Natural Herbs for Menopause
There are a range of beneficial side effects associated with using different kinds of natural herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause. This article discusses some of menopause´s causes, stages and symptoms and the various kinds of natural herbs available for treating them.
OK, firstly, what exactly is menopause?
Many pharmaceutical drugs are plant based, so one should keep in mind that although herbs are gentler in nature - they still act like drugs. You should consult your doctor before beginning a new medication or supplement. Herbs should also be used with care, even though side effects from herbs are minimal, if at all.
Menopause is the final menstrual period in a woman´s life. It represents the end of her reproductive years in a similar way that the first menstrual period indicated the start. As women begin to approach menopause, the production of hormones (estrogen) in their ovaries starts to slow down - gradually to a point where menstruation ceases altogether.
During menopause women can suffer a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include:
. Menstrual period irregularities
. Hot flashes
. Mood swings
. Depression
. Insomnia
. Weight gain
Types of herbs for menopause
There are two types of natural herbs that exist for alleviating menopause symptoms; phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs. Phytoestrogenic herbs contain phytohormones (compounds comparable to the body´s hormones), while non-estrogenic herbs help to stimulate the body´s own hormonal production.
Phytoestrogenic herbs
Phytoestrogenic herbs for menopause are plants that contain phytoestrogens, which have chemical structures similar to human estrogen.
There are several natural herbs which have phytoestrogens, and many are available as herbal remedies or supplements. Phytoestrogenic herbs often help people who are suffering from hormone related ailments, because they mimic the body´s own source of estrogen hormone. Phytoestrogens appear in large doses in herbs such as black cohosh, ginseng, soy, red clover and dong quai. Click on the following link to read more about phytoestrogen herbs.
Black cohosh contains chemicals that are believed to relieve symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones, which bind to estrogen receptors in your body. Plant estrogens work very much like your natural estrogen, working to control temperature, and helping to strengthen bones. Black cohosh works directly on the hypothalamus, which regulates body temperature and hormone production, and is believed to be the cause of many of the symptoms that come accompany menopause.Black cohosh is a great reliever of many menopause symptoms including night sweats, anxiety, and depression.
Non estrogenic herbs
Non-estrogenic herbs do not possess a chemical structure similar to estrogen. They work by stimulating the body´s endocrine system into producing more hormones on its own. Some examples of non-estrogenic herb treatments can be found at this link.
What natural herbs for menopause symptoms should I use?
Women are turning to natural herbs to treat their menopause symptoms in increasing numbers. One of the good things about natural herbs is that they often do not have unwanted side effects (though each supplement should be taken on its merits) and research often confirms their therapeutic applications in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. For this reason natural herbs can be used to treat menopause symptoms and to promote general well-being.
