Supplements To Alleviate The Side Effects Of Menopause

Are you going through menopause?  

Do you have trouble managing the symptoms of menopause?  Are you unable to use hormone replacement therapy to help you alleviate the side effects of menopause?  If you are a woman currently going through menopause and dealing with bothersome side effects, there are many supplements you could take to make the transition easier to endure.

A woman is born with a certain amount of eggs at birth.  When a female goes through puberty, usually between the ages of 11-13, she begins to menstruate, which is the body’s way of preparing for fertilization.  As a woman ages, the ovaries begin to shut down and the menstrual cycle will end and this is called “menopause.”

What causes menopause?

Menopause happens when a woman’s ovaries are completely depleted of eggs.  Usually, a woman is between 45-55 when menopause begins and it is a natural part of the aging process.  

What are the signs and symptoms of menopause?

As women age and begin to go through the process of menopause, it is normal for the menstrual cycle to become irregular.  There are also other symptoms of menopause which a woman can experience and these include; hot flashes, vaginal thinning, decreased libido, mood swings, sleep disturbance, urinary problems and much more.  Some women can experience these symptoms, while others can go through menopause and have no inconvenience or troublesome side effects.

How is menopause diagnosed?

A woman can be diagnosed with menopause by her general practitioner or gynecologist. While there are no definitive physical tests used to diagnose menopause her doctor can judge by the information regarding her menstrual patterns and other feedback.  If a physician is unsure if a woman is going through menopause, a blood test can be done to measure her follicle-stimulating hormone levels which will rise when she is in menopause.

What are some supplements a woman can use to alleviate menopause symptoms?

The following herbal supplements can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of menopause:

• Soy

According to statistical information, menopausal women in the United States are eight times more likely to have hot flashes than Asian women, and this could be linked to the consumption of soy products. Therefore, women in menopausal have been interested in soy foods as an alternative to estrogen therapy for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, especially those that affect vasomotor and urogenital symptoms.  

Eating foods like soy nuts and tofu and taking a phytoestrogen supplement can be used to alleviate hot flashes. 

See Also: Menopause - Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

• Dong Quai

Dong quai has long been used in Chinese medicine for treating women’s health issues.  However, recent research studies have not found any evidence to back up its efficacy.  One study of dong quai was done to determine its effects on hot flashes in menopausal women, but it was not found to be effective.  Because dong quai may carry some risks, it is best to check with your physician before using it.

DHEA Supplements Can Ease The Symptoms Of Menopause

The natural levels of DHEA start to decline in a woman’s body around the age of 30.  Some studies have found DHEA supplements can ease the symptoms of menopause, such as low sex drive and hot flashes.  However, other evidence about the supplement is mixed. There is some concern about using high doses of DHEA, because it may be tied to an increased risk of breast cancer.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is well known for treating mild depression and controlling mood swings.  However, the herbal supplement might have other benefits for women going through menopause.  There is some evidence which shows the herb when combined with black cohosh can improve mood and alleviate menopausal mood swings.

Ginseng

There have been a few studies which have found a link on how different types of ginseng can help to improve a woman’s quality of life during menopause.  

However, studies have not isolated if it is either Korean or American ginseng which helps with the physical symptoms of menopause, and the evidence on ginseng as an effective treatment for managing menopause symptoms is limited. Most of the randomized clinical trials are burdened with a high risk of bias. Thus firm conclusions cannot be drawn. Rigorous studies seem warranted.

Wild Yam

Supplements and creams made from certain types of wild yam are often used as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for women going through menopause.  Some of the natural compounds contained in wild yam are quite similar to estrogen and progesterone, but more clinical studies are needed to ensure its safety and efficacy. Studies suggests that short-term treatment with topical wild yam extract in women suffering from menopausal symptoms is free of side-effects, but appears to have little effect on menopausal symptoms.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is just as important as calcium for healthy bones.  Without vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium and most adults need 600 IU daily.  Vitamin D can be found in many foods and it can also be taken in supplement form.  If you are a menopausal woman, it is a good idea to make sure your diet is rich in vitamin D and you may want to speak with your physician for more information about taking supplements.

Red Clover

Many menopausal women use red clover, because it contains natural plant estrogens which can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause.  Despite early concerns about red clover, recent studies have not proven there is an increased risk of uterine cancer in women who use the supplement for more than three months. In addition, most of the research done on red clover indicates that it's only minimally effective at reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. 

Calcium

For women going through menopause, bone loss can be a serious concern.  Because calcium levels drop after menopause, it is important to get enough of it through diet or by using supplements.  

Flaxseed

Flaxseed can be good for easing the night sweats that come with menopause.  Flaxseed and flaxseed oil can be helpful to some women with mild menopause symptoms.  In one study that was conducted with the help of 140 menopausal women, it was proved that women who took flaxseed for 3 months, menopausal symptoms decreased and the quality of their life increased.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is one of the most studied of all supplements for menopausal women.  Several studies have found the supplement to be helpful, particularly with hot flashes, but other studies found no benefits.  Because taking black cohosh can be risky, it is best to consult with your physician before taking it.

However, a 2016 systematic review examined four studies that researched black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms. The results proved that black cohosh did not help in a reduction of hot flashes.

See Also: Menopause Herbal Remedy: Could I relieve my menopause naturally?

Prognosis

The hot flashes, insomnia, mood fluctuations and other symptoms that come with menopause can be very unpleasant and hard for a woman to manage.  Some women are not candidates for hormone replacement therapy and are forced to seek other alternatives to help them get through menopause.  Many women opt to take herbal supplements and have extraordinary results, while others do not notice much relief.  Before beginning any herbal supplements, it is advisable for you to speak with your physician or gynecologist to find out if it is safe and will be beneficial for you.