The other half of the human species thinks that it is silly for women to experience discomfort during menopause. Menopause is not a wonderful ride for the female specie. Yes, they will already stop worrying about the monthly awkwardness they regularly experience. Yes, they will have the freedom to engage in sexual activities without worrying of getting pregnant. But it is not a pleasing event since there are hundreds of symptoms that will be experienced as the woman goes through this.

Menopause Symptoms

Aside from decreasing number of menstrual periods that will eventually cease, a woman will also experience the following symptoms:

• Increasing heart rate or palpitations, hot flashes, reddening of the skin, night sweats, and difficulty of sleeping.
• There will also be increased episodes of headaches, a problem common to many women.
• Anxiety and depression will also occur, and there will be observable mood swings that make others equally irritated.
• Some women also tend to become forgetful.
• In terms of sexuality, there will be decreasing interest in sex, perhaps due to a feeling of vaginal dryness that can lead to painful sexual relations.
• Some major diseases will also start to appear at this period. That is why women are advised to regularly visit her gynecologist in order to have the appropriate treatment for the various symptoms she is experiencing as she approaches that period when her body will already wane from producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Some gynecologist recommends that women undergo hormonal replacement therapy. In order to mimic the effects of hormones that are starting to decrease in the body. Some gynecologists will also recommend specific medications or drugs for specific symptom, such as heart drugs for heart palpitations.

But there are natural herbs that, for decades, have shown to be effective in relieving menopausal symptoms. The herbs are non-specific, meaning it does not target a particular symptom, but rather a list of symptoms. Below are some of the herbs that can be used by a woman during her menopausal stage. Just make sure that doctor’s advice is heeded before taking these herbs.

1. Vitex

   Vitex is known in English term as chaste tree or chaste berry. For centuries, vitex has been used as remedy for symptoms of menopause. Vitex is a Mediterranean flowering plant of the family Lamiaceae. According to Patricia Eagon, PHD of the University of Pittsburgh and the head researcher of the research team together with Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, vitex is producing an effect similar to the effects of estrogen in animals. Although further studies are still being made, the researchers found out those menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, are relieved when a woman uses vitex. Vitex easily bound to estrogen receptors in the body. When they tested the herbal plant with rats, the rat’s uterus became heavy, indicating that the organ is responding to estrogen in the body. The luteinizing hormone in the blood also decreased a clear indication that there is an increased estrogen level in the blood, since luteinizing hormone and estrogen are inversely proportional in normal circumstances.

2. Black Cohosh

   Black snakeroot, rattle root, bugwort, rattleweed, rattletop are some of the names for black cohosh. Insects are shunning away from this plant, perhaps the reason why it has some of the names above. But black cohosh is a plant beneficial to many women experiencing menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. According to a study in University of Illinois in Chicago, black cohosh is found out to be targeting the serotonin receptors. Serotonin receptors can help regulate the body’s temperature. There are beliefs that black cohosh is estrogenic, but there are evidences that it does not. Another study also showed that black cohosh acts on the opiate receptors of the body, thereby enabling it to regulate the human body’s temperature. For menopausal women who are having hot flashes, night sweats, and other related symptoms, black cohosh may just be the answer for relief.

3. Ginseng

   Panax ginseng is controversial as alternative relief for menopausal symptoms. For several centuries, ginseng has been used in Asian countries as a tonic or restorative therapy. In a previous study, menopausal women who have been taking ginseng reported that their menopausal symptoms were reduced compared to those who are not taking any. The mechanism of action for ginseng is it increases the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormones (ACTH). ACTH is usually released when the body tries to cool off from the effects of hot flashes or hot temperatures. Ginseng basically helps lower the body’s temperature, a mechanism beneficial for those experiencing menopausal symptoms.

4. Dong Quai

   Dong quai is nicknamed the female ginseng. Scientifically it is Angelica sinensis, and this herb plant has been used for centuries in China to relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. There have been several studies made for dong quai. It shows that the plant can actually provide relief from hot flashes symptoms. Its mechanism of action is still under study. Doctors are recommending those who intend to take dong quai to visit their doctor first for further assessment.

5. Passion Flower

   Some women are using passion flower to relieve menopausal symptoms. The extract of passion flowers has shown to have an effect on anxiety symptoms felt by these women. According to the studies, passion flower, or apricot vine or maypop herb, can help in the alteration of mood by increasing the levels of the body’s gamma-amino butyric acid, or GABA. If GABA is increased in the brain, it reduces the activities of some of the brain cells, causing the brain to relax and therefore reducing anxiety. A component of passion flower can also inhibit the monoamine oxidase at the synapse of the neurons. With this mechanism of action similar to monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOI, anxiety level is reduced, menopausal depression is relieved.

6. Valerian

   Insomnia is common in women experiencing menopause. In an article published by Reuters in August 2011, a study was conducted for 100 women at their menopausal stage. For a month, some of these women took 2 capsules of Valerian. Women who took the capsules reported that their quality of sleep has improved. No other adverse effects were reported, which shows that valerian may be one of the most effective herb in relieving sleeplessness in menopausal women.

Sources
naturalhomeandgarden.com
sciencedaily.com
sciencedaily.com
umm.edu
vanderbilt.edu
livestrong.com
news.indialocals.com