Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Menopause brings various challenges for women, from hot flashes to changes in mood. While some turn to hormone treatments for relief, others look for natural methods. In this article, we'll discuss menopause symptoms and highlight top natural remedies to help manage them.

What are the typical symptoms of menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that women go through, usually in their late 40s to early 60s. It marks the end of the menstrual cycle. According to the NHS the typical symptoms associated with menopause are:

• anxiety

• changes in mood - such as low mood or irritability

• changes in skin conditions, including dryness or increase in oiliness and onset of adult acne

• difficulty sleeping – this may make you feel tired and irritable during the day

• discomfort during sex

• feelings of loss of self

• hair loss or thinning

• headaches or migraines

• hot flushes – short, sudden feelings of heat, usually in the face, neck and chest, which can make your skin red and sweaty

• increase in facial hair

• joint stiffness, aches and pains

• loss of self-confidence

• night sweats – hot flushes that occur at night

• palpitations – heartbeats that suddenly become more noticeable

• problems with memory, concentration and 'brain fog'

• recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as cystitis

• reduced sex drive (libido)

• tinnitus

• vaginal dryness and pain

It's worth noting that while these symptoms are common, not every woman will experience all of them. The severity and duration of symptoms can also vary widely among individuals.

Herbal Remedies for Menopause

Many women in the UK and globally turn to herbal remedies in an attempt to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause. While there's a range of herbal products available, it's important to approach them with caution, ensuring they don't interfere with other medications or conditions.

Is evening primrose oil a remedy for menopause?

Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis). It's often suggested as a remedy to help alleviate certain symptoms of menopause, largely due to its content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of fatty acid. The main symptom that evening primrose oil can help with is night sweats. When a woman consumes evening primrose oil she will notice that the frequency and severity of the night sweats she experiences will greatly improve (Kazemi et al, 2021).

Is black cohosh a remedy for menopause?

Yes, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a herbal remedy that has been used for many years, particularly in Europe and the UK, to help alleviate symptoms of menopause. Research has shown that certain black cohosh extracts and some combination products containing black cohosh may reduce some menopause symptoms. While black cohosh is a popular remedy for menopausal symptoms in the UK and beyond, its effectiveness can vary from person to person.

Is angelica a remedy for menopause?

Angelica, particularly the species known as Angelica sinensis or Dong Quai, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and is sometimes recommended as a remedy for various symptoms of menopause. Some women use Dong Quai to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes associated with menopause. In a clinical study involving a supplement that contains angelica called Climex, results found that menopause symptoms were effectively managed (Kupfersztain et al, 2003).

Is ginseng a remedy for menopause?

Ginseng, a root that originates from several plant species in the Panax genus, has been utilised in traditional medicine, notably in Asian countries, for centuries. It's also found its way into European practices, including in the UK, for various health purposes. Ginseng can significantly reduce hot flashes, menopausal symptoms, and quality of life in menopausal women (Lee et al, 2022). If you're considering ginseng or any other supplement for menopause, it's wise to discuss it with a healthcare professional

Is St John's wort a remedy for menopause?

St John's wort might offer some relief for certain menopausal symptoms, particularly mood-related ones (Peterson & Nguyen, 2023). Given its reputation for addressing depressive symptoms, St John's wort is sometimes used by menopausal women to manage mood swings, feelings of depression, or irritability associated with menopause. However, due to its potential for interactions with other medications and the variability in the potency of over-the-counter preparations, it's essential to approach its use with caution. 

Is red clover a remedy for menopause?

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a plant that's native to Europe, including the UK, as well as Asia and Africa. It's often used as a herbal remedy, and its potential benefits for menopausal symptoms arise from its content of isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen (Ghazanfarpour et al, 2016). Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that can mimic the effects of oestrogen in the body. While red clover is a popular remedy for menopausal symptoms, its effectiveness can vary among individuals.

Is prescription medication an option for treating menopause?

Yes, prescription medication is an option for treating menopause symptoms. In the UK several medical treatments are available to help manage the symptoms of menopause. Here are some of the main options that you can purchase online from UK Meds:

• Evorel (HRT Patches)

• Femoston

• Kliovance

• Elleste Solo

• Elleste Duet

• Zumenon

• Premarin

• Livial

• Evorel Conti

• Premique

• Estradot

• Elleste Solo MX

• Evorel Sequi

Should I speak with a doctor before taking prescription medication treatment for menopause?

It's crucial to speak with a doctor before taking any prescription medication for menopause. This ensures that you receive safe, effective, and tailored care. If you're based in the UK, starting with your GP is a good approach.

Can I get prescription medication for menopause symptoms at UK Meds?

Yes, you can purchase prescription medications to help manage the symptoms of menopause from UK Meds. Our range covers a wide variety of menopause products that can help all different types of women and their symptoms.

Sources

• NHS Inform: Treating Menopause Symptoms

• NHS: Herbal Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

• NHS Inform: Signs and Symptoms of Menopause

• The Menopause Charity: Symptoms List

• Benenden: Menopause Timeline and What to Expect