Opinions differ on herbal remedy to ease menopause
Irish women are increasingly turning to herbal remedies to ease symptoms of the menopause in the wake of hormone replacement therapy being linked to breast cancer.
However, a recent study claimed there is no convincing evidence that herbal remedies such as the popular Black Cohosh (pictured) relieve the symptoms.
The study, in the journal Drugs & Therapeutics Bulletin, said some 'natural' treatments can cause serious harm. It has left women who are taking the remedies and who want to avoid hormone replacement therapy in a dilemma.
Asked to comment on the findings, Dr Dilis Clare, a Galway-based medical herbalist who is a practising GP, said she still believed in Black Cohosh. "Most of the trials of Black Cohosh show benefit," she insisted. However the studies supporting its use are small for a number of reasons, including a limited research budget.
Referring to the study casting doubt on its use, she said: "These exaggerated claims of harm and minimising of potential benefit do not help the 30pc of women coping with the significant challenges of the menopause."
She pointed to the need for regulation of all herbalists and said the public should look for a member of the Irish Institute of Medical Herbalists (01 443 4115) if they want to use these remedies. Members of the organisation all have an honours BSc degree in herbal medicine and have MIIMH after their name.
The advice to any woman taking these remedies is to check first with your GP.
Other studies have linked Black Cohosh with liver damage, but this is rare.
Hot flushes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of the menopause. They are caused by a malfunction in the body's normal methods of temperature control.
Basic advice to ease hot flushes and night sweats includes:
- Take regular exercise.
- Wear lighter clothing.
- Keep your bedroom cool.
- Try to reduce your stress levels.
- Avoid potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol.
There is evidence that women who are more active tend to suffer less from the symptoms of the menopause. Exercise is important to protect the body from heart disease and bone thinning which older women are more prone to due to hormonal changes.
- Eilish O'Regan
