Menopause. It’s a natural part of a woman’s cycle, yet it often brings feelings of fear, anxiety, and even shame for many women. While this “change of life” is inevitable for women, it often comes with very uncomfortable symptoms, especially for those who choose to avoid hormone replacement therapy. Let’s take a look at some natural remedies for menopause.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam extract has been used in Chinese medicine to relieve menopause symptoms for centuries. Studies show that wild yam not only has estrogen-stimulating abilities, but it may also help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Muira Puama
Muira Puama is an aphrodisiac that is sometimes used to treat sexual disorders. Decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse are common complaints during menopause. In one study that combined muria puama with ginkgo biloba for one month, post menopausal women reported improved sex drive, having more sex, and satisfaction with sex and climax. Order Muira Puama here. Order Ginkgo Biloba here.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is another traditional Chinese remedy with promise for menopausal women. Some women claim decreased hot flashes, improved sexual desire, and better sleep quality after using dong quai.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it has the ability to help the body adapt to stress. Adaptogens can promote better sleep, resulting in positive mood regulation as well. Even more importantly, ginseng helps the body produce more of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These endorphins elevate mood and decrease perceived pain in our bodies. Endorphins help us maintain a positive outlook, reduce depression, and increase energy.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a traditional Native American remedy used to provide relief from menstrual irregularities. In addition, many women report that black cohosh improves sleep quality and even brings relief from hot flashes. On the other hand, there are a ton of studies that suggest that black cohosh has no effect on menopausal symptoms. So if this supplement works for you, great. If not, be quick to move on and try something else.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is a hormone that peaks in women sometime around the age of 30-35 before beginning a continual decline as women approach menopause. Supplementing this hormone with a natural source can provide relief from menopause discomforts. Women report improvements in occurrence of hot flashes, insomnia, dry skin, low libido, fatigue, mood, and energy.
Soy
The phytoestrogenic effects of isoflavones have led some to view soy foods as alternatives to conventional hormone therapy. Thus, adding soy to your diet can help support healthy estrogen levels and bring relief from hot flashes and other discomforts.
Concerned about eating soy products? Then check out this post for some interesting information about this superfood.
What are your favorite menopause remedies? Comment below and share!
Check out this Master Class on Functional Medicine for Menopause Course for even more natural hormone remedies.
You can also shop my menopause protocol at Fullscript. Get Black Cohosh, Wild Yam Extract, and a few other key supplements!
