Discover the Power of Plants: Natural Remedies for Menopause Relief*
If you have ever experienced hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood changes, anxiety, and vaginal dryness due to menopause, you’re not alone. About 80 percent of menopausal women report having these symptoms.1 Women tend to complain the most about hot flashes, which is the reason many decide to start hormone replacement therapy.2 But this isn’t your only option! There are other natural ways you can experience relief.
But, if you are considering hormone replacement therapy, keep in mind that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that women receive the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time possible.3 As a result, 40 to 50 percent of women choose to use practical alternative options, such as plant-based solutions, to provide relief for menopause symptoms.4
Phytoestrogen solutions for menopausal symptoms
Phytoestrogens are a group of plant-based compounds resembling the hormone estrogen. Findings suggest that phytoestrogens may help reduce hot flashes and vaginal dryness.5
There are four classes of phytoestrogens:
- Isoflavones are the most common phytoestrogens. They are derived mainly from soy. Of the four classes of phytoestrogens, isoflavones are known to contain the highest estrogenic properties.6
- Lignans can be found in flaxseed, wheat, rye, oats, and berries.6
- Coumestans can be found in clover, alfalfa sprouts, sunflower seeds, and lima beans.6
- Stilbenes, including the most studied type called resveratrol, are found in grapes, peanuts, and cranberries.6
Clinically proven ERr 731® for menopausal symptoms
ERr 731, a standardized extract from Siberian rhubarb root, has been found to help alleviate 12 symptoms. In one clinical study that included 119 perimenopausal women, those who took ERr 731 experienced an 83 percent decrease in daily hot flashes over the course of 12 weeks.7
Other herbs that may relieve menopausal symptoms
There haven’t been many studies on how Chinese and non-Chinese herbs might help with menopause symptoms. The limited studies done so far don't clearly show if these herbs can provide relief. Similarly, while studies on plant-based estrogens and herbal treatments suggest they might help with menopause symptoms, more research is needed to determine potential long-term adverse health effects.3
Next steps
While it's true that hormonal changes during menopause can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming, it's also an opportunity for us to exercise control over our health. Plant-based therapies can indeed be a viable option for some, offering a more natural route to managing symptoms. To determine the best options, patients should always consult with their healthcare provider.
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References:
- Vollmer G et al. Treatment of menopausal symptoms by an extract from the roots of rhapontic rhubarb: the role of estrogen receptors. Chin Med. 2010;5:7.
- Chen MN et al. Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Climacteric. 2015;18(2):260-269.
- https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Hormone-Therapy#Current accessed September 13, 2017.
- Franco OH et al. Use of plant-based therapies and menopausal symptoms-a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;315(23):2554-2563.
- Glazier MG et al. A review of the evidence for the use of phytoestrogens as a replacement for traditional estrogen replacement therapy. Arch Intern Med. 2001; 161:1161-1172.
- Moreira AC et al. A Review: Phytoestrogens as alternative hormone replacement therapy in menopause: what is real, what is unknown. J steroid Biochem Molecular Biology. 2014;143:61-71.
- Kaszkin-Bettag M et al. Confirmation of the efficacy of ERr 731 in perimenopausal women with menopausal symptoms. Altern Ther Health Med. 2009;15(1):24-34.