Article: Supplements: Experimenting for Menopause Relief

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Article: Supplements: Experimenting for Menopause Relief
- by Debbie DeAngelo, RNC, BSN

Black cohosh, chaste tree, red clover, calcium, essential fatty acids---the array of dietary supplements is mind boggling and leaves us feeling overwhelmed and confused. Do they help with sudden menopause? Are they safe? Which ones should be used?

When used responsibly, dietary supplements help alleviate menopausal changes, fortify your diet, enhance stamina, bolster immunity and reduce risk of chronic illnesses such as osteoporosis and cancer.

Vitamins, minerals and herbs can be used by women who aren’t taking medicine to manage their menopausal symptoms as well as by women who are taking medicine to manage their menopausal symptoms. However, sometimes the types of supplements recommended may vary between these two groups. In either case, it is imperative to have a basic working knowledge of the supplements you wish to try.

This includes information about dosage, duration of use, side-effects and drug interactions. Even though readily available over-the-counter, supplements can still interact with certain medications. As a general rule of thumb, allow at least two hours to elapse between taking medicine and nutritional supplements.

Also, it you are taking medication, undergoing cancer treatments or are scheduled for surgery or a procedure; be sure to discuss your supplements with your doctor and pharmacist. Sometimes you need to suspend taking specific vitamins and herbal products immediately before and during cancer treatments or prior to a surgical or invasive procedure.

Fatigue

For example, many hysterectomized women report fatigue for up to one year after surgery.

Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that naturopaths use to improve stamina. Since it supports the adrenal glands, it has the added benefit of helping to balance hormones by counteracting the effects of cortisol (a stress hormone). Many women report that it buoys energy level, improves sleep, and assists in managing hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.

For optimal effectiveness, take 500-1,000 mg in the morning and again early afternoon. Ashwagandha should be cycled at two to three month intervals with a two to four week break in between. You should notice a difference in two to four weeks. Do not combine this herb with sedatives or alcohol and avoid using if you have an overactive thyroid.

Hot Flashes

Another option for “red-hot” menopausal women is my hot flash cocktail. This combination of vitamins can be used alone or in conjunction with most herbal products as well as dietary sources of soy and ground flaxseed.

Here is the recipe:

Hot Flash Cocktail

400 IU vitamin e (mixed d-tocopherols)
500-600 mg calcium citrate with 400 IU vitamin d
200 mg magnesium citrate
500 mg vitamin c with bioflavonoids
Omega-3 fatty acids (equivalent of 360 mg DHA & 240 mg EPA)

Choosing Herbal Products

Since using herbal products is like venturing into foreign territory for most people, I have excerpted the following guideline from my book, Sudden Menopause

Consult a knowledgeable professional (qualified herbalist, pharmacist, etc.) and a credible text book.
Educate yourself about herbs before taking them. Just as you would read information about a pharmaceutical drug’s actions, side-effects and contraindications before taking it, you should be equally informed about herbs.
Do not disregard mainstream medicine, especially for the treatment of serious illness. Herbs can be very effective in the prevention of illness, the improvement of symptoms or the treatment of mild problems. If you intend to use them or are using them to complement your medical regimen, be sure to inform your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not use herbs indiscriminately. They can be powerful medicines and are worthy of the same respect as pharmaceutical medication.
Unless you are a botanist, gathering your own herbs can be dangerous.
Purchase herbs from reputable companies that have some longevity in the business. This helps to ensure a quality product and reduces the likelihood of adulteration. Contact the manufacturer with any questions you have about the product. Credible companies will welcome inquiries.
Use herbal preparations as directed on the package. Herbs are sold in many forms (capsules, tablets, extracts, powders, tinctures, teas, creams, dried), so dosages and instructions vary. To be safe, start out with the smallest dose and gradually increase the amount you take. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. If taking herbs on an empty stomach induces nausea, try taking them with food. If you experience a severe or allergic reaction, discontinue the herb and see medical advice.
Check the expiration date and try to buy your products at a store with good turnover.
Some herbs are phytohormones. If you are not a candidate for estrogen therapy, you may wish to avoid these preparations as well.

Debbie DeAngelo, RNC, BSN, is the author of Sudden Menopause - a book recommended by the HysterSisters.