Free Medical Articles

More and more women are turning to natural remedies to treat menopausal symptoms. Many help. However, natural doesn't always mean safe. Be sure to read what research shows about some popular remedies.

Because these compounds have varying estrogenic effects, women who have contraindications to estrogen should talk with their physician before taking these herbal remedies.

Black Cohosh

Active ingredients are found in the root and rhizome (or underground stem of the plant.)

WHAT IT TREATS: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, menopausal symptom-related occasional sleeplessness

EFFICACY: Not all forms of black cohosh have been studied, but one brand, Remifemin®, has been the subject of more than 20 clinical trials and open surveillance studies spanning more than 40 years with more than 3,000 subjects show the product is safe and effective. In the most recent clinical study, Remifemin reduced the majority of women's symptoms by 56 percent in four weeks, 65 percent in eight weeks and 70 percent in 12 weeks of twice-daily use. Additionally, a double-blind placebo-controlled trial in Germany found that women taking Remifemin for 12 weeks saw their hot flashes reduced by more than 80 percent, compared with women taking a placebo, whose hot flashes declined by only 20 percent.

SAFETY: Remifemin in menopause has no effect on hormone levels or specific cell lines associated with some cancers. The herb might be safe for women looking for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alternatives. No drug interactions have been reported in 40 years of worldwide use. Side effects have been limited to mild, transient stomach upset.

Dong Quai

Supplements are produced using the entire root of this aromatic herb indigenous to China, Korea and Japan.

WHAT IT TREATS: Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, spotting and irregular bleeding, increasing energy and fighting fatigue.

EFFICACY: While some reports claim dong quai relieves various menopausal symptoms, scant published research documents the herb's effectiveness.

SAFETY: Diabetics should avoid dong qua, because the herb can push the blood sugar level up very high. Dong quai is not recommended for people taking blood-thinning agents. Also, exceeding recommended doses can affect blood pressure, heart action and respiration. Other side effects are diarrhea, abdominal bloating and reaction to sunlight-causing rash or severe sunburn. Additionally, a recent study confirmed dong quai, at high doses, stimulates growth of breast cancer cells.

Kava Kava

This herb is a member of the pepper family, with supplements derived from the peeled, dried and divided rhizome.

WHAT IT TREATS: Anxiety, nervousness and stress related to menopause (possibly hot flashes)

EFFICACY: Kava kava appears to primarily impact the limbic system of the brain, which is thought to be responsible for emotions and self-survival behavior.

SAFETY: Reports in Germany and Switzerland have linked kava kava to liver damage, and resulted in a ban on all kava sales in Switzerland. The German Commission E and the Food and Drug Administration are also reviewing these reports to determine the herb's safety. Higher doses and long-term use of kava kava can lead to hypertension, reduced protein levels, blood cell abnormalities, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, visual impairment, dizziness, and dry and scaly skin. Kava is not recommended for anyone being treated for depression.

Evening Primrose Oil

This herb is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant.

WHAT IT TREATS: Breast pain, anxiety, depression, hot flashes, night sweats and increased bone strength.

EFFICACY: Evening primrose oil contains the highest amount of gamma-linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid) of any food substance, which is thought to be effective at reducing many uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause, especially breast pain. However, efficacy studies, to date, have mixed results.

SAFETY: The safety profile for evening primrose oil is reasonably sound, with reports of only minor side effects, including headaches, indigestion, nausea, upset stomach and loose bowel movements. Reports of seizures were noted in patients on phenothiazine drugs, those undergoing anesthesia and those with a history of seizures.

Licorice Root

Supplements are created from the root of the perennial licorice plant.

WHAT IT TREATS: Hot flashes

EFFICACY: Licorice root extract's main ingredient, glycyrrhizin, has a similar structure to human steroids and is believed to show mild estrogenic effects, which possibly explains why this herb helps relieve menopausal discomfort.

SAFETY: Licorice root causes a rise of blood pressure and should not be used if a person has diabetes, edema, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, severe menstrual problems, glaucoma or history of stroke. Also, licorice root may cause headaches, lethargy, upset stomach, diarrhea, facial puffiness, ankle swelling, edema (fluid retention), grogginess, weakness or shortness of breath. Daily use for more than seven days in a row can affect the body's electrolyte balance, leading to high blood pressure and edema.

Red Clover

The flower serves as the medicinal part of this plant.

WHAT IT TREATS: Hot flashes and high blood pressure.

EFFICACY: Red clover contains phytoestrogens known as isoflavones, which are believed to have a weak estrogenic effect that might be able to reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. However, clinical trials show conflicting reports in regards to the plant's efficacy. In fact, the most recent double-blind placebo-controlled trials found no beneficial effects of red clover extracts on hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms.

SAFETY: Red clover contains phytoestrogens similar to the isoflavones found in soy. Studies have been published citing infertility, abnormal lactation and a prolapsed uterus, all attributed to the estrogenic effects of isoflavones. The effects of isoflavones on and endometrium and breast tissue are unknown and cause for concern. Also, certain medications may interact with red clover and individuals taking blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin) or blood-thinning herbs and supplements (such as ginkgo, ginger, garlic and vitamin E) should avoid red clover because of an increased risk of bleeding.

Soy

Foods include milk, curd, nuts and even the bean itself. It's also available in pill form, which includes extracts of the isoflavones found in the bean.

WHAT IT TREATS: Hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness, lowering cholesterol, headaches, nausea and increasing bone density.

EFFICACY: While research on soy for indications other than cardiovascular benefits is uncertain, evidence showing a diet high in soy-based foods is far more effective than taking soy supplements containing isoflavones extract. In fact, the North American Menopause Society only recommends soy foods for heart benefits, while stating that more trials are needed to test safety and efficacy of other forms of soy to show any effect for menopausal symptom treatment.

SAFETY: Studies have confirmed the estrogenic activity of the principle soy isoflavones (daidzein, genistein and glycitein). Therefore it is unclear as to whether or not soy is safe for women at risk for estrogen-induced cancers, such as breast cancer. Other potential side effects include gastrointestinal effects, such as stomach pain, loose stool and diarrhea.

 

For  More   Information:  Please  consult  your   physician  on  your  next  visit.