There are several natural treatments for Menopause that I am using or have been given recommendations to try. First of all, discuss any or all of these treatments with your doctor before trying them because they may want to discuss other options with you.
Hot flashes/night sweats:
- Evening primrose oil capsules – evening primrose is a flower native to North America but also found in Europe and parts of the Southern hemisphere. It has yellow flower petals that bloom in the evening. Native Americans used it for healing purposes. Modern medicine uses the oil extracted form evening primrose seeds to treat menopausal symptoms as well as other ailments. It contains high levels of gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and linolenic acid, which are both omega 6 fatty acids. Fatty acids have shown to be beneficial in all stages of life including menopause. Evening primrose may help with you with your hot flashes. There are conflicting findings on effectiveness of this product.
- Black Cohosh – is a herb of the buttercup family. It grows in the United States and Canada. The Native Americans used this root for many ailments. It is currently being used for hot flashes in menopause. The root of this herb is whats used for medicinal purposes. There are conflicting findings on effectiveness in studies so talk to your doctor.
- Dong Quai – or “female ginseng” is a traditional Chinese herb used for menopausal hot flashes. It grows in the mountains of China, Japan and Korea. It contains phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are compounds that naturally occur in plants. They affect the body by attaching to estrogen receptors. In some studies dong quai has reduced hot flashes up to 47%.
- Red Clover – is a flowering plant that is native to Europe, Western Asia and northwest Africa. Red clover is used for many ailments including menopause. It contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones. One study has shown that women had a 44% decrease in hot flashes compared to placebo while using 80 mg of isoflavones.
- Soy – is a species of legume native to East Asia. Tofu, soymilk, miso, edamame, soybeans are all examples of soy. It is one of many types of isoflavones. Isoflavones are plant derived estrogens. Taking soy has received mixed reviews over the years, so speak with your doctor about it.
- Estroven or similar product – Is a mixture of several ingredients. Which may include black cohosh, soy isoflavones, magnolia bark, green tea, melatonin, calcium and caffeine. There are different products for different needs.
- Flaxseed – a fatty acid that contains the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Flaxseed is a good source of lignans, plant-based compounds that have a weak estrogen effect. Some doctors think flaxseed may help ease hot flashes. In a small study, some women halved their hot flashes by eating 2 tablespoons, twice daily.
- Vitamin E – is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found naturally in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Foods include almonds, raw seeds, spinach, and kale to name a few. Studies have shown that vitamin E can help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes in some menopausal women, possibly 50-75%.
- Ginseng – is the root of plants in Korean, South China and American ginseng. It is one of the most popular herbal remedies. It has been used for over 2000 years. In a study that was done, Ginseng did have a positive effect on hot flashes. This may have something to do with the fact that it is also a phytoestrogen.
- Natural progesterone cream – is a non synthetic progesterone. It is available over the counter. (you don’t need a prescription) It is made from either soybeans or Mexican wild yams. Please speak with your doctor before starting on this to see if its right for your body.
Vaginal atrophy (dryness):
Vaginal lubricants Moisturizers
Astroglide Vagisil
K-Y Jelly Replens
Painful Sex (dyspareunia):
Desensitization Therapy – you can learn vaginal relaxation exercises that can decrease pain.
Sex Therapy (Counseling) – some women may have negative emotional responses to sex. A licensed health care physician might be able to help in this area.
Vaginal rejuvenation – is a non surgical laser therapy treatment for dryness and painful sex. It usually involves the tightening of the vaginal structure as well as reshaping the vulva or labia. This procedure should only be administered by a doctor. Also, a limited number of doctors perform this procedure, so check around to see who does it.
Finally, I would recommend natural treatments for menopause, including exercise, a healthy diet, and meditation/mindfulness first before trying prescription medicine options.
