Valerian & Menopause

Valerian is available from drug stores and health food stores as a tea, in powdered form and in capsules. Women can use it as an herbal supplement during menopause.

Anxiety

Symptoms of menopause can include anxiety and mood swings. Valerian relieves anxiety and feelings of nervousness in some people.

Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disturbances often occur during menopause. Valerian is frequently used to treat insomnia and other sleep problems.

Symptoms Not Helped by Valerian

Not all symptoms of menopause respond to treatment with valerian. For example, hot flashes, loss of bone density, loss of libido and vaginal dryness rarely improve with valerian.

Dosing

The recommended dose of valerian can vary, but 600 mg to 900 mg per day is the generally recommended dose. If valerian is being used to treat insomnia, the full dose may be taken in the evening. If it is being used to treat anxiety or other symptoms, the full dose may be divided into three or four smaller doses and taken throughout the day.

Safety of Valerian

Many doctors and other experts believe valerian to be safe for most women. Yet, there are few studies of its safety or efficacy. Only women in consultation with their doctors should use valerian.

References

• National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
• Women's Health: Menopause

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Menopause: Symptoms