Herbal therapy and menopause

Today, herbal therapies are also being used in the treatment of menopause. The herbs which are currently touted to control many of the symptoms of menopause include:

Phytoestrogens: There are certain vegetable foods that are known to contain phytoestrogens (similar to the female sex hormone-estrogen). There are two main types of phytoestrogens — isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones have been found in soybeans, chickpeas and peas. Lignans have been found in flaxseeds, whole grains and some fruits and vegetables.

Researchers in the Orient first noticed that women in that part of the World had very mild menopausal symptoms and a much lower incidence of heart disease and osteoporosis. It was later discovered that their diet was rich in Phytoestrogens which provided the protective effect. However, addition of isoflavones to western diets has not been found to be effective at least in the short-term and longer term follow up is required. There has also been a concern that high estrogen levels after menopause may be associated with an increased incidence of breast cancer.

So far the data on soy products remains unknown and all reports remain anecdotal. But research on this topic is ongoing.

Vitamin E has been widely postulated to diminish the symptoms of menopause. Its effects are immediate. However, the reports are scant and the agent only works in a few individuals. As to why it does not work in all women remains a mystery. Some nutritionists recommend higher doses of vitamin E in women who do not respond to the low dose of vitamin E. However, the FDA strongly advises against taking more than 400 IU of this vitamin because of the potential for serous toxicity.

Black cohosh: This herb has been widely used in northern Europe for more than 2 decades and has recently become popular in North America. However, even the European data indicates that it does not work in all women and even today there are no scientific data on its clinical benefits. However, the product is safe. The North American Menopause Society does supports short-term use of black cohosh for treating menopausal symptoms because it seems to have a low risk of side effects when used for up to six months. But the exact effects of long term use are not known. Some recent studies have found that the herb doesn't reduce hot flashes any better than a placebo.

Miscellaneous: There are numerous other dietary supplements available which have been postulated to treat menopausal symptoms- many of the females even swear by it. These products include dong quai, licorice, chasteberry, evening primrose oil and wild yam (natural progesterone cream). Even though these products have been around for more than 2 decades, there is no scientific data to back any of the claims made by the women users or the manufacturers. A few of these products have also been found to contain contaminants and there are even reports of fake products.

Before one starts to take a whole range of products with unknown ingredients and lack of any standardization, be sure to consult your doctor. There definitely are some herbals which are useful but the question is which one. And in the end, like all things in life, buyer beware.