Women want alternatives to estrogen replacement to treat their menopause symptoms. Whether it’s hot flashes, mood changes or trouble sleeping, many women turn to herbs, food and lifestyle changes rather than take the risks of hormone therapy.
Research is not keeping up with the need for good information about what works and what is safe for treating menopause symptoms. With the lack of solid research, it’s hard to sort through the advice of friends and the claims of advertising to choose remedies that may offer some relief.
SAFETY NOTE ABOUT “NATURAL” REMEDIES:
Always remember that natural does not mean safe. Many herbal, plant and dietary supplements interact with prescription medications or may have a negative impact on chronic medical conditions. Before deciding to use alternative and complementary remedies for your menopause symptoms, check with your medical provider and read up on possible side effects and cautions for any treatment you are considering. Natural approaches are not risk-free, and the more you know, the better you can make choices that will keep you safe and well.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common complaint of women during the menopause transition.
While estrogen is very effective in alleviating vasomotor symptoms, there are alternative therapies that work quite well for some women.
- Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a nutritional supplement derived from a plant in the buttercup family. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms. A number of studies have been done comparing black cohosh formulations, such as Remifemin, to placebo and estrogen, showing black cohosh to be as, or nearly as, effective as estrogen for certain symptoms. It has a good safety record and may be a great first choice if you want to try something besides estrogen to treat your flashes. The U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements has a fact sheet that you may find helpful.
Black cohosh is a nutritional supplement derived from a plant in the buttercup family. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for menstrual disorders and menopause symptoms. A number of studies have been done comparing black cohosh formulations, such as Remifemin, to placebo and estrogen, showing black cohosh to be as, or nearly as, effective as estrogen for certain symptoms. It has a good safety record and may be a great first choice if you want to try something besides estrogen to treat your flashes. The U.S. Office of Dietary Supplements has a fact sheet that you may find helpful.
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