Essential Ingredients that Supplements for Menopause must contain

Menopause supplements have been helpful for many women who have mild to severe symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, night sweats, insomnia and vaginal dryness are some of the most common. These can become miserable for some. While doctors often prescribe HRT which is a synthetic hormone replacement, some women are either not candidates for that type of therapy, or prefer not to use it because of potential side effects and risks. There is still hope. Supplements that are blended from botanicals provide a natural and safer way to treat the symptoms of menopause.

What causes symptoms in menopause?

During menopause, the ovaries stop releasing eggs and the production of the hormone estrogen declines rapidly. Estrogen helps to keep many of the body’s functions running smoothly. For example, it helps vaginal tissue to remain smooth and elastic. It also aids in production of fluids that lubricate the vagina during sexual intercourse. When estrogen levels drop, these functions and others are disrupted. The hormonal imbalances that this creates is responsible for the symptoms of menopause. While some women have little or no trouble with them, some others experience symptoms in a wide range of mild to severe. Some require relief to continue on with a normal lifestyle.

How symptoms of menopause are treated naturally

For a variety of reasons, some women are not candidates for or opt to not use synthetic hormone replacement therapy. For these ladies, there are several options. The most widely used are plant extracts that have been concentrated and blended into capsule, tea or powder form as supplements. Natural plant extracts are safer than traditional HRT and usually present few if any side effects or long term health risks.

Essential ingredients that menopause supplements should contain

The most effective natural supplements for menopause must contain plant extracts that are rich in phytoestrogens and isoflavones. These two compounds act like estrogen in the body, and help to restore hormonal balances and keep the systems running close to as they did prior to the onset of menopause. When reviewing ingredients prior to purchase, here is what to look for.

Black cohosh: This perennial plant is rich in phytoestrogens and additionally contains an aspirin like compound. It is known for relieving hot flashes, night sweats, hormone induced headaches, and other types of minor pain.
 

Dong Quai: Native to China, this plant has been used for centuries to treat symptoms of menopause. Similar to black cohosh, it contains high levels of phytoestrogens and brings relief for symptoms of menopause, particularly hot flashes. It is recommended for use as a blend with other natural extracts.
 

Chaste berry: This natural berry also contains compounds that act like estrogen in the body. When combined with others for maximum effectiveness, chaste berry is a helpful ingredient in menopause supplements.
 

Soy beans: Soy beans or soy products contain high levels of isoflavones, which help to regulate reproductive hormones.
 

Flaxseed: This ingredient also contains high amounts of natural estrogen replacements. In addition to flaxseed, some other seeds, nuts and grains are helpful.
 

Vitamins and antioxidants: As the body ages, these are important to help boost the immune system and reduce the damage that is done by free radicals. Calcium and vitamin D are helpful in decreasing the incidence of osteoporosis due to decreases in bone mass during menopause.
 

Conclusion

The most natural way to treat the symptoms of menopause is by using supplements that have been blended from plant extracts containing phytoestrogens and isoflavones. These compounds act like estrogen in the body. They are considered to be safer than traditional hormone replacement therapy.

Not all menopause supplements are created equally. When shopping around it is important to read the labels and make sure that the best ingredients are included. Black cohosh, dong quai, chaste berry, soybeans and flaxseed are excellent choices when used together or with other helpful ingredients. The best supplements will contain essential vitamins and minerals as these are important in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Natural treatments for the symptoms of menopause are becoming more popular as statistics on side effects and complications from standard HRT treatment are coming under scrutiny. The brands which contain blends of the best ingredients will provide the most effective relief for the symptoms of menopause.