Many symptoms that can occur during the menopause are caused by a drastic drop in oestrogen levels. Hormone therapy, with the addition of oestrogen, can therefore stabilise levels and help with many menopausal symptoms.
Some supplements and other natural remedies are considered to have positive effects on several menopause symptoms and could help you feel better during menopause. Below we list popular supplements, herbs, natural remedies and vitamins that could possibly help with menopausal symptoms.
Help with hot flushes and sweating
Silverax is an herbal medicine that can be used to counteract problems such as hot flushes and sweating, which are very common symptoms of the menopause. Extracts of silver saxifrage can also be found in the herbal medicine klimadynone, which can also help prevent hot flushes and sweating.
Giant hogweed oil has several uses, but is commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms. The effects of evening primrose oil have also been tested in a study by Farzaneh (2013) which showed that women who used evening primrose oil had fewer problems with hot flushes than the control group who did not use it.
Counteract irritability and sleep problems
Magnesium is a mineral that is important to the body in many different ways, such as keeping blood pressure under control and maintaining strong bones. If you have trouble sleeping, which is common during the menopause, you can take magnesium in the evening. Magnesium activates the body's resting and digestive system (the parasympathetic nervous system), which can make you feel tired and help you fall asleep.
Supplements containing red clover can help by reducing hot flushes and sweating, as well as counteracting irritability and fatigue. This is said to be because red clover contains a plant hormone, phytohormone, which is similar to the body's own oestrogen. Phytohormone, also known as phytoestrogen, is also found in Wild Yam, which is said to help with several different menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, sleep problems and vaginal dryness. If you don't want to take supplements, you can instead find phytoestrogens in soya, tofu, apples and nuts!
Ashwagandha is an herb that is said to have many benefits as it has an effect on the stress hormone cortisol. Ashwaganda can therefore help with menopausal symptoms such as stress, sleep problems and reduced sex drive. Ashwaganda can be found in KSM-66 which has been studied and shown several positive results where the extract has been shown to alleviate the mentioned problems.
Relieve depression and mood swings
During menopause, it is common for people to feel low and may even suffer from depression. St John's wort is said to help with problems such as anxiety and mood swings associated with both menopause and PMS.Elexir Pharma WoHo has been developed to help women who experience problems with their periods, but can also be used during the menopause for a more balanced mood when hormones are at play. The supplement contains, among other things, yam root, which is said to have a calming effect in connection with menopausal symptoms.