Natural Alternatives for Menopause

By Valerie Blankenship

(this article was published in the Colorado Springs Health Magazine)

Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and menstruation ceases. Although it can be a distressful time of life for many women, the changes that occur during menopause are no less traumatic than those experienced at puberty. But how do we get through it gracefully? One method that has been put forth by western medicine is that through the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), all symptoms can be reversed or avoided. Although HRT can ease symptoms for many women, for some it can make things worse. For example, women in a Swedish study (1988) reported that it caused more tension, depression, and a decrease in sexual enjoyment. In addition, these powerful, concentrated hormones are not without risks, and many women today are considering avoiding them.

HRT is a combination of estrogen and progesterone. HRT prevents some of the risks of cancer associated with use of estrogen alone, although it does not eliminate all of them. ERT does not include progesterone, is not as commonly prescribed by doctors because it carries with it a higher risk of cancer. Studies of estrogen alone show that it may help the heart and bones, but these studies are preliminary, and not conclusive. And HRT has even less proof that it has heart and bone protective effects. But should a woman choose HRT or ERT, it is important to know that this choice will only suppress symptoms, not heal or support the body. A woman educated with the facts will many times choose to avoid or taper off of HRT in an effort to choose a more natural lifestyle.

Some people reason that replacing the very hormones that the body is trying to decrease is not a wise decision. And there are the risks. You are advised by your doctor to stay away from HRT if you have uterine fibroids, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, estrogen-dependent breast cancer, liver or gallbladder weakness, or if you are pregnant. HRT can also cause the uterine lining to build up. And many women do not realize that their hormones may contain pregnant mare’s urine, since the most popular estrogen used in HRT is produced in this way (Premarin). Although other types may be totally synthetic, some synthetic hormones have previously been proven to be harmful to women’s health. DES, for example, a popular drug used for morning sickness in pregnant women, is now linked to breast and uterine cancer and birth defects in female babies. These problems were not discovered until the drug was used for more than twenty years.

Also consider the fact that many women stay on HRT for years, increasing the likelihood that their health will be negatively effected. For women who have taken birth control pills for 20 years, then were prescribed hormones for clearing up their complexions, and later graduated to HRT at menopause, the risks may be great.

Even without the use of HRT, a woman’s movement through menopause need not be a painful one. As an herbalist, I get questions daily from clients who want to avoid the possible dangerous side effects of HRT. At the same time, these same women also want to avoid, or at least lessen, the unpleasant side effects of this major upheaval in our body’s hormonal system. Of course it is a natural process, and it helps psychologically to know that, but that knowledge does nothing to ease the symptoms of this bodily change. What about those intolerable hot flashes? What about the heart palpitations, the depression and lethargy and the mood swings? And let’s not forget dry skin and hair. Fortunately, all of these symptoms are temporary, and all can be corrected, or at least lessened, using nutritional supplements, herbs, and diet.

Before we get started, let’s clear up one common misconception about herbs. Human hormones are not found within herbs, except in minute amounts. However, what herbs do contain are plant hormones (phytoestrogens, phytosterols and others) with hormonal-type effects. “Natural progesterone or estrogen” made from wild yam or other herb extracts is a pharmaceutically manipulated hormone used for its druglike effects. Products that include it may help women with symptoms, but it is misleading to call them “natural.” They are not.

If you are already on HRT and want to get off, my best advice is to taper off slowly. If your dosage is small (.03 mg of Premarin, for example), you will want to taper off of HRT within 1-2 months. If you are on a higher dose, you should taper off over 2-3 months. Many women who get off of HRT abruptly find that the huge dip in their hormones causes radical mood swings and a major imbalance in the system. While you are tapering off, herbal supplements can be introduced to ease the transition, and begin supporting the system.

Herbs and vitamin supplements can lend valuable support in the journey through menopause. The following is a list of herbs that are generally used in combinations, for easing the symptoms of menopause.

Herbs and Supplements to consider:

Calcium in its most natural forms is more easily digestible and helps prevent osteoporosis and hot flashes. It is found in abundance in oat straw, nettles, dandelion leaf, horsetail, and chickweed. Those same herbs are also rich in magnesium, reflecting nature’s balancing act. Magnesium helps calm mood swings, and eases hot flashes. If taken in a capsule, you should take 1,000 mg of calcium and 2-3,000 mg of magnesium daily (not the other way around.)

400 I.U. of vitamin E taken daily can be useful for hot flashes and is helps alleviate vaginal dryness. For women with high blood pressure, diabetes, or rheumatic heart, the recommended dose is no higher than 50-150 I.U. daily.

Vitamin B6 decreases water retention and menopausal symptoms in general. It can be taken up to 50 mg, 3 times a day.

Evening Primrose oil in capsules is also effective for hot flashes, but in order for it to work by itself, you must use 3-10 capsules a day for 3-4 weeks.

Iron from natural sources will keep the system energetic. The most bioavailable sources include nettles, alfalfa, yellow dock root, and horsetail, can be easily blended into a tea and drunk daily.

No article on natural hormone balancing would be complete without the mention of Chaste Tree Berry. Excellent for regulating the pituitary’s control of hormones, it can lower excess estrogen in cases of imbalance. But through some mechanism that is currently unknown to us, moderate amounts of it will not cause an imbalance to occur, even if a woman has low amounts of estrogen.

Black Cohosh is one of the few herbs that is usually mentioned in the mainstream media when offering alternatives to HRT. This herb both balances the hormones, and relaxes the muscles, as well as reducing tension. These properties make it an ideal herb for taking in the evening or before bed.

Dong Quai is used in China for nearly every “female complaint.” During menopause, it helps ease the body’s hormonal transition. It is usually taken in capsules or a liquid extract, but it is rarely used by itself, as it is not as effective. Take it in a combination with the other herbs mentioned here, or blended in equal parts with chaste tree berry, at a dose of 2 caps of each in the morning.

Asian Ginseng is not for everyone, but it helps many women who experience menopause as depleting and exhausting. For these women, it is an important ally in helping to keeping them invigorated and energized. One way to use it is recommended by Rosemary Gladstar, respected herbalist and author. She suggests simmering a large root in 4 cups of water covered, for about 8 hours. Then, drink one cup each morning for three days. Do this monthly.

Motherswort is an herb that is extremely good for easing heart palpitations, hot flashes, and mood swings, making it an extremely popular one with menopausal women. Since it actually strengthens the heart, motherswort can help to mitigate the weakening of an aging heart. Relief is quick with this powerful herb. Tinctures can be taken at a dose of 30-60 drops, 3-6 x a day as needed for the above symptoms. This can be taken in addition to an herbal combination containing some of the other herbs mentioned here.

Licorice is a rich source of phytoestrogens. Although it needs to be avoided by women with kidney failure, moderate amounts for most women can provide a useful tool in balancing the hormones and strengthening the adrenal glands. It is usually taken in a combination, although several capsules, once or twice a day, can be taken singly.