Most women will become menopausal around the age of 51. When this happens, it reflects that women have finished or nearly finished their egg reserves, and no longer can get pregnant.
Estrogen produced by the ovaries also hits all-time lows causing bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, memory issues, joint pain, and depression.
With these slew of problems, it’s really not a surprise that so many women have come to me asking for a natural solution. While my treatment always involves addressing diet, lifestyle, and the long-term consequences that come with menopause, in this article I will address my top 3 favorite herbs for menopausal support.
1) Black cohosh
This herb has been used for generations to support female hormonal imbalances, and is one of the best studied herbs for menopause. Research has shown that black cohosh can significantly reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, headaches, and low mood. Like most other herbs, it takes about 8 weeks to work at its best.
2) Rhubarb
Yes, you saw right, rhubarb! You can find this plant in most supermarkets, and make an amazing meal with it. At concentrated doses, rhubarb can be amazing for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, joint issues, and all things menopause. It works by activating estrogen receptors in the body, making it perfect for low estrogen levels found in menopause.
3) Sage
If women mainly want relief from their hot flashes, sage is one of my go to’s. At 300 mg of dried herb a day, it can help women without causing major side effects.
There is so much we can do to help you transition into menopause with ease. If you need support, book an appointment today.
References
Liske E, Hanggi W, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH, et al. Physiological investigation of a unique extract of black cohosh (Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma): a 6-month clinical study demonstrates no systemic estrogenic effect. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 2002;11:163-74
Nappi RE, Malavasi B, Brundu B, Facchinetti F. Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa on climacteric complaints: a randomized study versus low-dose transdermal estradiol. Gynecol Endocrinol 2005;20:30-5
Hasper I, Ventskovskiy BM, Rettenberger R, Heger PW, Riley DS, Kaszkin-Bettag M. Long-term efficacy and safety of the special extract ERr 731 of Rheum rhaponticum in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):117-31
Heger M, Ventskovskiy BM, Borzenko I, Kneis KC, Rettenberger R, Kaszkin-Bettag M, Heger PW. Efficacy and safety of a special extract of Rheum rhaponticum (Err 731) in perimenopausal women with climacteric complaints: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Menopause. 2006 Sep-Oct;13(5):744-59.
Bommer S, Klein P, Suter A. First time proof of sage's tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Adv Ther 2011;28:490-500
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