Did you know that it’s only recently that there has been a strong push by the medical industry to “medicalize’ the perfectly natural condition known as menopause. The medical industries concept of “treating” menopause as an illness was born with the advent of antidepressants and tranquilizers in the mid to late 1950’s.

It’s something we’ve all seen before. From puberty to childbirth, the medical profession does it’s very best to “medicalize” each and every condition that it possibly can. How many young women are being placed on birth control pills during puberty to “regulate” their cycles, even though though their cycles are supposed to be irregular during that point in their lives?

Even childbirth was once considered a perfectly natural event. Sometime during our grandmother’s time, childbirth moved out of the midwife’s hands at home, into the doctor’s hands at the hospital. While the results of that change weren’t universally negative (infant and maternal mortality rates were drastically reduced), the rate of cesarean births shot through the roof.

Most recently, there has been a strong push by the medical industry to “medicalize’ the perfectly natural condition known as menopause. The medical industries concept of “treating” menopause as an illness was born with the advent of antidepressants and tranquilizers in the mid to late 1950’s. Although first used in mental hospitals, the pharmaceutical companies quickly grasped that a much larger market could be tapped in the form of middle-aged women. By the sixties, these drugs (among other psychotropics) were being widely promoted to doctors as a method to “cure” their menopausal patients of their “symptoms”. Although prescribing tranquilizers as a form of treatment was quickly abandoned, the damage had been done: Menopause was now thought of as an “illness” that needed to be treated.

This approach then shifted quickly from the mind to the body. According to doctors, the women who were experiencing these menopause symptoms weren’t nuts, they were just had a “estrogen deficiency disease”. This, despite the fact that if estrogen deficiency were really a disease, all men should have been declared chronically ill. Instead, doctors declared this “disease” to be the result of a problem specific to females which they defined in the gynecological texts as ovarian or reproductive “failure”. In short, women who were entering this perfectly natural stage in their reproductive lives were being labeled as “sick” failures. What’s worse is that this type of thinking continues to dominate the medical approach to menopause. It’s an approach that echoes the age old attitudes that were held about menstruation and childbirth. While men are free to naturally progress from youth to old age, women’s progression through life leads to “illness” and “disease”.

A perfect demonstration of this attitude can be demonstrated by a 1967 entry in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society by F.P.Rhoades which went so far as to call menopause a tragedy: “Many women are leading an active and productive life when this tragedy strikes. They are still attractive and mentally alert; they deeply resent what to them is a catastrophic attack upon their ability to earn a living and enjoy life.” (Rhoades, F.P. “Minimizing the menopause.” Journal of the American Geriatric Society 1969; 15(4):346-354)

Today, despite the fact that more and more medical professionals have begun to accept a less melodramatic approach to menopause; describing it as simply the transitional period from reproductive to non-reproductive status, many of the “old school” still prefers to approach menopause as a disease, which can have a number of unfortunate implications. On a practical level (the one that is further trumpeted by the pharmaceutical companies), it implies a distinct need for medication. In their opinion, it is a disease to be “treated” like any other. Unfortunately, this has led to a mindset among middle-aged women that they are ill simply because they have entered the “change”.

Follow the Money - Menopause is Big Business

Despite the fact that women in so many other cultures experience menopause as a natural stage of life, there is one overwhelming reason why menopause has been turned into a “disease”. In a word - money, money, money. The fact is, diseases need treatment, and (at least in the for-profit health system that exists in the United States) treatment costs money. The medical establishment in the U.S. has long been both a victim and willing participant of manipulation by the pharmaceutical industry.

Although we may think of the medical establishment as (*ahem*) above manipulation and the drug makers as altruistic, the fact is that the big pharmaceutical industry exists first and foremost as a vast profit machine. You need look no further than the relatively recent proliferation of television advertisements that are touting drugs for treating “conditions’ that just a few years ago literally did not exist. Couple that with the fact that they are just as adept at marketing to medical professionals as they are to the general public (if not more so), and you have the perfect environment for creating the perception that the body’s natural processes not only need to be treated, but that it will actually be harmful NOT to do so.

Furthering this climate is the ongoing perception that because medical “treatments” are scientific, that the doctors simply MUST be right. If the doctors say I need hormones because my body is “broken”, then it must be true, right?

The Media - A Willing Accomplice

Unfortunately, big drug companies and medical professionals are not the only one responsible for perpetuating the myth of menopause as a disease. The mass media have been more than willing and eager to spread the misinformation touted by big pharma. Almost weekly, the media confuse press releases, marketing, and tentative findings generated from very small studies as if they had already been proven in the mainstream. On the cover of the December 1995 Reader’s Digest Premarin was boldly labeled the “pill that keeps women young”, this despite the fact that an insert for Premarin stated plainly that ” You may have heard that taking estrogens for long periods (years) after menopause will keep your skin soft and supple and keep you feeling young. There is no evidence this is so and such long-term treatment may carry serious risks.”

Many popular women’s magazine are even encouraged to run as many stories as possible about osteoporosis and heart disease, which attracts plenty of ads for hormone replacement therapy. Think that’s a coincidence? consider this example:

In the first edition of Prevention magazine (a very popular monthly health magazine geared towards baby boomers), there were at least two major articles touting the advantages of hormone replacement therapy. In that very same issue were ads for Premarin. When they later ran articles advancing soy protein as an alternative to expensive estrogen treatment for reducing hot flashes, there were no hormone replacement drug ads to be found.

Is it any wonder that so many women are confused about their choices for dealing with the change? With so many people and companies invested in keeping menopause classified (at least in the minds of women) as a disease that needs medical treatment, it is getting harder and harder to filter out the noise and find what will option work for YOU.

Alternatives to Drugs - From the West to the East

The good news is, thanks to the internet there is a pelthora of information covering natural and alternative remedies for menopause. Form natural supplements and herbs, to acupuncture and other alternative treatments, there are some great treatments that involve less risk and changes to your lifestyle than a strictly pharmacological approach. Here’s a lsit of a few of the herbs that have been found useful (I recommend you Google each one) in treating many of the various symptoms of menopause:

• Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

• Chaste tree (Vilex agnus- castus)

• Damiana (Turnera diffuse)

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

• False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax quinquefolius)

• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Liferoot (Senecio Bursas)

• Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

• Red clover (Tritolium pretense)

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

• St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis)

• Saw palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)

• Shepherd’s purse (CapseIla bursapastoris)

• True unicorn root (Aletris farinosa)

• Wild yam (Dioscarea villosa)

There are, of course, legitimate uses for almost every approach to “treating” menopause symptoms. However, I recommend you weigh ALL the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, the possible benefits to alternative treatments, and find what’s right for YOU.

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As your hormones are going crazy and your body is trying it’s best to adjust, you’re going to have a lot of issues. Some are psychological (crying) and others are physical (discomfort - pain). This article is on the physical symptoms you might encounter with your breasts and stomach and what action you can take to try to alleviate some of your discomfort.

Why Are My Breasts So Sore? Is it Menopause?

Menopause brings all kinds of changes, your hormones are there, then they’re gone, then they seem to come back again. At least the symptoms of menopause do. One of the most aggravating hormonal changes affects the breasts fullness and firmness. Let’s not forget to give proper credit to gravity and lack of exercise. Your breasts are not only saggy, they’re tender, sometimes very tender. The sad truth is this discomfort can last for days.

For some reason our pain always is worse at night. This may be true of your tender breasts also. Possibly using a heating pad when you sleep could give you some relief from the discomfort. Some women have found applying Castor oil, lavender essential oil or natural progesterone cream soothing. It’s also possible you could alleviate some of the discomfort by reducing your intake of salt, salted foods and caffeine.

During the day, wear a proper bra, one that will keep your bosom off of your belly. Always wear a bra that’s not too snug and without underwires. To deal with the saggy factor, join a weightlifting class or get a good book that will show you the exercises to do to firm and lift your breasts. Supportive exercises and bras come in very handy during these trying times.

What’s The Matter With My Stomach?

As you age, it appears your stomach rebels. Indigestion is a daily grind, sometimes it’s so intense that your throat burns and your eyes water. If you add other factors like lack of exercise and weight gain, we ladies can suffer big time from abdominal discomfort. So you have a couple choices, grab an antacid or eat yogurt. It just isn’t any fun having to constantly deal with that irritating bloating and heartburn.

Does menopause have anything to do with your indigestion. In a word, yes. When your body reduces its production of estrogen during menopause the end result is gastric distress. Combine that with other age-related symptoms such as poor digestion and a decreased amount of the lactose enzyme that breaks down food and liquids and you become the uncomfortable victim of gastrointestinal distress. Not only are you downright miserable, but so is everyone else who happens to have the same room.

Suggestions For Elimination Of Discomfort

You should avoid certain fruits, high-sugar foods, cauliflower, onion and broccoli as they may irritate your intestines. The last thing you want to do is develop intestinal inflammation which will create extreme and painful indigestion. Your may also notice your tolerance for spicy foods has changed. Try eating moderate servings of fresh food whenever possible. If your indigestion is severe and remains severe, you will want to talk to your health care practitioner, who can give your a prescription medication to help relieve your discomfort. Don’t ignore severe indigestion; if untreated it can lead to ulcers, infection and acute gastritis.

For a more natural approach, try drinking herbals teas to restore some balance to your system; however, don’t mix teas. You might start with a cup of peppermint tea. Also, to assist your digestion process don’t allow stress or stressful subjects to be discussed at meal time. Set aside some quiet time to eat your meals and try to enjoy your food. Don’t eat while you are reading or watching TV.

I hope this information was helpful. Going through menopause is very trying and sometimes having a little bit of knowledge is helpful. Understand that you’re experiencing a normal part of life and even though there are times when you think you just can’t take another hot flash, hold on tight and keep the faith.

Loretta Moreland is an experienced health care provider who specializes in Elder Care
confidentialonlinepharmacy.blogspot.com
onlineherbalist.blogspot.com

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Early menopause symptoms are sometimes not recognized as women in their 20s, 30s or 40s are not suspecting that menopause could be happening to them so early in their life. Menopause on average happens to women around the age of fifty within an age range of more or less five years.

Early menopause symptoms are the same as menopause symptoms but occurring at an age when normally women are not due for the cessation of their menses and their ovarian function.
Early menopause symptoms are basically the same symptoms as the ones happening in menopause but they occur at an earlier age. Women experiencing early menopause symptom s can experience hot flashes, mood swings, menstrual irregularities or cessation, fatigue and insomnia among others.

Every woman suspecting that she is experiencing early menopause symptoms should consult her qualified physician for proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Many causes of early menopause have been identified such as: early surgical removal of ovaries for medical reasons, side effects of some potent medication, hormonal failure, etc
Often what causes the occurrence of early menopause symptoms is unknown and unexplained. Many cases of early menopauses have been seen in related family members.

Experiencing early menopause symptoms can have a strong effect on a woman who is not prepared to see her reproductive life end so early. A woman experiencing early menopause should seek help and support for the grief she is experiencing. For example, a woman planning to start her family at the age of thirty five can be devastated to learn that what she has been experiencing were early menopause symptoms and can no longer give life on her own.

Other factors to consider when experiencing early menopause symptoms are that the protective effects on the heart and vessels by the female hormones are lessened. The benefits of hormone replacement therapy have been highly questioned by a serious recent study and is no more recommended as a routine replacement treatment. This said, a woman experiencing early menopause symptoms needs to discuss this option with her doctor as her heart, lungs, vessels and bones will be exposed for a longer period to this increased vulnerability.

A woman going through early menopause symptoms should follow the same healthy living advices that are given to women going through menopause. Hence, she should reconsider her diet to include healthy foods rich in calcium and low in fat and processed sugar. A dietary supplement containing calcium can be a good adjunct to her diet.

In order to prevent osteoporosis from happening, a woman going through early menopause symptom s should make it a weekly habit of exercising regularly. Such activities as walking and tennis for example are great to keep the bones strong and healthy in women in their early menopause.

A woman going through early menopause symptoms might feel isolated and vulnerable. Sometimes, her spouse might feel overwhelmed by the situation and may not be the best person to discuss the situation with.

Joining a group of women who are also experiencing early menopause symptoms can be very comforting to a woman. Hence, by being able to exchange with women who have gone through menopause or early menopause positively, a woman might regain her sense of self and pride. There are many support groups for women living menopause or early menopause symptoms that one can join. Another valuable option is to join a discussion forum on the internet specifically created to help women experiencing menopause or early menopause symptoms.

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Author: Nathalie Fiset

For more information now go to: http://www.happymenopause.com, http://www.myalpha-power.com or http://www.aperfectharmony.com

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Dry eyes are the least likely symptom of early menopause and menopause that you would think of. It is not often mentioned as being a menopausal symptom most of the time. Menopausal and post-menopausal women often complain of dry eyes but it is with some
‘digging’ that a connection might be made. There are symptoms and causes of dry eye. There are treatments for early menopause symptoms including dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Though dry eyes are not usually connected to menopause, it will take some checking things out to determine this. Symptoms include itchiness, scratchiness, grittiness, and/or tears running down your cheeks. Your eyes may get more ‘tired’ throughout the day, become irritated from smoke, wind, or air movement and you may get stringy mucus in the eye. Light sensitivity, blurriness, and problems with your contacts may occur.

If dry eyes are not treated, your eyes could become ulcerated, the cornea can be scarred, or they may become seriously infected.

Causes of Dry Eye

There are two main reasons for dry occurring. The Meibomian Gland (in the inner eyelids), does not have enough oil being produced or the watery tears may evaporate too quickly. Most people have both low production of oil and excessive evaporation of tears.

There are lifestyle events that might contribute to having dry eye. When you are looking at a computer screen or reading a book and you don’t blink enough to spread the eye fluid may cause dry eye. Other life events that may be connected to dry eye include wearing contacts that absorb fluids, having Lasik surgery, which cuts nerves and reduces your impulse to blink, and taking some medications such as allergy medications diuretics - birth control pills can dry out your eyes also.

A fatty acid deficiency or a deficiency of anti-inflammatory foods and auto immune diseases such as Diabetes, Arthritis, and Lupus may also cause dry mouth.

Dry eyes may affect you if you are in perimenopause, specifically because this is the time when hormones do the most fluctuation. The greater the estrogen in your system, the less tear production you will have. There is a definite hormonal connection to dry eyes and hormonal imbalances.

The inflammation of dry eye may be connected to an overall minor inflammation. An inflammation will absorb any lubricants including eye fluids. This is a belief of TCM - traditional Chinese medicine that also holds that your purest energy is shown in your eyes. If there is any imbalance or deficiency, it will show in your eyes. In TCM the liver (a detoxifying organ) rules the eyes. Increased intake of fatty acids such as Omega 3’s that can be found in fish such as mackerel, tuna, or wild salmon can be beneficial for this. It can also be found some seeds and nuts. Omega 3’s help relieve inflammation, aid tear production, and aid in oil production in your tears.

Treatments of Early Menopause Dry Eyes

Artificial tears (eye drops) are the usual treatment for early menopause dry eyes. Eat a diet that includes Omega 3 fatty acids that can be found in fish, nuts, and seeds, and if necessary, natural supplements can benefit dry eyes and your over-all health. Make sure your hormones are balanced; this will likely be determined by a physical exam and blood work.

Have your doctor review your medications to see if a medication might not be contributing to your dry eyes. Try to avoid anything that might be irritating to your eyes such as smoke.

Blink - it is important for your eye health. Keep your body hydrated by drinking water, pure juices, milk, and herbal teas. A humidifier may help.
Take good care of your contacts if you wear them.

Natural herbal supplements may also benefit dry eyes because they are effective in relieving early menopausal symptoms. To be of high quality they should be made of standardized herbal extracts and be extensively tested to ensure quality, safety, effectiveness, and purity.

Conclusion

Early menopause dry eyes are often attributed to anything but menopause. With a little searching and life style inventory, your dry eyes might be connected to your menopause.

You may have itchy, gritty, redness, and irritated eyes. Treatments may include artificial tears, hydration, and including Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet may add lubrication to your eyes. There is a belief in Traditional Chinese Medicine that says the eyes will show imbalances because they channel your purest energy. The liver - the detoxification organ rules the eyes. Early menopause dry eyes are a real symptom of menopause.

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Author: John Gibb

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women’s health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.com

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These days more and more women are shunning medication and turning to alternative medicines to alleviate their symptoms of menopause. Although Hormone Replacement Therapy (also known as HRT) is still popular many women will not use it because of its potential side effects (including the increased risk of developing breast cancer). There are many forms of alternative menopause treatment available which relieve the symptoms of menopause without the potentially dangerous side effects, and the fact that they are safe and many of them are natural is one of the reasons why many women are turning to them.Some of the most effective forms of alternative treatment for menopause are herbs, and there are four that are especially good for treating the symptoms of menopause. These include maca root, black cohosh, dong quai and red clover.

The reason why these herbs are good for treating menopause is because they contain a chemical that is very similar to estrogen… phytoestrogen. This chemical is the plant version of estrogen and when consumed it can increase the levels of the female sex hormone in the body. Apart from that each of these herbs has its own unique properties that allow it to relieve the other symptoms of menopause for example, black cohosh is good for treating night sweats, hot flashes and vaginal dryness which can all cause great discomfort, further more it has a positive effect on mood swings. Maca root is good for restoring libido and increasing sex drive. Dong quai is useful for treating hot flashes, night sweats and sleeplessness, the latter usually occurs as a result of night sweats and sometimes itching. For maximum effect dong quai should be taken with black cohosh. Like dong quai, red clover can also help to reduce the occurrence of night sweats, furthermore it helps to support the cardiovascular system.

If you decide to opt for menopause treatment without HRT and you want to try using herbs, make sure that you buy them from a trustworthy vendor. There are many people that sell fake herbs in order to maximize their profits. Fortunately there are ways to tell which herbs are fake. Dodgy herbs normally don’t have any labels on them, so you can’t see the ingredients or dosage instructions, this should set alarm bells ringing. Reputable vendors of herbal products always label their goods with ingredients and dosage instructions.

When taking herbs it is important that you do not exceed the recommended dosage, although herbs are natural they must still be used carefully. In fact you should treat them as if you are using medication, because too much of one thing is never good.

To summarize, many women are looking for menopause treatment without resorting to HRT due to its long term side effects. There are many alternative treatments, but one of the most common ones is the use of herbs. These are popular because they are natural and have no side effects. If you are looking for natural menopause relief some of the herbs mentioned above can help.

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Author: Michael Mensa

For more information on menopause head over to http://www.menopausefactsonline.com, where you can also find out about sleeplessness and menopause and early menopause symptoms.

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10Perimenopause is a period of 2 to 10 years before Menopause actually sets in. Menopause is said to have begun if you miss your period for a full year or more straight.

Perimenopause and menopause are inevitable parts of a life if you are a woman. It doesn’t have to be as dreadful as some have made it out to be. All women go through them but not all of them will have the same symptoms and neither will the intensity of the symptoms be the same. As one woman, your symptoms can vary from month to month and in intensity.

Signs of Perimenopause - Menopause

Weight gain could indicate early menopause and can occur for two reasons. One reason is due to an increased appetite and a decrease in exercising. The second reason could be due to the body’s retention of water.

Mood swings can be associated with the fluctuating hormone levels which can be very erratic in many women. Depression, anxiety, and irritability may accompany mood swings.

Fibroid cysts in the breast and/or uterus may form. These are benign growths that can be surgically removed. They are not life threatening but could cause some discomfort. In the uterus, they may reduce your chances of becoming pregnant. Vaginal dryness and a less intense libido may also be signs of Perimenopause, menopause.

Hot flashes and night sweats are very common signs of perimenopause, menopause. Night sweats are hot flashes that occur at night. Many complain that the night sweats wake them up and their night clothes and bedding will be damp or wet. After they cool down and get back into bed, the bed may feel very cold because of the dampness. This could be avoided if the damp bedding were changed. A nice, dry bed is so comforting.

Insomnia or sleeplessness is another reported problem. You might have trouble getting to sleep or you may have trouble staying asleep. You might not be able to sleep long enough to be rested. Sleep problems could lead to fatigue/exhaustion.

Treatment Options

Option 1 - Pharmaceuticals can include over the counter medications and supplements as well as prescribed medications. There are two prescribed medications that are in common use: HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy where the depleting levels of estrogen and progesterone are kept at a stable level. This is to hopefully relieve symptoms for many women. Anti-depressants are often prescribed to help relieve the depression many women feel during perimenopause and menopause. Unfortunately, there are some very serious side effects and these include ovarian, breast, and uterine cancers. This is why many women search for more natural and safer treatments.

Option 2 - Natural treatments particularly herbal supplements are much safer and have far fewer if any side effects. It is strongly recommended that you discuss adding herbal supplements to your regimen because some of the herbs can affect the performance of any medication you may be taking for other health conditions. Your doctor should be a good source of information.

Herbal supplements are not standardized as most known medications are by the FDA. This leaves room for the manufacturers to put as little or as much herbal contents that they want in their supplements. Some companies have gone so far as to list ingredients that are not in the supplement at all.

Many manufactures though are working to create the most effective, safe, and high quality herbal supplements they can make. There are a few things to note that will help you choose a high quality supplement. They use only standardized herbal extracts because this helps to ensure that the same amount of product is in each capsule and from bottle to bottle.

Standardized herbal extracts is also where the most active ingredients of the herbs are found. The ingredients are extensively tested. The metabolic pathway of the ingredients is studied at the molecular level and how the ingredients’ interact is observed.
High quality herbal supplements are made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards. All of this guarantees you that what is on the product label is actually in the supplement and that you have a safe, potent, effective product.

Option 3 - Lifestyle changes, just basic ones could help your body work at relieving your menopausal symptoms. Reducing the amount of alcohol that you drink may help to relieve hot flashes or night sweats. Alcohol makes you feel warm and make your skin appear flushed, most likely worsening the symptoms of hot flashes/night sweats.

Quit smoking! Smokers have problems with lung function due to the inhaled smoke blocking oxygen production. If you are a smoker, you could have far less stamina (endurance) for physical activity. As your heart and lungs work harder to give you as much oxygen as possible, you become winded and that’s why you may huff and puff after physical activity.

A healthy diet and getting regular exercise will not only help to build your stamina, help you to lose weight, and benefit your over all health; they can also help to boost your libido. Your body will work more efficiently as well.

Conclusion

The signs of perimenopause, menopause includes hot flashes/night sweats, mood swings, and Depression to name but a few. These symptoms will be experienced by every woman to a greater or lesser degree. Each woman will have the symptoms affect her differently from

month to month.

The good news is that there is a variety of treatments available that help to relieve or get rid of the most bothersome symptoms. Hormone Therapy Replacement and other medications are very effective but have serious side effects. Herbal supplements are available that are specifically made to deal with menopausal symptoms. Your pharmacist, doctor, or a Naturalist Pharmacist can help direct you to the best quality supplements available. There is relief and it has much fewer, if any side effects. They may also benefit your over-all health.

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women’s health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.com

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Author: John Gibb

John Gibb is a nutrition enthusiast with over ten years of nutrition education and has now become a freelance writer. Currently, he focuses on information articles focused on women’s health and fitness. Read more at http://www.the-menopause-source.com

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Herbs are nature’s gifts to mankind. Unlike synthetic drugs, herbs can help to rebalance your body without side affects.

If you are looking for natural relief of your menopause symptoms, the following herbs have been used by women since ancient times. Use them with wisdom (more is not necessarily better), and you will gain its healthy benefits.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): Contains phytoestrogens, which are chemicals found in plants that are similar to the female sex hormone oestrogen; the ovaries stop producing this hormone during menopause which may result in menstrual irregularities.

Black Cohosh herb has been found to be affective for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, osteoporosis and even arthritis; due to its antispasmodic properties it may help relieve menstrual cramps by raising the blood flow to the uterus .

Studies have found that black cohosh is safe, but its not encouraged for women who have breast cancer or for pregnant women, as it may stimulate contractions and lead to premature labor. Women with heavy flooding should not use black cohosh.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): a hormonal regulator is an ancient herbal remedy that was originally used to reduce female sexual desire.

Vitex helps to normalize the hormones in a woman, specifically the estrogen and progesterone ratio, which in turns relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods.

Caution: Side effects are very rare. Consult with your healthcare provider if taking dopamine receptor agonists and dopamine blocking agents such as dopamine metoclopramide. The potential interactions are theoretical, has not been documented.

False Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum) :The root has steroidal saponins which has medicinal effects, and makes it a effective uterine tonic that stimulates ovarian hormones and is useful during the early stages of menopause. It has the ability to balance hormones which helps with menopausal symptoms. It helps with painful menstruation, irregular cycles and low sex drive. Even treats venereal disease if used as a douche to help heal the infection.

Caution: No known research has been conducted with this herb. As always, check with your health provider if taking medication.

Gingko Biloba (Ginkgoaceae): The Ginkgo tree has been around for over 200 million years and is one of the oldest living tree species on earth; individual trees live up to 1,000 years.

Clinical studies have shown its effectiveness in improving circulation and blood flow to the brain, and is used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. It also has been shown to be effective for tinnitus (ringing of the ear).

Caution: If taking warfarin, antiplatelet agents or aspirin, it can increase risk for bleeding. Other than this, the herb is well tolerated.

Lady’s Mantle(Alchemilla vulgaris ): Is commonly used to reduce heavy bleeding associated with periods and helps with the symptoms of menopause. It has anti-inflammatory properties; it’s great as a digestive aid, a soothing douche, and for diarrhea due to its astringent properties. In ancient times and in Arab countries, women consider this herb a beauty tonic.

Caution: No known research has been conducted with this herb. As always, check with your health provider if taking medication.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): As women enter menopause there is a risk for developing osteoporosis (bone loss). Several studies indicate that the extract of red clover isoflavones may be helpful in slowing bone loss and increasing mineral density; also useful for reducing hot flashes. This versatile herb is also suggested for chronic skin problems such as adult eczema and psoriasis. Has also been used in the treatment of cancer and tumors.

Caution: No known research has been conducted with this herb. As always, check with your health provider if taking medication.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): A soothing herb that grows in North America, Asia, and Europe.

Has been traditionally used centuries for sleep disorders, panic attacks and anxiety. Also used to relieve muscle cramps associated with stress, PMS and menstrual cramps.

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dosage. Extremely high dosages may cause a weakening of the heartbeat and paralysis.

 

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In many industrialized countries, menopause can be a time of great discomfort and stress. Menopause is not a disease, to be viewed as something to be ‘treated’, but a passage in life from childbearing years. The symptoms American women may experience include hot flashes, mood swings, irregular bleeding, memory problems, decreased sexual interest and other changes that effect the enjoyment of sex. Although dietary habits and amount of activity a woman engages in can decrease many of these problems, genetics and previous health can also play a role in how severe the symptoms can be for a woman.

Multiple studies today indicate that taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may not be as safe as previously believed. As just one example, in July, 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative Study published results that demonstrated that the risks of HRT outweighed the benefits. Now more and more women entering menopause are considering ‘natural’ solutions to resolving uncomfortable symptoms of this life transition.

There are three particular herbs of interest when entering menopause. They include Black Cohosh, Chaste Tree Berry and Red Clover.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is also known as Black Snakeroot, Bugwort, Rattleweed, Snakeroot, among other names. Black Cohosh was first used medicinally by Native Americans who introduced it to European colonists. Do not confuse black Cohosh with two unrelated plants, Blue Cohosh and White Cohosh.

Black Cohosh is one of the most popular herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms. Overall, the research supports that using Black Cohosh can help reduce menopause-related hot flashes. The research is a bit mixed on exactly how Black Cohosh works and if it has estrogen-like activity. Some research does show that in any estrogen-like activity, this activity does not pertain to the reproductive organs, such as breast, endometrium, and ovaries. A big question for women going into menopause is whether this is a safe herb for women with a history of cancer; the research generally says it is. However, for all women, this herb should not be taken for unlimited amounts of time.

There are also concerns of liver toxicity with the use of Black Cohosh. Until more is known, anyone who wishes to take Black Cohosh should consult their health practitioner and monitor their liver function to be on the safe side. It would also be wise to avoid taking it along with other herbs that may increase the risk of liver damage, which include androstenedione, chaparral, comfrey, DHEA, germander, kava, niacin, pennyroyal oil, red yeast, and others.

Remifemin, a branded black Cohosh product, has been used in Germany since the mid-1950s to manage menopause. Research that has been done generally has used either Remifemin or two other products produced by Enzymatic Therapy and Phytopharmica.

As mentioned earlier, before taking this and most other supplements, make sure to discuss them with your doctor, particularly if you are taking any prescripti 175e on medications or have any medical conditions. All herbs do have various interactions with other substances.

Chaste Tree Berry

Chaste Tree Berry is also known as Vitex, Chinese Vitex, Hemp Tree, and Mang Jing Zi, among others. An interesting bit of history is that historians say that monks chewed Chaste Tree parts to make it easier to maintain their celibacy.

This herb has been most often recommended for relieving symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, headaches and cramping. Although this is where most of the research has focused, it is now being studied to see if it can help with menopausal symptoms as well, and has also become quite popular for this use although there have only been three studies looking into how it could help with hot flashes in menopause.

The therapeutic effects of Chaste Tree Berry have primarily been attributed to its indirect effects on various neurotransmitters and hormones. It seems to increase levels of progesterone and decrease levels of estrogen. Theoretically, Chaste Tree Berry might interfere with the action of dopamine antagonists such as antipsychotic drugs due to dopaminergic effects of Chaste Tree Berry. It is believed that this herb could interfere with any hormone-related medications. Finally, there is a report that some women who were receiving invitro fertilization procedures and taking Chaste Tree Berry were unable to get pregnant. Consequently, if you are taking any medications or have a history of any medical conditions, speak to your health professional before starting this herb.

This is an herb that is not recommended for women with a history of any hormone-related cancers. However, for others it does appear to be safe. So, particularly for women who suffer from PMS or have mild menopausal-related hot flashes without a history of cancer, this could be an effective herbal remedy.

Red Clover

Other names for Red Clover include Genistein, Meadow Clover, Purple Clover, Trifolium, among others. Do not confuse Red Clover with Sweet Clover, Soy or Liverwort, however.

As a food, Red Clover is considered safe. Medicinally, there have only been four studies on Red Clover for menopause and three of these showed no benefit. Research has considered a possible blood cholesterol-lowering affect, decreasing prostrate size, and perhaps a positive effect on cancer, but research has not definitively supported any of these benefits, yet.

There is some evidence that red clover isoflavones can inhibit oxidative and conjugative metabolism. The list of possible drug and herbal interactions is so large that the best recommendation is to never consider this herb without a long discussion with your doctor, or avoid this herb completely.

This is an herb that appears to be safest when eaten as opposed to taken as a nutrition supplement. Although it could be safe for healthy persons with no medical history or on medications or other herbs, it does not appear to relieve any menopause symptoms. It also is an herb recommended to be avoided by any woman with a history of cancer.

We have just reviewed three popular herbs taken to relieve menopause symptoms. Of the three, the one with the best safety and effectiveness profile is Black Cohosh. Chaste Tree Berry has been shown to be most effective for PMS and should not be taken by women with a history of breast cancer. Red Clover appears to be something safer to eat than take as a supplement and should be avoided by women with a history of cancer, as well as people on any other medication or herbal product. Something that I hope readers were able to realize is that although herbs are a natural form of medication, they still do work like drugs and should be taken as seriously as prescription medications are. Interactions are possible with all substances and before taking any herbal product, I highly recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional with adequate education and background to help you make an informed decision on how to best handle symptoms.

Finally, it’s important to point out that in some societies there is not even a word for menopause. Women pass through this stage of life without notice. This makes it very clear that lifestyle has much to do with how a woman experiences this period of time in her life. If you currently suffer from symptoms of menopause, there are several things that you should evaluate. These include:

The amounts of fruits, vegetable and whole grains you eat daily,

Your intake of saturated fat, animal products and refined foods,

Your alcohol intake and smoking habits,

Regular exercise habits.

Each of these factors plays a large role in not only your health but how you experience the journey through menopause.

        

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Author: Marjorie Geiser

Marjorie Geiser helps people overcome their confusion and distress they may feel when trying to add healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. She offers a free, monthly newsletter on various topics of health. She is a Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer and Life Coach. To learn more about her services, go to her website at http://www.megfit.com or email her at margie@megfit.com.

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