ease symptoms:
- Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) roots
and stems -- Reduces hot flashes and relieves
depression and vaginal thinning. It is the main
ingredient in Remifemin, a widely used German
product, and in "menopause" teas and
capsules. Note: do not use if you might be pregnant
or are having heavy bleeding.
- Vitex or chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
fruit -- May regulate progesterone levels
that contribute to fluid retention, bloating,
breast tenderness, headache and fatigue. It
is often included with black cohosh in menopausal
products. Note: do not use this if you might
be pregnant.
Soybeans
Interest in soybeans has been sparked by the theory
that a soy-rich diet may explain why Asian woman
don't experience symptoms of menopause. Lab studies
reveal soy can significantly boost the high-density
lipoproteins that protect the heart -- a significant
finding given that heart disease is the leading
cause of death in post-menopausal women. Soy also
may prevent bone loss.
Tips on Natural Herbs
Natural isn't always safe. Some herbal remedies
may have harmful side effects in people with certain
medical problems. Stop taking herbs and see your
physician if you develop uterine bleeding, a rash
or any adverse reaction.
- Seek guidance. Contact a licensed herbalist
or talk to your health care provider if you
are considering alternative therapies.
- Seek reputable herbal preparations. Herbal
products are not uniform. To make sure the ingredients
you want are in the jar, read labels to learn
genus and species, known active ingredients
and the amounts.
- Results may not be instant. It can take about
six to eight weeks for most herbs to work.
- Start with a lower dose. There is a therapeutic
dosing range that may vary with each individual,
just as there is with drugs. If the dose is
three capsules three time a day, you may want
to start with one capsule three times a day.
|
