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Menopause Support

Signs and Symptoms for Nutrient Applications

- Menopause - Hot flashes - Perimenopause - Female support

Clinical Applications/Research

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is most widely used in combinations for female conditions because of its natural estrogen effects. A study done in Germany involving 629 female patients, demonstrated that black cohosh improved the psychological and physical symptoms of menopause in more than 80% of the patients within two months. Another study of 60 patients showed that black cohosh improved anxiety and depression symptoms in menopause better than Valium and conjugated estrogens combined. Hot flashes also improved. The black cohosh group actually exhibited greater numbers of superficial cells in the vaginal lining.

Rehmannia

Rehmannia is a Chinese herb used to treat anemia, fatigue and to promote healing of injured bones. Rehmannia is also a nourishing liver herb. Rehmannia clears heat from the body and the blood and helps to replenish yin. Rehmannia acts as a demulcent and laxative, provides energy and helps strengthen the body’s immune system. Rehmannia is often used in women’s formulas.

Dong Quai

In tradtional Chinese medicine, dong quai is often included in prescriptions for supressed menstrual flow, uterine bleeding, abnormal menstruation or difficult or painful menstruation. Dong quai has been traditionally used for hot flashes associated with perimenopause symptoms. In Asia, dong quai is often referred to as the “female ginseng”.

Sage Leaf

Sage has a very long history for its use as a medicinal herb. Sage has an antiperspirant, drying effect which as been used successfully for women with hot flashes.

Chastetree Berry (Vitex angus castus)

Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is a shrub grown in central Asia and the Mediterranean countries. As the name implies, chasteberry has been used historically to inspire chastity and suppress libido. Young women in Greece reportedly used chasteberry blossoms during the festival of Demeter to show they were remaining chaste in honor of the goddess. Vitex is a fruit that does not contain hormones, but has a direct effect on the pituitary gland, specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This effect increases progesterone production and helps regulate a women’s cycle.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is an important nutrient to add to a menopausal formula due to the changes found in mental clarity and concentration among menopausal women. Ginkgo has been found in clinical studies to improve memory loss, depression and cognitive function. Ginkgo biloba extract makes circulation more efficient and may be helpful in relieving the bloating and fluid retention in PMS. Ginkgo may also directly stimulate nerve cell activity and protect nerve cells from further injury.

Licorice Root

Licorice is valued as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, because of its ability to help focus the purpose and direction of other herbs, as well as attenuate the harsh properties of other herbs (Landis R. Herbal Defense. 1997. Warner Books. NY, NY). Adrenal insufficiency is treated well with licorice because of the constituents that resemble the adrenal corticoid hormones.

Contraindications/Toxicology

Do not use during pregancy. Monitor individuals with hypertension.

Disclaimer: The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health.

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