Herbal remedy for menopause
Long before hormone replacement therapy, women often sought relief for their menopausal complaints with herbal remedies. Some of the more popular ones—for which there is some evidence of efficacy—are listed below. The evidence, however, is not compelling and the amounts of these substances found in commercial preparations is not standardized, which makes it difficult to assess results.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). A number of studies have shown that black cohosh can alleviate many unpleasant symptoms of menopause, including irritability, poor concentration, insomnia, and depression. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-cactus). This herb has been useful in the management of fluid retention, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum). St. John’s wort has been shown to be effective in the management of mild to moderate cases of depression. It has a long history of use in the treatment of the melancholy often associated with menopause.Red clover (Trifolium pratense). Extracts of red clover have recently been marketed to help with menopausal symptoms. Chemical analysis does indeed show the presence of estrogenic compounds, but two double-blind studies (both funded by the manufacturer of a major brand) found no difference between red clover and a placebo for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness over a period of 12 weeks, Still, many women claim that their symproms are alleviated by red clover preparations.
