Natural Remedies & Herbs for Menopause

Some, but not all, double-blind trials support the usefulness of black cohosh for women with hot flashes associated with menopause. In a three-month study of postmenopausal women, 40 mg per day of an extract of black cohosh was as effective as estrogen therapy in the treatment of hot flashes. A review of eight trials concluded black cohosh to be both safe and effective. However, one double-blind trial found that black cohosh is ineffective as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. Many doctors recommend 20 mg of a highly concentrated extract taken twice per day; 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times per day may also be used.

In a double-blind study of postmenopausal women who were experiencing psychological symptoms, a combination of black cohosh andSt. John's wort was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving both menopausal symptoms and depression. The product used in this study contained (per tablet) black cohosh standardized to 1 mg of triterpene glycosides and St. John's wort standardized to 0.25 mg of hypericin. The amount taken was two tablets twice a day for eight weeks, followed by one tablet twice a day for eight weeks...

Warning: Kava should only be taken with medical supervision. Kava isnot for sale in certain parts of the world.

In a double-blind trial, a standardized kava extract was found to be effective at reducing anxiety and other symptoms associated withmenopause. The study used 100 mg of kava extract standardized to contain 70%kava-lactones, three times per day. Most commercially available kava extracts contain up to35% kava-lactones. In another study, administration of kava enhanced the anti-anxiety effectof hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.