Black cohosh (Actea racemosa, Cimicifuga racemosa). Syntheses of studies have concluded that black cohosh reduces hot flashes and mood disorders that occur at the onset of menopause^19-22 . In addition, 3 studies suggest that a combination of black cohosh and St. John’s Wort relieves hot flashes and symptoms of trough more effectively than a placebo^23-25 .

Dosage

Consult our sheet Black cohosh.

 Acupuncture. Studies have been done to find out if acupuncture can help relieve hot flashes that persist after menopause in some women. For now, it is difficult to assess its effectiveness, as the results vary from study to study.^26-30 . In a clinical study published in April 2010, acupuncture significantly relieved hot flashes, but its effectiveness did not differ from that of placebo acupuncture.⁸.

 Flax (oil and seeds). Flax seeds are rich in lignans, phytoestrogens potentially beneficial for relieving symptoms of menopause, especially in the absence of hormone therapy. The trials carried out to date have given divergent results^31,32,51,52. For more details, see our Lin file.

 Relaxation response. The “relaxation response” is the name of a simple technique that aims to induce deep relaxation of the body. A study of 33 postmenopausal women, aged 44 to 66 years old and having at least 5 hot flashes per day, indicates that relaxation brings about a considerable reduction in the intensity of the hot flashes, anxiety and the Depression⁹. For a description of the method, see our Relaxation response sheet.

 Soybeans (proteins and isoflavones). Soy (= soy) (psn) is the most substantial food source of isoflavones, plant substances that act much like estrogen. For this reason, they are called phytoestrogens. However, their effect is much weaker than that of estrogen naturally produced by the body or synthetic (hormone therapy).

Interest in phytoestrogens stems from the example of Asian women, who consume soy daily and suffer much less from hot flashes than western women. Several reviews of studies have looked at the effect of soy isoflavone extracts on hot flashes^14-18 . All of the evidence is difficult to interpret, as the methodological quality of the trials often leaves much to be desired. In addition, an analysis of 30 clinical studies indicates that a diet rich in soy does not reduce the frequency or intensity of hot flashes.¹⁸. It may be that differences in the intestinal flora explain that soy consumption has a more marked effect on reducing hot flashes in Asians than in Western women.

Caution

Precautions apply for women at risk of breast or endometrial cancer, or who have survived it, in relation to the consumption of isoflavone dietary supplements. See our Soy Isoflavones sheet.

 Red clover (Trifolium pratense). Researchers, who observed that red clover contained the same type of molecules as soybeans, hypothesized that an isoflavone-rich extract from red clover could alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. According to the results of the most recent studies, red clover has no effect on the symptoms of menopause^33-38 . Further studies are in progress. For more information, see the Red Clover fact sheet.

 Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). The makers of wild yam products suggest that the plant is a source of progesterone and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone) and therefore may be useful in relieving symptoms of menopause. However, herbal medicine experts are far from endorsing such a claim.³⁹. While it is true that the yam served as a starting point for the industrial production of hormones, by a synthetic process, the plant cannot not transform in progesterone or in DHEA in the human organism.

 Sage (Salvia officinalis). Commission E and ESCOP recognize the antiperspirant virtues of sage. This herb has been used traditionally to reduce hot flashes during menopause. In a 1998 study involving 30 women, Italian researchers concluded that an extract containing sage and alfalfa (psn) could relieve hot flashes associated with menopause.⁴⁰.

Dosage

Consult the Sage file (psn).

 Chinese angelica (angelica sinensis). Traditional preparations including this herb are used to relieve symptoms of menopause. During numerous clinical observations^41-44 , decreased symptoms of menopause have been reported after taking traditional preparations containing Chinese angelica (also called Dong Quai).

 Ginseng (Panax ginseng, Panax). It is used especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the overall health of postmenopausal women. According to a study of 384 women, ginseng improved their well-being and general health and relieved their depressive symptoms, but it had no effect on hot flashes or on certain hormonal parameters related to blood pressure. menopause⁴⁶.

 Homeopathy. In a text devoted to homeopathy and menopause, homeopath Christian Calvé emphasizes that homeopathy can act as a preventive measure: “A 35-year-old or 40-year-old woman who has painful or too abundant period problems has everything interest to consult now for a basic treatment. Homeopathy can help make up for lost time and greatly contribute to “softening” the various manifestations of menopause. The text also gives an overview of the different possible approaches: unicist, pluralist or complexist. Menopause and homeopathy – treat yourself holistically.

 Traditional chinese medicine. According to Pierre Sterckx, CMD (Chinese Medical Doctor), both acupuncture and Chinese pharmacopoeia are excellent ways to control and eliminate symptoms of menopause. In his text oacute; Chinese medicine – a thousand-year-old relationship, he also underlines that “little by little, these methods are introduced in Western hospitals (for example, the opening of an acupuncture department at the University Hospital of Geneva in Switzerland, especially intended for the treatment of menopause syndrome) ”and provides several scientific references which testify to the interest of researchers in Traditional Chinese Medicine.