Herbal Help for Menopause

Discussion

Menopause was intended by nature to be a process by which the female body is relieved slowly and gently of the burden of bearing children. In primitive cultures, with a natural way of life, a fair degree of exercise, and little consumption of refined foods with excessive additives, menopause passes almost without notice.

In modern society, unpleasant symptoms have become so common and so severe that menopause is almost regarded as a disease.

Menopause should be a time during which the ovaries gradually reduce their production of oestrogen, with few, if any, symptoms. The pituitary gland should then send signals to other glands such as the adrenals, and even to individual fat cells, to increase their oestrogen output. The resultant oestrogen production, although greatly reduced, should be sufficient to carry out all the functions intended, except for menstruation and child-bearing.

The adrenal glands are the main backup for oestrogen production. When they have become exhausted by overuse of stimulants such as caffeine in coffee, cola and tea, or weakened by poor diet such as overuse of sugar and refined foods, then they cannot perform their extra duty, leading to many symptoms now considered normal. Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) caused by excess consumption of sugar, further exacerbates symptoms.

Herbs That Help

It seems obvious that as the main physiological change at menopause is the reduction of oestrogen production, then any agents which can mimic oestrogen activity are likely to be the most helpful, and this does in fact seem to be the case. The most effective botanical supplements appear to be soya and black cohosh.

Soya

It is a known fact that in cultures with a high intake of soya products, adverse symptoms at menopause are either non-existent or minimal. There is also a noticeably lower incidence of several modern diseases. The active constituents of soya are a group of substances called soy isoflavones, the most active being genistein, daidzein and glycitein.

These substances have reasonably high oestrogen-like effects, and are called phyto-oestrogens. They are high enough in activity to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, but not high enough to have the dangers of HRT.

Daily consumption of soya would therefore be very protective, and it has been shown that fermented soya products are higher in isoflavones.

Concentrated fermented soya is now available in tablet form.

Soya concentrates have been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of hot flushes and night sweats, but are also protective against osteoporosis.

Black Cohosh

This herb, also known as Squaw Root, is a native of Canada and the Eastern United States. It has an ancient reputation among Native Americans as a remedy for "female complaints", particularly those associated with menopause, such as hot flushes and menstrual cramps.

The active constituents in black cohosh, as well as having oestrogenic activity, also have the effect of reducing blood pressure and relieving depression.

A combination of the two above phytonutrients appears to have quite powerful effects on the obvious short-term symptoms of menopause, such as sweats and depression, but research also continues into the protective effects against bone problems and various cancers.

Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)

This herb also contains phyto-oestrogens, and therefore has effects similar to Black Cohosh. However, it also has other effects that can be important. It has effects on the whole cardiovascular system, and can reduce the palpitations that are often a symptom of menopause. Dong Quai has been shown to have 4-7 times the pain-relieving effects of aspirin, and can therefore relieve the headaches that often occur.

Wild Yam

Recently, wild yam has attracted attention for some menopausal conditions, and claims are being made that it contains progesterone, the other main female sex hormone. This is not so; it does contain a plant steroid called diosgenin, which is used commercially in the synthesis of progesterone. However, it appears that the human body is not capable of producing progesterone from diosgenin. It is now thought that other plant steroids in yam produce the benefits.

Sage

As far as is known, this herb has only one beneficial effect for menopause, and that is for the reduction of hot sweats. Sage does reduce excessive sweating from all causes.

Agnus Castus (Vitex)

Unlike some of the other herbs mentioned, agnus castus does not have direct oestrogenic or progesterone effects. Its effects stem from its effects on the pituitary gland. It increases production of lutenising hormone, which causes increased production of progesterone. It is useful as a support for other herbs in multi-herb formulations.

Other Supplements Which Help

¨      Vitamin E; reduces hot flushes, and helps circulation generally.

¨      Selenium; greatly improves the effectiveness of vitamin E.

¨      Boron; is a precursor for oestradiol, one of the most active of the oestrogens. It reduces night sweats, hot flushes  and bone loss.

¨      Calcium and Magnesium; are major components of bone, and therefore protect against osteoporosis.

¨      Evening primrose oil; contains GLA. GLA helps to produce prostaglandin PGE1, which has effects on a wide range of body functions, including sensitivity to hormones.

¨      Vitamin C; lack of this vitamin can cause circulation problems. 

Diet

Eliminate:    Sugar, fizzy drinks, chocolate, coffee, fried foods, red meats.

Reduce:       Tea (to 3 cups per day), refined foods.

Increase:      Fruit, vegetables, wholefoods (e.g. wholemeal bread, wholemeal pasta and jacket potatoes).

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