Naturopath shares 9 natural remedies for menopause symptoms

2. Isoflavanoids
Soy products like tofu and tempeh contain isoflavanoids. These compounds are also available in supplemental form. They are plant based estrogen, also known as phytoestrogens, which may mimic the body’s natural estrogen and smooth the severity of the menopausal transition.

3. Sage tea
Sage is traditionally used as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of menopause. It contains compounds which may assist in balancing hormones and is antioxidant and antimicrobial. Sage is used herbally to dampen heat and can be helpful if there are hot flushes. A hot drink may not appeal so having iced sage tea is a great option. Sage is also available in tincture form from a qualified naturopath.

4. Red Clover
Red clover is another herb traditionally used during menopause to assist with the transition. It is a phyto-estrogen rich herbs which has been traditionally used to assist with hot flushes, mood balance and bone density. It can be drunk as a tea similar to sage or is available in supplemental form. Red Clover is also available in tincture form from a qualified naturopath.

5. Maca

Maca is an herbal adaptogen and is used to balance hormones, boost energy levels and support mood. It is high in iron, iodine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B1, B2, C, and E.

It is full of amino acids and plant sterols which improve immune system and lower cholesterol. Maca is traditionally an energy food and may assist in times of mental and physical stress – which menopause often qualifies as!

 It will help enhance energy without being a stimulant. Maca secret is also able to increase libido and energy, and help decrease chronic fatigue, anxiety and stress, as well as enhancing fertility by normalizing the hormones testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen.

Perfect in smoothies with nuts and seeds, and sweet fruits like banana and dates due to its malty, earthy flavour that varies from butterscotch to radish-like depending on what it is accompanying.

6. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and hormone balancing effects. It may help to relieve hot flushes and night sweats, stabilise mood swings, irritability and may help with depression.

7. Chaste Tree or Vitex
Herbalists use chaste tree to balance hormones throughout menstruation and peri-menopause and even into menopause. It may assist in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, libido and vaginal dryness.

8. Withania or Ashwagandha
Withania is an adaptogenic herb which has been used for centuries to assist with anxiety, stress and depression. It has an affinity for female health and may assist during menopause by balancing cortisol levels, supporting the adrenal glands and reducing worry.

9. Magnesium
Increasing magnesium intake from food or supplementing during hormonal transitions may provide symptom relief as magnesium is vital for so many different things in the body including hormone regulation, bone health, quality sleep and mental health. It may also help with hot flushes as it calms the nervous system and can relieve restless legs.

Every woman is different and each herbal remedy will work differently for the individual. Remedies may work perfectly for hot flushes for one woman and then provide no relief for the next.

Keep in mind that there are also many different remedies for the same symptoms or complaint so you may need to try a few, if the first is not successful. Lastly, keep in mind that what you use as home remedies and what is prescribed by a qualified naturopath may differ in therapeutic strength and quality.

You can also see our Menopause Meal Plan and Recipes