Herbs for Menopause

“Herbal medicines are those
with active ingredients made from plant parts,
such as leaves, roots or flowers”.1

Umbrella
What may the Herbs for Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Botanical Products
  • Botanicals
  • Chinese Medicine
  • Herbal Medicines/Products/Remedies/Supplements/Therapies/Treatments
  • Herbs
  • Medicinal Herbs
  • Phytomedicines
  • Phytotherapy
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Botanical

What is a botanical?

DotS the definition of a botanical may vary. The (United States) Office of Dietary Supplement’s (ODS) definition is:

“A botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scent”.2

Herbs

What are herbs?

DotS the definition of herbs may vary. In Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? the ODS’s definition is:

“Herbs are a subset of botanicals”.3

Different Herbs

What are some different herbs?

DotS different herbs may include:

  • Black Cohosh (Actaea Racemosa, Cimicifuga Racemosa)
  • Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
  • Evening Primrose/Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
  • Flaxseed/Flaxseed Oil
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Ginseng (Panax Ginseng or Panax Quinquefolius)
  • Kava/Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum)
  • Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
  • Soy
  • St John’s Wort

Herbal Products

What are herbal products?

DotS the definition of herbal products may vary. The ODS’s definition is:

“Products made from botanicals that are used to maintain or improve health are sometimes called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines”.4

Herbal Medicine

What is herbal medicine?

DotS the definition of herbal medicine may vary. In Herbal Medicines the (United Kingdom’s) NHS’s definition is:

“Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers”.5

Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?

DotS the definition of TCM may vary. In Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know – What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explain:

“Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use various mind and body practices (such as acupuncture and tai chi) as well as herbal products to address health problems”.6

Hot Flushes and Night Sweats

Are herbs recommended for the treatment of hot flushes and night sweats or vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?

On page two in Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended, dated 2023, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:


Herbal Medicine“Treatments not recommended for VMS either because there is evidence showing that they do not reduce VMS or because there is not enough evidence showing that they are effective in reducing VMS include acupuncture, paced respirations, supplements/herbal remedies, cooling techniques, avoidance of triggers, dietary modification, exercise, yoga, mindfulness-based intervention, relaxation, suvorexant, cannabinoids, calibration of neural oscillations, chiropractic interventions, clonidine, and pregabalin.

There are many dietary supplements available over the counter and advertised as remedies for relief of hot flashes and night sweats. There are limited studies showing that these supplements are effective at relieving VMS, and there is a lack of government regulation ensuring their safety and purity, so none of these are recommended treatments for hot flashes and night sweats”.7

In Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products the JH elaborate on:

“We know that about 13% of Australian women use CAM therapies for managing hot flushes, and that the three most commonly used CAM therapies are phytoestrogens (plant-based female hormones), evening primrose oil and ginseng.[1] We know that these are not necessarily the most effective remedies, and we also know that only about 25% of these women consult an expert for advice about these therapies. Therefore, many women may be making inappropriate – or indeed, ineffective – choices”.8

Safe or Not

Are herbs safe?

In FDA: 101: Dietary Supplements – What Are the Risk of Dietary Supplements? the (United States) Food and Drug Administration caution:

“Before buying or taking a dietary supplement, talk with a health care professional—such as your doctor, nurse, registered dietician, or pharmacist—about the benefits and risks.

Many supplements contain ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Additionally, some supplements can interact with medications, interfere with lab tests, or have dangerous effects during surgery. Your health care professional can help you decide what supplement, if any, is right for you”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I choose to use herbs for menopause?

If you choose to use herbs for menopause it may also be in your best interest to choose to tell all your health care providers you are doing this.

In Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products the JH elaborate on:

“When buying herbal medicines over the counter, you need to consider some of these factors:

  • The quality and standard of herbal preparations, including those available over the counter and online, can vary considerably
  • Some herbal products can interact with other pharmaceutical therapies, but their labels might not necessarily carry a warning
  • The best way to use herbal remedies is under the guidance of a well-trained herbalist/naturopath”.10

In Herbal Medicines the NHS note:

“If you’re consulting your doctor or pharmacist about health matters, or are about to undergo surgery, always tell them about any herbal medicines you’re taking”.11

On page two in Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended the NAMS explain:

“Despite the lack of evidence supporting their use for VMS, if you plan to use dietary supplements, let your health care professional know so they can ensure they are safe for you, that they don’t interact with any of your medications, and so that they can be appropriately monitored”.12

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Herbs for Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Herbs for Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
  2. BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
  3. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  4. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  5. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information
  6. Botanical Supplement Fact Sheets
  7. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  8. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  9. Dietary Supplements
  10. Dietary Supplements
  11. Dietary Supplements
  12. Dietary Supplements [Topics]
  13. Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe? Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements
  14. Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
  15. Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
  16. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements
  17. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  18. HRT and Alternatives
  19. Herbsociety.org [Herb Society of America]
  20. Herbal Medicines
  21. Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
  22. Home Remedies: Herbal Supplements May Not Mix With Heart Medicines
  23. Hot Flashes
  24. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  25. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  26. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  27. Herbs for MenopauseIntegrative Medicine: Find Out What Works
  28. Is It Safe To Use Herbal Weight Loss Supplements?
  29. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  30. Key Technical Issues of Herbal Medicines With Reference To Interaction With Other Medicines
  31. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Treating Menopause Symptoms [Other Languages and Formats] [+ Video: Does the Menopause Happen Suddenly?]
  32. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  33. Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work?
  34. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  35. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  36. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
  37. Menopause & Herbs
  38. Menopause Management: Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
  39. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Herbs for Menopause
  40. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  41. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  42. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  43. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  44. Menopause Wellness Hub
  45. Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
  46. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats [NICE Guideline]
  47. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  48. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  49. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things To Know When Selecting A Complementary Health Practitioner
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
  55. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  56. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  65. Natural Medicines
  66. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  67. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  68. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  69. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  70. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  71. Office of Dietary Supplements
  72. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  73. Office of Dietary Supplements: My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record
  74. Phytoestrogens
  75. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
  76. SAMe
  77. Should You Try An L-Tyrosine Supplement? A Look at Its Benefits and Side Effects
  78. The First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit [17-18 August 2023]
  79. The Power of the Placebo Effect
  80. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  81. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  82. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  83. Traditional Medicine
  84. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
  85. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  86. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  87. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  88. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  89. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  90. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
  91. WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
  92. WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine
  93. Webinars: Previous – The Microbiome and Nutrition in Midlife Women
  94. What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?
  95. What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
  96. What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
  97. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  98. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  99. Wild Yam

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  2. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  3. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  4. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  5. Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  6. Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know – What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? Last Updated April 2019. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm Accessed: 24 November 2023
  7. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended. 2023:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonhormone-treatment-menonote.pdf Accessed: 24 November 2023
  8. Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products. Page Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Topic Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 24 November 2023
  9. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements – What Are the Risks of Dietary Supplements. Content Current As of: 02 June 2022. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements Accessed: 24 November 2023
  10. Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products. Page Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Topic Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 24 November 2023
  11. Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
  12. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended. 2023:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonhormone-treatment-menonote.pdf Accessed: 24 November 2023
Topic Last Updated: 24 November 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 November 2023

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by