Are there any Good Natural Remedies for Menopause?

Every woman past child-bearing years dreads it.  Of course there’s no cure for menopause since it is a completely natural occurrence like going through puberty when women develop breasts and begin menstruation.  While puberty announces that a young woman is capable of having children, menopause signals the end of that part of a woman’s life cycle.  Menopause is like puberty in reverse.

Menopause declares its arrival by the slowing and eventual cessation of menstruation, diminishment of breast size and density, and the body’s elimination of hormones associated with child bearing.  It is accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal dryness, insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, osteoporosis, and erratic moods.  Gynecologists often prescribe hormone replacement therapy, but the link of these medications to breast cancer is still in heated debate.

More and more women today are choosing a natural remedy to ease the symptoms of menopause.  A century ago, women used Lydia Pinkham pills, a combination of vitamins and herbal substances, to make menopause easier. Today, if you decline to take hormone replacement and after consulting with your physician, you may wish to try a natural remedy for menopause.

What’s On the Menu for Natural Menopause Remedies?

Dong Quai is used in Chinese natural healing to treat many women’s health issues such as menstrual cramps premenstrual symptoms, and menopause symptoms.  Although its effectiveness has not been verified by the FDA, many women find it helpful and recommend it to other menopausal women.

In Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), Shatavari is particularly useful as a natural menopause remedy for hot flashes. Since it is a natural diuretic, Ayurveda practitioners recommend that women who use it re-supply their potassium intake by eating bananas and orange juice to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Black Cohosh Root is a particularly popular natural menopause remedy. It was used in the original Lydia Pinkham tablets during the turn of the century.  It’s a general “cure all” for menopause, relieving hot flashes, headaches, irritability, vaginal dryness and insomnia.  It has few, if any, side effects and is tolerated quite well. 

Two important caveats about Black Cohosh Root: don’t confuse it with Blue Cohosh, a potentially harmful root that has no relation to Black Cohosh.  Herbalists recommend that Black Cohosh Root be taken for only six months.

Another best-selling natural menopause remedy is Soy Isoflavones. This substance is derived from soy beans and their by-products like tofu and soy milk.  Soy acts as a natural mild form of estrogen, particularly useful among women to choose not to use prescription hormone replacement.  Herbalists recommend eating soy-containing food over taking soy pills or capsules.  However, it should not be used if you have a history of breast cancer.

Alfalfa leaves and seeds are making a debut as natural menopause remedies.  More research is needed on these plants, but it’s known that it has an action in the body similar to estrogen.  Women with diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as lupus or fibromyalgia should not use alfalfa.

Like Black Cohosh Root, Red Clover is a favorite natural menopause remedy. It’s particularly helpful for hot flashes, and may lower cholesterol levels in post-menopausal women. As a mild form of estrogen, it should not be used by women who have a history or are at risk for breast cancer.  Nor should it be combined with blood-thinning medications like Warfarin.

Women may know Chasteberry by its Latin name, vitex.  This small tree’s berries relieve problematic menstrual cycles, especially the erratic cycles during menopause.  However, its effects may not be felt until it is taken for several months.

Natural menopause remedies are generally safe and non-toxic if used correctly.  These products are available on-line, in natural health and food stores, and in many major supermarkets.