Menopause Health Article

Birth control pills

Women who are still having periods but who have annoying menopausal symptoms may take low-dose birth control pills to ease the problems; this treatment has been approved by the FDA for perimenopausal symptoms in women under age 55. HRT is the preferred treatment for menopause, however, because it uses lower doses of estrogen.

Alternative treatment

Some women also report success in using natural remedies to treat the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Not all women need estrogen and some women can't take it. Many doctors don't want to give hormones to women who are still having their periods, however erratically. Indeed, only a third of menopausal women in the United States try HRT and of those who do, eventually half of them drop the therapy. Some are worried about breast cancer, some can't tolerate the side effects, some don't want to medicate what they consider to be a natural occurrence.

Herbs

Herbs have been used to relieve menopausal symptoms for centuries. In general, most herbs are considered safe, and there is no substantial evidence that herbal products are a major source of toxic reactions. But because herbal products aren't regulated in the United States, contamination or accidental overdose is possible. Herbs should be bought from a recognized company or through a qualified herbal practitioner.

Women who choose to take herbs for menopausal symptoms should learn as much as possible about herbs and work with a qualified practitioner (an herbalist, a traditional Chinese doctor, or a naturopathic physician). Pregnant women should avoid herbs because of unknown effects on a developing fetus.

The following list of herbs include those that herbalists most often prescribe to treat menstrual complaints:

• black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): hot flashes and other menstrual complaints
• black currant: breast tenderness
• chaste tree/chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): hot flashes, excessive menstrual bleeding, fibroids, and moodiness
• evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis): mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness
• fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): hot flashes, digestive gas, and bloating
• flaxseed (linseed): excessive menstrual bleeding, breast tenderness, and other symptoms, including dry skin and vaginal dryness
• gingko (Gingko biloba): memory problems
• ginseng (Panax ginseng): hot flashes, fatigue and vaginal thinning.
• hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata): memory problems, fuzzy thinking
• lady's mantle: excessive menstrual bleeding
• mexican wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) root: vaginal dryness, hot flashes and general menopause symptoms
• motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): night sweats, hot flashes
• oat (Avena sativa) straw : mood swings, anxiety
• red clover (Trifolium pratense): hot flashes
• sage (Salvia officinalis): mood swings, headaches, night sweats
• valerian (Valeriana officinalis): insomnia