Menopause
Formula - Well-Rounded Women's Health Support
Many hormonal changes occur during menopause, primarily as a result
of decreases in estrogen. There are many herbs and herbal combinations
that have either been used historically for menopausal symptoms and/or
have actually been shown in scientific studies to work as well as HRT
for alleviating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms such as low moods and vaginal dryness.
Black Cohosh - Well-Studied, Safe &
Effective
One of the most well-researched herbs is black cohosh (cimicifuga
racemosa). The applicable parts of black cohosh are the rhizome and
root. The active ingredients in the root are the triterpine glycosides
such as cimifugaside, 27-deoxyactein, and the actein.
In double-blind human clinical studies, black cohosh has shown promise as a safe alternative for reducing hot flashes and other unpleasant menopausal
symptoms.The black cohosh in the Co-op's Menopause formula yields 7.5mg of
triterpene glycosides (research recommends between 4-8mg daily).
Dong Quai - The Women's "Tonic"
The applicable part of dong quai is the root. Dong quai, in Chinese
medicine, is used for many women’s health needs, including menopause,
and is considered most effective in combination with other herbs, such
as black cohosh. Contrary to popular opinion, dong quai does not
contain estrogens or phytoestrogens or have any estrogenic activity.
Instead, dong quai relaxes the uterine muscles, enhances metabolism,
improves liver function (which improves the excretion of hormones), aids
in the use of Vitamin E, stabilizes heart rhythms, lowers blood
pressure by dilating blood vessels, and has a mild sedative activity.
Overall, dong quai is considered an "adaptogen," like ginseng, since it
brings the entire organism into better balance.
Vitamin C & Hesperidin
Cells of the adrenal glands use Vitamin C at a higher rate than any
other cells. Their need rises when the body is required to respond to
stress of any sort. Chronic stress leads to adrenal exhaustion or lack
of reserve if Vitamin C levels are less than optimal.
Some trials have shown that taking Vitamin C and the bioflavonoid
hesperidin over the course of the day could help relieve hot flashes.
Although placebo effects are strong in women with hot flashes, other
treatments used in trials failed to act as effectively as the
bioflavonoid/vitamin C combination. Hesperidin seems to work by
improving venous tone, restoring normal capillary permeability, and
improving lymphatic drainage.
Note: The ideal amount of Vitamin C
is higher than what is in the Co-op's Menopause Formula. It would have
made the number of capsules per serving too great and most members
already have a stash of Vitamin C
handy!. Now, who would confess this except your hard-toiling kat?!
Soy Isoflavones
Soy isoflavones are among the most powerful of phytoestrogens, which
have estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects alike. The menopause
experience, including osteoporosis, appear to be favorably affected by
higher intakes of soy products and by soy isoflavones specifically.
Again, hot flashes are significantly reduced in women who consume soy
products and/or soy isoflavone supplements. These benefits have been
demonstrated repeatedly in randomized, double-blind studies.
Soy isoflavones have also been shown to prevent bone resorption and
to help increase bone density in some studies.
Various observational and epidemiological studies suggest that 50mg
daily of soy isoflavones approximates the dose that has likely health
benefits. Note: The Co-op's
Menopause Formula uses the standard concentration of soy isoflavones
(40%), which yields 60mg of soy isoflavones for every serving.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has shown promise in reducing menopause-related hot flashes
and vaginal dryness. Vitamin E also supports heart health, an increasing
concern for aging women.
Note: The Co-op's Menopause
Formula is supplemented well by our Vitamin E softgels.
Vitamins B6 & B12
The B vitamins are important to hormone balance, particularly the
adrenal hormones. B Vitamins can also support healthy moods, which can
fluctuate and be harder to maintain during menopause.
Note: The Co-op's Menopause
Formula is supplemented well by our Chewable B
Trio and by complete B vitamin complexes.
A Holistic Approach
Menopause is a complex transition. To seriously address comfort
during menopause, we recommend studying What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause: The
Breakthrough Book on Natural Progesterone, by Dr. John R.
Lee, M.D., with Virginia Hopkins. Dr. Lee educates women on a more
holistic approach to menopause. In addition to supplementation, he
reviews the value of: increased fiber, care with dairy products,
probiotics, sparing use of meat and greater reliance on fish in your
diet, digestive enzymes, exercise, and so much more. Highly
recommended! ^..^