Its one of the harsh ironies of a woman’s life that after the terrible cramps, acne, moodiness, and bloating of PMS, after the excruciating pain of childbirth, women then enter a period of life, in which their ovaries shut down a large portion of their estrogen production and thereby create another bout of symptoms – hot flashes, irritability, depression, and insomnia. These symptoms, which begin around age 35-50, mark the beginning of perimenopause or pre-menopause.

As we enter the new millennium, medical advances have created longer lifespan. This brings menopause to the forefront of women’s health. Many females will live as much as one-third of their days coping with this “change of life.”

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most common diagnosis for those who seek medical prognosis. As the ovaries stop hormone production, additional intake of estrogen can be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Most oral estrogens are made from pregnant equine urine and can have negative side effects. Incidents of breast cancer increases dramatically with continued use of HRT.

WHAT’S A WOMAN TO DO?

Despite early and somewhat well publicize research that mortality is lower in women who use estrogen for symptoms and diseases related to loss of cyclic ovarian function, less than 40% of US menopausal and post-menopausal women use estrogen replacement therapy (ERT).

However, women taking complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM) are increasing. According to an address by Dr. Marc R. Blackman, clinical director and chief, for the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 40% of Americans use CAM.

CAM used by menopausal women consists primarily of Phytoestrogen rich supplements. These weak plant based estrogens are presumed to competitively bind estrogen receptors. Herbs within this category have generally been used in local communities for centuries, yet lack the research associated with synthetic drugs.

ANSWERS FROM ASIA

Recent renewed interest in CAM comes from findings that women in Asian cultures, whose diets are richer in Phytoestrogen containing foods, tend to have less menopausal symptoms than Western cultures. The findings further show Asians living in Western cultures who had acclimated their diets have greater menopausal symptoms than those that maintained Phytoestrogen-rich nutritional habits.

In a review of alternatives to HRT, Maida Taylor, MD, MPH of the University of California notes, “Most botanicals prescribed for menopause and age-related health problems are safe and benign.” Most medicinal plants suggested are used in combinations. These plants include: Kacip Fatima, Soy, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose, and St. John’s Wort.

Physician consultation is always suggested as a woman faces the management of these symptoms, particularly if one is on other medications. Yet, herbs can be a cost effective option for coping with menopause.