Proceed with Caution: Health Risks of Herbs for Menopause
Herbal supplements are an increasingly popular, and effective, way to treat menopause and its symptoms. Herbs which are particularly beneficial during the menopausal years include:
. Ginseng
. Soy
. Ginkgo Biloba
All of these herbs are phyestoestrogenic. This means that they contain a substance which affects the level of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is the hormone which is responsible for menopausal changes and symptoms. These herbs are therefore advantageous as they tackle menopausal symptoms at their root cause, on a hormonal level.
However, there has recently been a degree of controversy surrounding such herbal remedies for menopause. Read on, but proceed with caution: these herbs can have some nasty effects.
Phytoestrogenic side effects
Some phytoestrogenic herbs have been associated with uncomfortable symptoms:
Possible side effects of Ginseng:
. Diarrhea.
. Heart Palpitations.
. Insomnia.
. High Blood Pressure.
. Nervousness and Agitation.
. Headaches and Difficulty Concentrating.
Possible side effects of Ginkgo Biloba:
. Digestive problems.
. Headache.
. Fainting or Muscle weakness.
. Unusual bleeding or bruising.
. Heart palpitations.
. Restlessness.
. Nausea or Vomiting.
However, other herbs have been associated with more serious health risks. In these cases, research is still being done to discover the extent of the health risk associated with each herb, but users should proceed with caution, consult a doctor, and avoid the remedy if you are particularly prone to one of the conditions.
Health risks associated with Ginseng
. Diabetes
. Heart Conditions
. Cancer
Health risks associated with Soy
. Infertility
. Breast Cancer
. Hypothyroidism
. Breast Cancer Risk
Health risks associated with Ginkgo Biloba
. Diabetes
. Allergic reaction
There are certain risks and dangers associated with herbal remedies for menopause for people who have other medical conditions, or are using herbal supplements alongside other remedies or medications. However, herbs for menopause can be taken safely, and can be a very beneficial treatment for menopause and its symptoms.
Click here for more information on herbs for menopause, their availability, and their advantages and disadvantages as a menopause treatment.
