Natural Herbs and Supplements for Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is something that every woman has to go through when they get older and it can have some uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, chills, night sweats, weight gain, irregular periods, labile moods, decreased sex drive, poor sleep, bone loss, headaches, anxiety, and depression.
If you're not keen on using medication, we've done some research for you on some herb and supplement remedies to help ease the symptoms of Menopause. Remember if you are unsure whether or not to use certain herbs or supplements, please do some research or ask a professional if these would be right for you.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh (also known as Actaea racemosa) is a flowering plant native to North America. It was used in Native American herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses but it is most commonly used to alleviate night sweats and hot flashes associated with Menopause.
Red Clover
Red Clover (also known as Trifolium pratense) is a herbaceous flowering plant in the legume family. It’s a rich source of isoflavones. These compounds function similarly to the hormone estrogen and may help alleviate symptoms associated with the decline in estrogen production that occurs with Menopause. It is also regularly used to treat or prevent various menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and bone loss.
If you're not keen on using medication, we've done some research for you on some herb and supplement remedies to help ease the symptoms of Menopause. Remember if you are unsure whether or not to use certain herbs or supplements, please do some research or ask a professional if these would be right for you.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh (also known as Actaea racemosa) is a flowering plant native to North America. It was used in Native American herbal medicine to treat a variety of illnesses but it is most commonly used to alleviate night sweats and hot flashes associated with Menopause.
Red Clover
Red Clover (also known as Trifolium pratense) is a herbaceous flowering plant in the legume family. It’s a rich source of isoflavones. These compounds function similarly to the hormone estrogen and may help alleviate symptoms associated with the decline in estrogen production that occurs with Menopause. It is also regularly used to treat or prevent various menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and bone loss.
Note that this flowering plant may not be safe for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or women who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai (also known as Angelica sinensis and female ginseng) is an Asian herb that’s closely related to celery, carrot, and parsley. It grows in the cooler regions of China, Korea, and Japan.
Dong quai is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine to support women’s health and treat symptoms associated with PMS and Menopause.
Dong quai is generally safe for most adults but may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It may also have a blood-thinning effect, so its use is discouraged among people who take blood thinners.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is made from the seeds of evening primrose (also known as Oenothera biennis). This flowering plant is native to central and eastern North America, and its seed oil is frequently used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss. The short-term use of EPO is generally safe for most adults.
EPO may interact negatively with certain HIV drugs. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking EPO, especially if you’re on any other supplements or medications.
Soy
Soybeans boast a rich supply of isoflavones, which are structurally similar to the hormone estrogen and may exert weak estrogenic effects in your body. Many common menopause symptoms are related to a decline in estrogen production. Soy foods are very safe and generally beneficial, provided you don’t have a soy allergy. Minimally processed soy foods like soybeans, tofu, and tempeh have the best nutrient profile and the highest isoflavone content.
Consult your healthcare provider before adding soy isoflavone supplements to your routine.
Flax Seeds
Flax Seeds (also known as Linum usitatissimum and linseed) are a naturally rich source of lignans.
These plant compounds have chemical structures and function similar to those of the hormone estrogen. Flax is sometimes used to alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss due to its supposed estrogen-like activity. Flax seeds are nutrient-dense and considered very safe. They’re a great way to boost your intake of fibre and healthy fats regardless of their effect on menopause symptoms.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai (also known as Angelica sinensis and female ginseng) is an Asian herb that’s closely related to celery, carrot, and parsley. It grows in the cooler regions of China, Korea, and Japan.
Dong quai is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine to support women’s health and treat symptoms associated with PMS and Menopause.
Dong quai is generally safe for most adults but may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It may also have a blood-thinning effect, so its use is discouraged among people who take blood thinners.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is made from the seeds of evening primrose (also known as Oenothera biennis). This flowering plant is native to central and eastern North America, and its seed oil is frequently used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss. The short-term use of EPO is generally safe for most adults.
EPO may interact negatively with certain HIV drugs. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking EPO, especially if you’re on any other supplements or medications.
Soy
Soybeans boast a rich supply of isoflavones, which are structurally similar to the hormone estrogen and may exert weak estrogenic effects in your body. Many common menopause symptoms are related to a decline in estrogen production. Soy foods are very safe and generally beneficial, provided you don’t have a soy allergy. Minimally processed soy foods like soybeans, tofu, and tempeh have the best nutrient profile and the highest isoflavone content.
Consult your healthcare provider before adding soy isoflavone supplements to your routine.
Flax Seeds
Flax Seeds (also known as Linum usitatissimum and linseed) are a naturally rich source of lignans.
These plant compounds have chemical structures and function similar to those of the hormone estrogen. Flax is sometimes used to alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and bone loss due to its supposed estrogen-like activity. Flax seeds are nutrient-dense and considered very safe. They’re a great way to boost your intake of fibre and healthy fats regardless of their effect on menopause symptoms.