Can Dong Quai Replace Estrogen During Menopause?
During menopause, you may experience fluctuating levels of hormones in your body. These chemical imbalances affect hormones vital to your body like estrogen, which can lead to symptoms including vaginal dryness, itchy skin and hot flashes.
When you're struck down by a multitude of menopause symptoms it can seem like there's no way out. But there is a herb that may be able to help replace your estrogen parched body during menopause. Read on to learn about the super rehabilitating powers of Dong Quai.
Dong Quai: a Resume
Also known as Angelica sinensis and “female ginseng”, Dong Quia is a herb that is indigenous to China. It has long been used in the age old and glorious culture of Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, anemia and high blood pressure. Dong Quai has also been used as an aphrodisiac and, crucially, a remedy to the symptoms of menopause. Read on to learn how Dong Quai could help treat your menopause symptoms.
Dong Quai and Menopause
The onset of menopause is brought about by the hormonal changes happening inside your body. One of the hormones affect is estrogen, a hormone that helps to regulate functions like your menstrual cycle and your sodium and fluid retention. When your levels of estrogen drop, it can lead to some pretty unpleasant menopause symptoms. This is where Dong Quai can help.
Dong Quai is a phytoestrogenic herb, which means it contains phytoestrogens -plant compounds that are similar to estrogen at a molecular level-. If you believe the hard facts of scientific study, then you'll believe that phytoestrogens are able to boost your estrogen levels by replicating the effect estrogen has on a living organism, thereby relieving you of your menopause symptoms.
Dong Quai side effects
Because Dong Quai is a phytoestrogenic herb, consumption of it can lead to various side effects, including skin inflammation, rashes and over sensitivity to light. Dong Quai may also stimulate breast cancer. It is therefore very important to be careful about the dose and time consuming, especially if you’re carrying a parallel treatment or if you are under medical prescription.
Alternatives to Dong Quai
Thankfully, there are alternatives to the dangers and side effects carried by consumption of estrogenic herbs: non-estrogenic herbs. An example of a non-estrogenic herb is Macafem, a herb from the Andean Mountains of Peru. As well as having the power to battle your symptoms of menopause, Macafem has no known side effects or health risks, because it acts boosting the body's natural production of hormones such as estrogen.
Click on the following link to learn more about types of herbs.