Natural Menopause Relief

Natural menopause relief is used by over 30 percent of women going through menopause, according to a 1997 study. Different types of natural menopause treatments can include acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements. So-called "plant estrogens" are a popular type of natural menopause relief. However, there currently isn't enough evidence to prove whether these forms of menopause relief are any safer or more effective than conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

 

Natural Menopause Relief: An Introduction

Many women are now considering natural menopause relief as an alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve their symptoms of menopause and lower the risk of osteoporosis and other conditions.
 
According to a 1997 study conducted by the North American Menopause Society, more than 30 percent of women use natural menopause relief treatments, such as:
 
  • Acupuncture
  • Natural estrogens
  • Herbal supplements
  • Phytoestrogens (so-called plant estrogens).
     
At this time, there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether these therapies are beneficial. In addition, there is insufficient information to prove whether these therapies are as safe or safer than the conventional drugs used for menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, or heart disease.
 

Plant Products Used in Natural Menopause Relief

Botanical products containing or acting like estrogens may provide some of the benefits of estrogen in relieving the symptoms of menopause. For example, studies have suggested that soy food products can benefit women with mild hot flashes. Some limited research provides conflicting results on the safety and effectiveness of natural hormone replacement therapy products -- such as ginseng, black cohosh, and dong quai -- that are marketed for menopausal symptoms.
 
(Natural Menopause Relief Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD