Background Information
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 depression, anxiety, 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 been shown to work as well as various hormone therapies, including HRT, often with equivalent results. What makes it superior is the lack of side effects associated with hormonal therapy. Also, unlike HRT, it is not contraindicated if a woman has or has had breast cancer. Black cohosh is extremely safe and effective for hot flashes and other 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 + Tocotrienols
Most studies show Vitamin E to be helpful for women going through menopause. The suggested daily serving is 800 I.U. per day for at least 3 months.
Note: The Co-op's Menopause Formula is supplemented well by our Natural Vitamin E.
Vitamins B6 & B12
The B vitamins are important to hormone balance, particularly the adrenal hormones.
Note: The Co-op's Menopause Formula is supplemented well by our Sublingual 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! ^..^
Also check out the Menopause and Black Cohosh Information Center This site is dedicated to providing the best information and resources on menopause, including the latest research, details on alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and tips for effectively managing menopause. At this site, you'll find out how black cohosh and soy isoflavones can greatly support comfort during Menopause.
