Menopause Relief is Possible with Herbal and Other Natural Remedies

Many women search for menopause relief. Though menopause does not technically occur until a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months, the symptoms associated with decreased estrogen production can be experienced for as many as ten years before. Menopause natural remedies are designed to address the symptoms that many women experience during this time, including breast tenderness, decreased sexual desire, hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, irregular periods, heavy bleeding, depression and moodiness. Thankfully, not all women have all of these symptoms, but even one or two can be frustrating and difficult to deal with. And, from personal experience, I can tell you that we don't have to put up with them and we don't have to take drugs.

Menopause natural remedies may contain only one herb or a combination of herbs, vitamins, minerals and other plant derivatives. The ones mentioned here are only a few of the products that you may see in a health food or drug store. It is important to read the list of ingredients on any product that you are considering. Buy from a reputable manufacturer of dietary supplements and avoid the discount versions. Independent laboratory studies have shown that some of these contain only inactive ingredients or inadequate amounts of active ingredients. If you buy something cheap that is ineffective, this is probably the reason.

Black cohosh is one of the most widely recommended herbs for menopause relief. It was used historically by Native Americans for many purposes, but those which apply to menopause relief are related to its use for the symptoms of hormonal imbalance and as a mild sedative. Sleep disturbances being one of the symptoms for which many women seek menopause natural remedies, it has also proven to be effective in reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Several surveys have shown that black cohosh is one of the most frequently used herbs for menopause relief and that the majority of women feel that it has reduced their symptoms.

Red clover was used historically by Native Americans to correct hormonal imbalances and as a mild sedative. The active component in red clover is believed to be isoflavones called phytoestrogens, which simply means plant components that have an estrogen like effect on the body. In a randomized placebo controlled trial related to menopause natural remedies performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre in Amsterdam, the study group experienced 44% less hot flashes than the group receiving placebo, a significant difference. Some researchers feel that because of its estrogen like effects, red clover should be used with caution by those women who have a history of breast cancer. A safer choice would be those menopause natural remedies that contain both red clover and sarsaparilla.

Sarsaparilla was used historically by Native Americans to treat a variety of conditions including hormonal imbalance. A recent study in Canada showed that it was effective in eliminating four different human cancer cell lines and has no known side effects. Studies in the US have shown that it is an effective immune system stimulant. Hundreds of studies have been published concerning the health benefits of sarsaparilla.

These three herbs are rarely found in one product. These are the menopause natural remedies with which I am most familiar, because of their use in traditional Native American medicine, a subject I have spent much time studying. Until recently, I had to buy all of these herbs separately, which was quite expensive. But, then I found a product that combines all three for a reasonable price and provides adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium plus a natural antidepressant. I believe it is the best all natural product available for menopause relief. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a healthcare professional and currently writes informational articles for the Menopause and PMS Guide. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com