Herbal Menopause Treatment Alternatives
Hormone replacement used to be the gold standard for women looking for relief from menopause symptoms, but women are starting to be aware of possible contraindications and widely published studies suggest hormone replacement therapy isn't the best route to take.
Others prefer a more holistic approach to their health, and menopause is no different for them.
For women looking to alleviate some of their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms there are plenty of herbal remedies available on the market.
Not a lot of research has been done about the effects of herbal remedies on menopausal symptoms; most studies that have been done involve women with breast cancer.
This makes it difficult for a woman trying to make an informed decision about herbal remedies to find accurate data.
Also, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration do not hold herbal remedies to the same standard as traditional medications, and in fact the FDA looks upon herbal supplements to be in the same category as food.
In terms of what research has been done, there are undeniably herbal remedies that seem to give relief for menopausal symptoms.
Black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and red clover all seem to help some women with hot flashes, though the results of studies are inconsistent.
Other herbal remedies, such as evening primrose oil, ginseng, dong quai, wild vitamin E, and yam were identified in studies as being frequently used for hot flashes, but not much supporting data was available.
It is becoming more accepted for women to complement hormone replacement therapy with some herbal remedies as well, and as long as no contraindications are present then this can work well.
If you are interested in more non-medicinal remedies, and these herbs appeal to you, there was a study done that you should be aware of.
Indiana University did a meta-analysis (a review of all existing studies) to see what the effects of certain alternative remedies are on menopausal symptoms.
They found acupuncture and homeopathy provided relief in some cases, but on an inconsistent basis.
The use of magnetic therapy and reflexology did not show any benefit in easing symptoms.
Further research is required in these areas.
Whether you want to complement a hormone replacement therapy program or avoid one altogether, herbal remedies can offer some relief.
Individual women's needs are different, so it is important you make any decisions with the help of your doctor.
Others prefer a more holistic approach to their health, and menopause is no different for them.
For women looking to alleviate some of their uncomfortable menopausal symptoms there are plenty of herbal remedies available on the market.
Not a lot of research has been done about the effects of herbal remedies on menopausal symptoms; most studies that have been done involve women with breast cancer.
This makes it difficult for a woman trying to make an informed decision about herbal remedies to find accurate data.
Also, it is important to note that the Food and Drug Administration do not hold herbal remedies to the same standard as traditional medications, and in fact the FDA looks upon herbal supplements to be in the same category as food.
In terms of what research has been done, there are undeniably herbal remedies that seem to give relief for menopausal symptoms.
Black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and red clover all seem to help some women with hot flashes, though the results of studies are inconsistent.
Other herbal remedies, such as evening primrose oil, ginseng, dong quai, wild vitamin E, and yam were identified in studies as being frequently used for hot flashes, but not much supporting data was available.
It is becoming more accepted for women to complement hormone replacement therapy with some herbal remedies as well, and as long as no contraindications are present then this can work well.
If you are interested in more non-medicinal remedies, and these herbs appeal to you, there was a study done that you should be aware of.
Indiana University did a meta-analysis (a review of all existing studies) to see what the effects of certain alternative remedies are on menopausal symptoms.
They found acupuncture and homeopathy provided relief in some cases, but on an inconsistent basis.
The use of magnetic therapy and reflexology did not show any benefit in easing symptoms.
Further research is required in these areas.
Whether you want to complement a hormone replacement therapy program or avoid one altogether, herbal remedies can offer some relief.
Individual women's needs are different, so it is important you make any decisions with the help of your doctor.