Herbs For Menapause Symptoms
There are a range of beneficial side effects associated with using different kinds of herbs to relieve the symptoms of menopause. This article discusses some of menapause�s causes, stages and symptoms and the various kinds of herbs available for treating them.
OK, firstly, what exactly is menapause?
Quick Fact
By the year 2025 the World Health Organization estimates that there will be over 1.1 billion women over the age of 50. 75% of these women will experience hot flashes and night sweats as a result of menopause.
Menapause is the final menstrual period in a woman�s life. It denotes the end of her reproductive years in a similar way that the first menstrual period marked the start. As women begin to approach menopause, the production of hormones such as estrogen in their ovaries starts to slow down - eventually to a point where menstruation ceases altogether.
During menapause women can suffer a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, forgetfulness, night sweats, and weight gain.
Types of herbs for menapause
There are 2 major types of herbs that exist for easing menopause symptoms; 
phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs. The former group contains phytohormones (compounds comparable to the body�s hormones), while the latter group helps to stimulate the body�s own hormonal production.
Phytoestrogenic herbs
Phytoestrogenic herbs for menapause are plants that contain phytoestrogens, which have chemical structures similar to human estrogen.
Dong Quai
While dong quai is nicknamed the female ginseng, it is actually one of the foremost herbs used in treating symptoms of menopause. Dong quai is a herb native to China and is commonly used in Eastern medicine and cooking. It increases levels of estrogen because it contains phytoestrogens, which bind to the estrogen receptors in the body. The increased estrogen works to reduce a variety of menopausal symptoms.
There are several herbs which have sources of phytoestrogens, many of which are available as herbal remedies or supplements. Phytoestrogenic herbs often help people who are suffering from hormone related ailments, as they mimic the body�s own source of the estrogen hormone. Phytoestrogens appear in large doses in herbs such as black cohosh, ginseng, soy, red clover and dong quai.
Click on the following link to read more about phytoestrogen herbs.
Non estrogenic herbs
Non-estrogenic herbs do not have any sort of chemical structure similar to estrogen. They work by stimulating the body�s endocrine system into producing more hormones on its own. Some examples of non-estrogenic herb treatments can be found at this link.
What herbs for menopause symptoms should I use?
More and more women are turning to herbs to treat their menapause symptoms. One of the best things about herbs is that they often do not have unwanted side effects (though each treatment should be taken on its merits) and much research confirms their therapeutic applications in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle. For this reason herbs can be used to treat menapause symptoms and to promote general well-being.
