The Risks of Taking Ginkgo Biloba during Menopause
Ginkgo Biloba, also spelled gingko, is a unique tree that has no living relatives. From the earliest years of human history, gingko has been used for food and medicine. Ginkgo biloba is known to have many positive effects on the human body: improvement of blood flow, protection against oxidative cell damage, enhancing mental alertness, combating mental fatigue and blockage against blood clots.
Although ginkgo biloba has the capacity to help combat some symptoms of menopause, there are also some risks that are important to consider before using gingko biloba.
Individuals with Blood Circulation Disorders
Anyone who has experienced blood circulation disorders, and those taking anticoagulants such as ibuprofen or aspirin, must exercise extreme caution when taking ginkgo biloba. This is because ginkgo biloba affects circulation; if you are already experiencing blood circulation disorders, it can have an adverse effect, including an increased risk of bleeding.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea or headaches. If you find yourself experiencing any of these side effects, you should lower your dosage of the supplement, or quit taking ginkgo biloba altogether. Ginkgo biloba should also not be taken with certain antidepressants, and should not be taken by women who are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, because of the increased risk of bleeding.
But there are other, more serious, side effects that have been reported by people taking ginkgo biloba. These more serious, but less common, side effects include: easy bleeding or bruising, fainting, irregular heartbeat, inability to move (paralysis), muscle weakness, restlessness, slurred speech, seizures, severe headaches or vision problems.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
It is difficult to know what kind of reaction you will have to different herbal supplements used to treat symptoms of menopause, so it is always necessary to maintain extreme caution whenever you are thinking about starting a new herbal regimen. If you are concerned about the adverse effects gingko biloba could have on your health, you should talk to you doctor and find the best way to proceed.
Gingko has been linked to improved memory, treating dementia, improved blood flow and the treatment of other menopausal symptoms. It is important to always decide if the benefits of taking such a supplement will outweigh any possible side effects.
It is very important to know the risks associated with taking ginkgo biloba to combat symptoms of menopause, but if you want to know more, click on the following link to learn more about ginkgo biloba.
