Natural remedies for menopause

The NIA notes that the symptoms of perimenopause include:

• period changes
• hot flashes
• vaginal dryness
• urinary incontinence
• bladder infections
• difficulty sleeping
• night sweats
• less interest in sex
• depression
• weight gain
• headaches
• heart palpitations

Additionally, the bones can become less dense than normal, which means that a person has a higher chance of experiencing fractures.

A person may be able to manage and alleviate some of these symptoms using natural methods, including dietary changes, certain exercises, and mindfulness techniques.

A person should always talk with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review dietary supplement products to determine their effectiveness or safety.

In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that taking too much of some supplements can cause harmful side effects or lead to certain health conditions.

The FDA warns that people should avoid any supplements that make bold claims, such as:

• “works better than [a prescription drug]”
• “totally safe”
• “no side effects”

Black cohosh

Some people use black cohosh to treat some symptoms of perimenopause, including:

• hot flashes
• night sweats
• vaginal dryness
• sleep disturbances
• irritability

However, side effects of black cohosh can include:

Red clover

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, red clover contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens. These are compounds similar to the hormone estrogen.

However, there does not appear to be any consistent evidence to suggest that it is an effective natural remedy for the symptoms of perimenopause.

Other herbal supplements

Some other herbal supplements that people may consider using to manage the symptoms of perimenopause include:

• ginseng
• kava
• evening primrose oil
• wild yam
• maca
• pollen extract

However, it is important to note that there has not been enough research to confirm the safety of these herbs. Additionally, they may not be effective.

One 2019 article noted that some may cause unwanted side effects or interfere with certain medications.

During perimenopause, a person may experience stress and depression. To relieve these conditions, they can try the following:

• Hypnosis: A 2017 study found that hypnosis was as effective as venlafaxine in reducing hot flashes. Venlafaxine is a common prescription drug treatment for hot flashes.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): According to a 2019 article, some studies have found that CBT may help reduce mild depression and the frequency of hot flashes.
• Biofeedback and relaxation training: The same 2019 article noted that relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, may help reduce how often a person experiences hot flashes. They may also help reduce psychological symptoms of perimenopause. However, more research is necessary.

Learn more about relaxation techniques to try here.

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) uses a variety of exercises, including yoga and meditation.

One 2019 article found that MSBR is safe and can:

• reduce stress
• reduce anxiety
• improve sleep quality

The NIA states that mindfulness meditation, yoga, and other activities, such as tai chi, may help improve hot flashes.

However, it is important to note that more research is necessary to determine their effects on vasomotor symptoms, including night sweats and hot flashes.

Aromatherapy is another method that can help manage the psychological symptoms of perimenopause.

An older 2012 study involving 90 people found that aromatherapy combined with massage was beneficial in reducing psychological symptoms.

As well as being able to help a person reach and maintain a moderate weight, exercise may be able to help alleviate vasomotor menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Research into this is ongoing.

The researchers behind one 2019 study found that people with moderate-to-high levels of physical activity had less severe symptoms than those who were inactive.

Additionally, a 2014 study found that although 12 weeks of moderate exercise did not alleviate vasomotor symptoms, it may have resulted in an improvement in:

One 2019 article suggested that people get 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week. This can include:

• walking
• jogging
• cycling
• swimming

Resistance training may also help maintain bone and muscle mass.

The 2019 article suggested a combination of aerobics, balance exercises, and resistance training to help manage weight, psychological symptoms, and vasomotor symptoms.

Yoga may also help relieve hot flashes and improve a person’s sleep quality.

Consuming foods that contain high amounts of iron may help reduce:

• hot flashes
• heart palpitations
• insomnia
• irritability

Some foods high in iron include:

• fortified breakfast cereals
• white beans
• dark chocolate
• kidney beans
• tomatoes
• cashew nuts
• green vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, kale, asparagus, and parsley

During perimenopause, a person’s bone density can decrease. Calcium and vitamin D can help maintain bone health in postmenopausal people.

Some dairy foods that contain high levels of calcium include:

• yogurt
• cheese, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Cheddar
• milk

Some non-dairy options include:

Learn more about non-dairy sources of calcium here.

A person can also find calcium in items such as kale, broccoli, and orange juice.

A person can find vitamin D in the following foods:

• fish, including salmon, trout, and sardines
• mushrooms
• milk
• soy milk
• Cheddar cheese
• lentils
• fortified breakfast cereals

One 2017 article suggested that phytoestrogens may help reduce the chance of developing symptoms during perimenopause.

In addition, a 2015 systematic review stated that phytoestrogens appear to help reduce the frequency of hot flashes.

However, the 2017 article also stated that there is insufficient data and that there may be some health risks associated with phytoestrogens.

If a person decides to include foods high in phytoestrogens in their diet, they should do so in moderate amounts and as a part of an overall healthy diet.

Learn more about foods high in phytoestrogens here.

A person can apply topical flaxseed oil or vitamin E oil to the vagina to help improve lubrication and combat vaginal dryness.

There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin E suppositories could help relieve vaginal atrophy.

A person should always contact a doctor before trying any new treatments, particularly if they are taking hormonal or other prescription medications.

This is because certain supplements and herbal treatments may interfere with other medications a person is taking. A healthcare professional will be able to advise on which natural remedies may be suitable.

A person should also contact a doctor if their symptoms are causing them concern.

A person can experience a variety of symptoms during perimenopause. These may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and more.

Some natural remedies for these symptoms include:

• mindfulness techniques
• aromatherapy massage
• physical activity
• a healthy diet
• foods high in iron, calcium, and vitamin D

A person should talk with a healthcare professional before trying any herbal remedies. This is because they can cause side effects and interfere with other medications.