Common Herbs for Menopause Treatment

These days, there are more herbs for menopause on the market than ever before. Store shelves and Web sites are filled with herbs for treating every symptom, from hot flashes to sleep disturbances. Whether these herbs are effective or not is a somewhat controversial issue, and if you're considering using herbs to treat your symptoms, it's a good idea to see your physician first. Not only can some herbs have unpleasant side effects when taken in large amounts, they may also cause serious reactions when taken with certain medications.

One of the more common herbs is black cohosh. Black cohosh is used to treat the hot flashes and night sweats many women experience. It is also one of the herbs that has been through extensive testing and has been the focus of a great deal of research. While the findings as to the true effectiveness of black cohosh in treating hot flashes have been somewhat mixed, most of the research has been positive. So if your doctor's in agreement, it may be worth your time and money to try black cohosh.

Another of the common herbs that's being touted today is soy. All forms of soy. Soy has been found to be a natural hormone and for many women it's been one of the herbs that's proven to be a good alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy in treating hot flashes and general physical symptoms of menopause. Again, it isn't a good idea to take any sort of soy supplements without first checking with your doctor.

Valerian is another of the herbs widely in use today. Valerian helps promote sleep and can be a natural alternative to prescription sleeping medications. However, taking valerian without your doctor's okay is not advised. Too, it's good to keep in mind that the same rules go for valerian that go for prescribed sleeping medications: no alcohol, don't operate heavy machinery, and with constant use it can become habit-forming.

There are many other herbs available. If natural, herbal remedies appeal to you, then you'll want to do a lot of research into herbal menopause treatments, and learn what the proper dosages for them are. You may also want to talk with experts on staff at your local natural foods and medicine stores. There are a multitude of online sources where you can find out more information on herbs for menopause. Still, before taking any herbs, or any other reason for that matter, be sure to check with your doctor and get his or her advice to be sure you're taking the right herbs and that they are safe for you to take as well.

Also read our article about Coping With Menopause