Posts Tagged ‘herbal medication for menopause’

Herbs for Menopause Relief

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

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. Helpful Herbs for Menopause Relief

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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Author: Marie Jimenez-Beaumont

http://naturesmenopauserelief.com

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herbal medication for menopause

Monday, June 1st, 2009

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 CohoshBlack 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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Natural Menopause Medication

Sunday, May 17th, 2009

natural menopause medication Natural remedies are always gaining momentum when it comes to menopause symptom. For many years, women fought fatigue, hot flashes and other menopause symptoms through hormone replacement therapy however today there are more natural ways to fight. When it comes to menopause symptoms, natural remedies are the best option as they work without introducing dangerous chemicals or hormones into your body.

Effexor for menopause

Effexor is a drug which was originally designed to combat bipolar disorder. A few years back it was discovered that it can alleviated hot flashes in some patients. While it looked like a promising drug for menopause relief soon women were reporting very uncomforting side effects to the drug.

These side effects included dramatic change in vision, high blood pressure, headache and difficulty urinating. Since it causes so many problems, it makes a patient wonder if the cure is really worth the price you pay with your health and well being.

Neurontin menopause medication

Neurontin is traditionally used with other medications to cure partial seizures. It is also used to alleviate the burning nerve pain which sometimes continues for months or even years after an attack of shingles. Just like Effexor, it is another type of drug which potentially useful for treating the menopause symptoms however it also has some devastating side effects.

It is even recommended that patients who are applying this drug abstain from driving. When it comes to menopause, natural treatments are a much better option. With a little searching, you can find many herbal remedies for menopause.

Herbal remedies are so much better as they help to replace the work of estrogen without introducing foreign synthetics or drugs into your body system. Natural menopause remedies work to nourish your hormonal glands and help you with the natural production of estrogen hormones. This also works to treat hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

When your menopause symptoms are relieved, you body need not to work overtime to regulate your temperature and you don’t get fatigued. If you want relief and you want to manage menopause, the best way to do so is through an all natural product like menopause treatment product which mention on our website. When it comes to menopause, natural menopause treatments are best and they provide amazing results without complicated and unsafe side effects.

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Author: Grace K Lam

Grace K Lam, who has studies various medical studies and manage to beat menopause naturally, willing to share her experience through website where you can get Free Report and Useful Information about Menopause and Menopause Treatment.

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