Women who are experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, often turn to alternative medicines and natural menopause treatments in place of potentially harmful hormone replacement therapies. Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to quell the symptoms of menopause in the form of teas, elixirs, and topical applications.

Natural menopause treatments have proven to be effective in decreasing symptoms, and many women are trying these therapies first before traditional hormone replacement. There is an old saying, “the cure can be worse than the disease”, which can be said of traditional menopause treatments. Side effects can be almost as uncomfortable as the menopause symptoms if dosage isn’t correct, and still symptoms may not be completely controlled. Natural menopause treatments offer a safe alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy.

The most common herbal remedies used today in natural menopause treatment include black cohosh, dong quai, maca root, and red clover. These herbs all contain phytoestrogens, a plant source of estrogen-like substances that work very much like the natural estrogen and work to replace depleted levels of the hormone in the body. Black cohosh works very much like natural estrogen in the body, therefore decreasing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, and mood swings. Black cohosh also relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety, night sweats, and heart palpitations.

The herb dong quai is another common herb that is used to treat menopause symptoms naturally. Dong quai dilates blood vessels in the body alleviating hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and is most effective when combined with black cohosh. Maca root is effective as a hormone regulator, and stimulates hormone production; it also restores libido and increases sex drive. The last natural menopause treatment mentioned above is red clover, which contains high levels of phytoestrogens that are effective against mood swings and hot flashes, as well as provide protection against osteoporosis and increase good cholesterol in the blood stream reducing the risk of heart disease in menopausal women.
 
Natural menopause treatments should only be used as directed, and care should be taken not to exceed the recommended dosage. As with any type of natural menopause treatment, consult your primary care provider for advice regarding which therapies are best for you. And of course, don’t forget proper diet and exercise, which has a great impact on all aspects of our health, and can effectively help reduce menopausal symptoms. Natural menopause treatments are not right for every woman, and may even be contraindicated in some cases. Do your homework and read the labels thoroughly before starting any natural menopause treatment. These therapies have proven to be effective for many women, and can work for you too.