Climacteric under control:
COMBAT THE EFFECTS OF MENOPAUSE NATURALLY
Víctor Blasco, PhD in Chemistry. Specialist in Medicinal Chemistry.
Women’s health is a fundamental and complex issue that encompasses a wide range of aspects related to physical, emotional and social health. Women’s health is a fundamental and complex issue that encompasses a wide range of aspects related to physical, emotional and social health.
There are also certain stages in a woman’s life when her body undergoes significant physical and hormonal changes, which can directly affect her quality of life. Puberty marks the beginning of the production of female sex hormones and leads to a woman’s physical development and the onset of menstruation. During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate and can cause mood swings, menstrual cramps and other similar symptoms. Finally, menopause is characterised by the ovaries ceasing to produce eggs and a decrease in the levels of female hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
This last stage, the menopause, generates a great deal of confusion and doubt among women because, although it is a natural process that is part of female ageing, it can have a negative impact on their health, including an increased risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and other chronic problems and illnesses. In addition, it can cause other bothersome symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and changes in women’s mood.
While medical care is essential to prevent and treat these problems, there are also some natural, less invasive remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms associated with menopause. These supplements can improve women’s standard of living and reduce the symptoms caused by the loss of fertility. There are many natural ingredients with beneficial properties, but in this case, we will include the following.
- Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa):
This is a plant native to the American continent that was used by the Indians as an insect repellent, to treat snakebites and as an aid in childbirth. It was introduced into gynaecological medicine as early as the 18th century and has since achieved a great reputation for its enormous properties, being considered an essential extract in the field of phytotherapy.
Its main constituents are triterpenes and glycosides, which are directly responsible for its effects. Numerous studies have shown shown that black cohosh preparations are useful in reducing the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms, especially those related to hot flushes and night sweats, thus improving mood and reducing anxiety and nervousness in women. [1]
In addition, this plant has isoferulic, ferulic and salicylic acid, among other components, which give it a certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect that helps to manage uterine cramps and lumbago.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis):
This is an herbaceous species, native to the Mediterranean region, which has a long tradition as a medicinal, culinary and ornamental product. It has been used since ancient times to increase fertility in women, as an anaesthetic, astringent and diuretic substrate.
A great amount of new studies have now uncovered other biological effects of this plant. Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, among others, have been described. One of its main constituents is rosmarinic acid, which is responsible for reducing menopausal symptoms. There are indications that this compound helps to reduce hot flushes, reduce insomnia and alleviate fatigue . Sage extracts are therefore capable of significantly improving sleep quality and alleviating some of the psychosomatic problems that occur during the climacteric period. [2]
- Red clover (Trifolium pratense):
This is an herbaceous plant belonging to the legume family that is native to Europe and northeast Africa. It has traditionally been used for grazing because of its nutritional properties. Nowadays, however, new medicinal applications have come to light that also give it anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering and healing properties.
Due to its high content of isoflavones, also known as “plant oestrogens”, and phytoestrogens, it is commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats. [3] However, despite its interesting properties, it is not recommended for use by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis):
It is an herbaceous plant of the Caprifoliaceae family, which grows and develops in many regions of the planet. It is known in traditional medicine for its calming effect and its action against insomnia. [4] Because of these properties, it is commonly used to alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause such as depression and anxiety.
On the other hand, hot flushes can also be a cause of sleep disturbance, generating a situation of restlessness and anxiety and leading to a deterioration in women’s quality of life. Numerous studies have shown the ability of this plant to reduce the intensity of hot flushes during the climacteric period, making it easier for women to get to sleep. [5]
- Melissa officinalis (Melissa officinalis):
This is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family that grows in southern Europe and the Mediterranean basin. It is known for its intense lemon scent and has long been used in aromatherapy sessions and as an insect repellent. Nowadays, new properties have been discovered in this plant that give it a high therapeutic capacity. Calming, antidepressant, anxiolytic and antioxidant properties have been found.
Because of these, it is a candidate of choice for treating some menopausal symptoms related to insomnia and anxiety, with a large number of studies reporting its efficacy and highlighting the presence of rosmarinic acid. [6] It can also help to alleviate certain gastrointestinal problems that arise during this stage. [7]
Thus, the above-mentioned ingredients have been shown to have potential benefits for women with menopause, alleviating typical climacteric symptoms and considerably improving their quality of life. Furthermore, given the side effects of hormone therapy, natural supplements of this kind offer a reliable and safe alternative to alleviate the problems that can be caused by the menopause.
BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:
[1] Henneicke-von Zepelin H. H. 60 years of Cimicifuga racemosa medicinal products: Clinical research milestones, current study findings and current development. Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift. 2017, 167 (7-8), 147–159.
[2]Wilfried, D., et al. Effectiveness of Menosan® Salvia officinalis in the treatment of a wide spectrum of menopausal complaints. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Heliyon, 2021, 7 (2).
[3] Kanadys, W., et al. Evaluation of clinical meaningfulness of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) extract to relieve hot flushes and menopausal symptoms in peri-and post-menopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 2021, 13 (4), 1258.
Nai-Yu Ko, Kuo-Hu Chen, Li-Ru Chen. Isoflavone Supplements for Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019, 11 (11), 2649.
[4] Shinjyo, N., et al. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine, 2020, 25.
[5] Mirabi, P., Mojab, F. The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research. IJPR, 2013, 12 (1), 217–222.
[6] Cases, J., et al. Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2011, 4 (3), 211–218.
[7] Martín Zaragoza, L. TFG: Some symptoms of menopause and their management. FACULTY OF PHARMACY COMPLUTENSE UNIVERSITY. 2011. FACULTY OF PHARMACY COMPLUTENSE UNIVERSITY 2011.