Menopause: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Menopause is a natural biological process in women, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55, where the ovaries gradually stop producing eggs, leading to a decline in estrogen levels.

This hormonal shift is often triggered by aging, but can also be caused by surgery, chemotherapy, or other medical conditions. Menopause can have negative impacts on health, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and osteoporosis.

However, various herbal remedies, such as black cohosh, red clover, and evening primrose oil, have been found to provide relief from these symptoms. These medicinal preparations can be consumed as teas, capsules, or tinctures.

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of menopause, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of menopause?

The main causes of menopause are the depletion of ovarian follicles, which results in a decrease in estrogen production, leading to the cessation of menstruation.

This decrease in estrogen levels triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including the reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) sensitivity and the subsequent increase in FSH levels. The average age of menopause is around 51 years, although it can occur between 40 and 60 years. Factors such as smoking, family history, and certain medical conditions, including premature ovarian failure, can also contribute to early menopause.

Additionally, chemotherapy and other treatments that damage the ovaries can induce menopause in some women.

• Genetic Age: Genetic age is the most common cause of menopause, as it is the natural aging process of the ovaries, which eventually leads to the depletion of eggs and the cessation of menstruation.
• Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation, or sterilization, is a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes, preventing eggs from being fertilized and leading to menopause, as the ovaries continue to produce hormones but there is no pregnancy to stimulate their function.
• Ovarian Surgery: Ovarian surgery, such as oophorectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes the ovaries, leading to the immediate cessation of hormone production and menstruation, and resulting in menopause.
• Chemo- and Radiation Therapy: Chemo- and radiation therapy can damage the ovaries and disrupt hormone production, leading to menopause, as the ovaries are unable to recover from the damage and resume normal function.
• Premature Ovarian Failure: Premature ovarian failure, also known as premature ovarian insufficiency, is a condition where the ovaries stop functioning and hormone production decreases, leading to menopause, often due to genetic or autoimmune disorders.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for menopause?

The main medicinal herbs used for menopause are Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus-castus, Angelica sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Paeonia lactiflora, Trifolium pratense, Actaea racemosa, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum, Lavandula angustifolia.

Cimicifuga racemosa has been shown to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats due to its phytoestrogenic activity, which helps balance hormonal fluctuations. Vitex agnus-castus has been traditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause, attributed to its effect on prolactin and progesterone levels. Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to nourish the blood and alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and insomnia, due to its estrogenic and antioxidant properties.

Glycyrrhiza glabra, along with Paeonia lactiflora, Trifolium pratense, Actaea racemosa, Ginkgo biloba, Hypericum perforatum and Lavandula angustifolia, may provide additional benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic effects that help mitigate menopausal symptoms.

• Cimicifuga racemosa: Cimicifuga racemosa may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an estrogen agonist, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
• Vitex agnus-castus: Vitex agnus-castus may help regulate hormonal imbalances associated with menopause by modulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which can help alleviate hot flashes and mood swings.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as a phytoestrogen, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and also improve menstrual irregularities.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an adaptogen, which can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with menopause, and also improve sleep quality.
• Paeonia lactiflora: Paeonia lactiflora may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and also improve mood and cognitive function.
• Trifolium pratense: Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as a phytoestrogen, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and also improve menstrual irregularities.
• Actaea racemosa: Actaea racemosa may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an estrogen agonist, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, and also improve sleep quality.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help improve cognitive function and memory, and also reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an antidepressant, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety associated with menopause.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as lavender, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as an anxiolytic and sleep aid, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, and also improve sleep quality.

What are the main herbal preparations used for menopause?

The main herbal preparations used for menopause are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Gel, Tea, Pill, Salve, Powder.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of herbs like Black cohosh, which has estrogen-like effects and reduces hot flashes. Decoction, a liquid extract made by boiling herbs, is used for herbs like Dong quai, which may help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats. Capsules, Cream, Suppository, Gel, Tea, Pill, Salve, and Powder forms of herbs like Maca, contain adaptogenic compounds that may help balance hormone levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms like fatigue and mood swings.

These herbal preparations are often chosen due to their bioavailability and ability to provide quick relief from menopausal symptoms.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the dried root of Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes and night sweats due to its estrogen-like activity.
• Decoction: A decoction of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) flowers helps with menopause by providing isoflavones that mimic estrogen in the body, relieving symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the dried root of Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) helps with menopause by reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety due to its estrogen-like activity and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cream: A cream made from the root of Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) helps with menopause by reducing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse due to its estrogen-like activity and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the root of Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) helps with menopause by reducing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse due to its estrogen-like activity and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the root of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with menopause by reducing anxiety and stress due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
• Tea: A tea made from the flowers of Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) helps with menopause by reducing anxiety and stress due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.
• Pill: A pill made from the root of Ginseng (Panax ginseng) helps with menopause by reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality due to its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Salve: A salve made from the root of Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with menopause by reducing vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Powder: A powder made from the root of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) helps with menopause by reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety due to its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.