Are There Any Natural Remedies I Can Take To Ease Menopause-Related Symptoms?

Jan. 13, 2010 -- Question: Are there any natural remedies I can take to ease menopause-related symptoms?

Answer: Menopause-related symptoms are a very frequent reason for women to seek complementary and alternative care. Menopause by itself is not abnormal; it's a perfectly normal transition in life.

Menopause can come in many ways: hot flashes, poor memory, irritability, not feeling right.

Now, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has funded many studies and continues to do so. One of the most interesting questions they looked at was the effect of black cohosh in alleviating hot flashes.

Standardized preparations of black cohosh, unfortunately, by itself or in combination with other botanicals, did not reduce the symptoms of hot flashes. Other studies are in progress, including looking at soy, looking at mind/body strategies such as MBSR, which is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and its potential in reducing menopausal symptoms.

My advice to women who are seeking care for menopause is to eat well, rest well, and exercise in moderation.