Overview
Menopause is the permanent end of a woman's menstrual periods. Menopause can occur naturally or be caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Many women use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for menopausal symptoms.
Natural Remedies
The remedies below are based on findings from a 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science conference on the management of menopause-related symptoms.
Botanicals
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa)
This herb has received more scientific attention for its possible effects on menopausal symptoms than have other botanicals. Studies of its effectiveness in reducing hot flashes have had mixed results. A study funded by NCCAM and the National Institute on Aging found that black cohosh, whether used alone or with other botanicals, failed to relieve hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women or those approaching menopause. Other research suggests that black cohosh does not act like estrogen, as once was thought. Black cohosh has had a good safety record over a number of years.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Panax quinquefolius)
The panel concluded that ginseng may help with some menopausal symptoms, such as mood symptoms and sleep disturbances, and with one's overall sense of well-being. However, it has not been found helpful for hot flashes.
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava may decrease anxiety associated with menopause.
Soy
The scientific literature includes both positive and negative results on soy extracts for hot flashes. When taken for short periods of time, soy extracts appear to have few if any serious side effects. However, long-term use of soy extracts has been associated with thickening of the lining of the uterus.
Source: National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
