Which Menopause Symptoms Can Ginkgo Biloba Treat?
It is important for women to do their homework on which herbal remedies are linked with providing relief for the specific symptoms they are experiencing. In recent years, ginkgo biloba has become one of the leading herbs used to treat menopause, due to its disease-fighting chemicals and phytoestrogenic properties. But which menopause symptoms does ginkgo biloba specifically treat? Read on to find out.
Ginkgo Biloba and Menopause Symptoms
Ginkgo biloba is well-known in the medical community for its disease-fighting properties, specifically in preventing memory loss in aging patients. While the herb is not a �cure-all� for menopause, women seeking relief from their symptoms should consider the herb to treat the following symptoms:
• Memory Lapses & Difficulty Concentrating:
Ginkgo biloba is frequently prescribed to patients suffering from memory lapses, dementia or Alzheimer�s disease. The herb contains two antioxidant chemicals-flavonoids and terpenoids-that fight off free radicals in the body, which may tamper with DNA and cause cell death. The number of free radicals in the body increases naturally with age. Thus by warding off free agents in the body, ginkgo biloba can help improve cognitive functions in aging women.
• Dizziness:
Ginkgo biloba can be used to treat dizziness in menopausal women because it helps improve blood circulation.
• Mood-related symptoms:
There has been evidence of a link between ginkgo biloba and the treatment of mood-related symptoms like anxiety, depression and mood swings. These symptoms often appear in menopausal women as a result of diminished estrogen production. In addition to its importance in moderating female sexual functions, estrogen has been linked with the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for regulating mood.
But how does ginkgo biloba help solve the problem of diminished estrogen? The plant contains phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogens that mimic the effect of estrogens when introduced into the body. Phytoestrogens can take the place of natural estrogens when levels are low or block estrogen in the body when levels are too high. Thus ginkgo biloba helps treat the mood-related symptoms of menopause by restoring hormone balance.
Recommendation:
While ginkgo biloba is generally considered a safe alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in treating menopause symptoms, women considering the use of ginkgo biloba should consult with a health care professional to learn about the possible health risks. Click here for more information about the side effects of ginkgo biloba.