Don’t Grind Your Gears

Perimenopause, the transition leading to menopause, is sometimes called “reverse puberty.” Just like in puberty, women at midlife must deal with fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone. Challenges include hot flashes, insomnia, a decreased desire for intimacy, and other issues. Fortunately, science has shown that helpful botanicals exist. Find your symptoms in this CHART to discover which herbs may help ease your symptoms. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional trained in herbal medicine before adding any remedies to your wellness routine. Keep in Mind Some herbs should be avoided if you are taking oral contraceptives or other medications like antidepressants. Other precautions may be necessary, such as curtailing the use of black cohosh to a period of six months. Certain herbs may not improve symptoms immediately, but tend to significantly improve quality of life after several months of use. One recent study, for example, showed that while St. John’s wort did not immediately improve hot flashes and sleep disturbances, women reported significant improvements after several months. Other research indicates that herbal combinations may enhance effectiveness. If you want to get off the mood swing rollercoaster, for example, St. John’s wort taken with black cohosh may be more effective. Perimenopausal women dealing with anxiety and depression also fared better when they took both St. John’s wort and chaste tree.