Herbal Alternatives in Menopause Treatment
Herbal Alternatives in Menopause Treatment
Many over the counter products available to women experiencing the symptoms of menopause and peri-menopause do not seem to give relief from symptoms they need. This is because often the products do not address the very important role of the adrenal glands in maintaining hormonal balance. Around the time a woman begins to cease ovulating, her adrenal glands secrete androgens, which are converted biochemically into oestrone, as the ovaries have stopped producing oestrogen. If the adrenal glands are not functioning appropriately, the individual’s experience of menopause will inevitably be worsened.
Exhaustion and hot flushes are two of the major signs of what we as naturopaths call ‘adrenal fatigue’. These symptoms in menopause are sometimes so debilitating that a woman has to change her bedclothes during the night from the severity of the hot flushes she is experiencing. Stress and emotional upset can further trigger hot flushing. What should be a regular healthy response to stress can become a severe and constant feeling in many women. This is very unfortunate as; if the nervous system is functioning at its optimum level of wellbeing then females at this stage of life can experience some of the most dynamic and positive living.
Adaptogens support the individual by “normalising the physiological processes in times of increased stress”. The adaptogens as a group of herbs help the body to adjust and have a ‘sparing effect’ on the adrenal glands and often normalise the activities of other organs. (Trickey, 1998:365) In effect, this means that the usual draining effects that come from stress are lessened and the body is both supported and assisted.
Adrenal tonics have been used for centuries in medicine especially in India and China where much of our knowledge of the traditional use of these herbs we call ‘adaptogens’ comes from. Many beautiful synonyms have been passed down through the ages that belong to each herb used in this class. One example is the herb Withania somnifera that is also known as ‘Indian ginseng’. In Ayurvedic medicine, Withania is said to give the person who takes it the strength of a horse. Intriguingly, Withania also increases sexual desire, is said to boost memory and increase energy, all of which are important at this stage of life. Both Siberian ginseng and Panax ginseng support the function of the adrenal glands. Maca is traditionally used for the symptoms of menopause, via its action of the hypothalamic pituitary gland and can also increase energy. Maca is also known as Peruvian ginseng! Many of our customers report feeling more balanced from this form of Ginseng.
The product Estro Balance by Totally Natural products contains the adaptogens Withania, Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng. It also contains other herbs involved in hormonal regulation and the herb Motherwort, which is especially indicated for women who experience palpations, anxiety and insomnia and Sage has been traditionally used for night sweats and as a tonic for the nervous system.
AustralianVitamins.com stock the wonderful range of organic herbal teas by Southern Light herbs. Many of the herbs in this range may be of benefit. Herbal teas to try are Hops, Valerian, Vervain, Passionflower, Scullcap, Chamomile, Sage, and Motherwort. Most of these teas taste delicious and should be consumed 3 times a day for maximum benefit.
Finally, many women are not aware of the role Vitamin E can play in reducing the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flushes, as it has a role in hormonal balancing. Vitamin E also has the added advantage of being cardio protective, which is further indicated for postmenopausal women, as the regulatory heart protective effects of oestrogen are no longer occurring naturally at this stage of life. Vitamin E is also antioxidant and retards the aging process.
References: Trickey, R. (1998) Women, Hormones & the Menstrual Cycle: Herbal & Medical Solutions from Adolescence to Menopause, Allen & Unwin: St Leonards.
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