Comprehensive herbal solutions for supporting the menopausal transition
Laura Dwyer | BHSc ( Naturopathy )
The transition
The reproductive hormonal milieu of the menopausal transition precipitates bothersome vasomotor symptoms , such as hot flushes and night sweats , plus anxiety , mood changes , insomnia , cognitive dysfunction , fatigue , low libido , and other disease processes that reduce the quality of life of affected women . 1 These negative effects are generally the result of diminished oestrogen levels , which can profoundly affect various organs , tissues and neurotransmitters .
The primary mechanism of action for herbal solutions
Herbs often prescribed during menopause possess oestrogenic activity and exhibit binding affinity for α and β-oestrogen receptors . In particular , hops , sage , shatavari and maca are acknowledged for their oestrogen-like effects and may , therefore , reduce symptoms associated with oestrogen decline . 2-7 Zizyphus modulates neurotransmitter production , 8 while gotu kola exerts neuroprotective , adaptogenic , chondroprotective , and antiinflammatory activities . 9 , 10
Lifenol ® - a unique hops extract
Lifenol ® is a unique extract of hops delivering the most potent phytoestrogen known to date , prenylnaringenin ( 8-PN ). Findings from three clinical studies indicate This that the is available extract may only alleviate distressing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes to , ATMS 11 , 12 and support Accredited bone mineral density . 13
Members in accordance with the
Other hops extracts have shown beneficial Therapeutic effects on various Goods menopausal symptoms after 12 weeks , including anxiety , depression Advertising , and libido Code . . 14 Traditionally used as a mild sedative , 4 hops may also improve clinical outcomes by supporting healthy sleep patterns .
Sage
Herbalists often recommend sage to alleviate menopausal symptoms , particularly hot flushes . 2 Results from a recent systematic review concluded that sage intake for three months significantly reduced the frequency , duration and severity of hot flushes compared to the control group . 5 Further trials support its use for palpitations , insomnia , muscle and joint pain , depression , fatigue , anxiety , sexual desire and genitourinary symptoms . 15 , 16 As cardiovascular risk factors also accompany the menopause transition , sage may be a viable option owing to its hypolipidaemic and hypoglycaemic effects observed in clinical trials . 17-20 Furthermore , research indicates that sage may improve cognitive function and memory , 21 potentially alleviating the cognitive challenges commonly faced by women during menopause .
Shatavari
Shatavari , often regarded as an aphrodisiac and a female tonic , is featured in more than 64 Ayurvedic formulations 2 and is symbolically referred to as " she who has a hundred husbands ." 22 In a recent study , shatavari significantly reduced hot flushes , night sweats , anxiety , depression , fatigue and insomnia in 70 menopausal women after 60 days . 23 Two studies from the same research group have also demonstrated that shatavari may improve muscle strength and function in postmenopausal women by upregulating pathways involved in energy metabolism
24 , 25 and muscle contraction .
Maca
Maca is traditionally used as an adaptogenic plant to enhance sexual drive and manage anaemia , infertility , and hormonal disorders . 26 Results from clinical trials suggest that maca for 6 to 12 weeks may have favourable effects on menopausal / perimenopausal
20 | vol31 | no1 | JATMS