Natural Supplements & Menopause

Menopause typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55 for women. Because of the cancer risks of hormone replacement therapy, many women opt to look into alternative therapy or natural supplements as a treatment option.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle (silymarin) is an herb that helps protect the liver against harmful substances and damage as well as helps regenerate injured liver cells.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort is an herb that can be used to treat hormone-related depression. St. John's wort is less likely to cause the common side effects that occur with antidepressants such as fatigue, sexual dysfunction or dry mouth.

Ginseng

Ginseng can help with menopausal symptoms of sleep disturbance as well as improve a person's sense of overall well-being.

Soy

Soy extracts can provide a positive effect on hot flashes caused by menopause. Long-term use of soy has a risk of causing thickening of the lining of the uterus.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a supplement used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, namely in the form of a standardized extract called Remifemin.

References

• Menopausal Symptoms and CAM; National Institutes of Health
• Menopause and Hormones; FDA;
• The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies; Prevention Health; 2002