Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy For Menopausal Women

Herbs and supplements are used to effectively facilitate the transtition from the reproductive to the post reproductive phase of life. Herbs that stand out as being particularly popular in over the counter preparations include Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) and Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). This herbs has been used traditionally for anxiety and mood disturbance particularly in the menopausal years. No significant side effects have been observed. 


The following are medicinal plants that play a role in natural replacement therapy for menopausal women:

Black cohosh has been shown to have demonstrable oestrogenic effect. In the cases of both these herbs, there is a long tradition of use during menopause and traditional therapeutic benefits have been confirmed in clinical trials as phytoestrogen. While for some women this provides adequate treatment, for others problems are more complex, requiring professional assessment and individualized prescriptions. 

The use of Wild Yam is not so clear cut. Traditionally viewed as of minor importance in menopausal problems with a reputed mild oestrogenic action. It is currently promoted as a useful source of progesterone when used externally as a cream. Herbalist who have investigated the constituent profile of Wild Yam have found no relationship between its known constituents and the claimed progesteronic action, either via ingestion or external application.

Herbal medicine has much to offer women in the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. For many it is the therapy of choice. In this area of herbal treatment, a blending of tradition and science has begun, which has the potential to allow practitioners and patients to be confident in a wider range of effective therapeutic interventions.