Menopause Natural Remedies


Menopause natural remedies are a sensible and effective choice because they do not have the dangers and risks of hormone replacement therapy. With so many side-effects and dangerous complications, a woman must think very carefully about the synthetic HRT decision! 

HRT linked to ovarian cancer risk: 19 April 2007 - 

Many women, unable or unwilling to undergo HRT, seek out information on menopause natural remedies which are based around some key herbs and nutrients. 

It is well established that some plant compounds can produce estrogenic and progestational effects. 

Germany is the world leader in the study of medicinal herbs. The German Health Department's Commission on Herbal Remedies (Commission E ) has reviewed 315 medical herbs. Two thirds of those reviewed are deemed safe and effective.

70% of German physicians prescribe herbal remedies, which are covered by insurance. 

If you’ve already done some homework you will have come across numerous natural remedies for menopause all based on different sets of vitamins, herbs and other nutrients. 

Which are the best?

First let’s start with a more general list representing a cross-section of the most commonly recommended ‘menopause nutrients’ and then narrow it down according to the strength of scientific research.

  • Black Cohosh
  • Chamomile
  • Chaste Tree Berry
  • Damania
  • Dong Quai
  • Evening Primrose Oil
  • Ginseng
  • Red Clover
  • Sarsaparilla
  • Soy Isoflavones
  • Tribulus Terrestris
  • Wild Yam
  • Vitamin E
  • Boron
  • Calcium


Notes: Kava Kava has been taken out of the list due to reported liver damage as a side effect.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Black Cohosh

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Black Cohosh is a perennial herb originally found in the northeastern United States. 

Previously Black Cohosh was considered a phytoestrogen, a plant-based chemical with estrogen-like effects.

More recent evidence however suggests it is not a general phytoestrogen, but may act like estrogen in only a few parts of the body: the brain (reducing hot flashes) and bone (potentially helping to prevent or treat osteoporosis), and, to some extent, in the vagina. (1-3) It does not appear to act like estrogen in the breast or the uterus thereby avoiding the cancer risk in these areas which HRT presents.

Research also suggests that Black Cohosh suppresses Luteinizing Hormone (LH), high levels of which are responsible for hot flashes. 

Menopause Natural Remedies - Chamomile

Strength of effectiveness: Weak

In the United States, chamomile is best known as an ingredient in herbal tea preparations advertised for mild sedating effects. Chamomile is commonly used for reducing the affects of menopause related insomnia and anxiety although its effectiveness varies greatly from person to person. Impurities in chamomile products are a major concern. 

Menopause Natural Remedies - Chaste Tree Berry

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Chasteberry is commonly known by its Latin name vitex agnus-castus and has been well studied.

Chasteberry is used for rheumatic conditions, body inflammation and swelling, menstrual irregularities, symptoms of menopause and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), amongst others. 

The medicinal effects of chasteberry have been attributed to its indirect effects on various neurotransmitters and hormones. Chasteberry seems to affect dopamine, and possibly acetylcholine and opioid receptors. Ongoing research suggests it has estrogen and progestin activity. Chasteberry appears to be selective for beta estrogen receptors.

A double-blind trial of 104 women compared placebo against two forms of chasteberry (liquid and tablet) for at least three menstrual cycles. The results showed statistically significant and comparable improvements in the treated groups as compared to placebo. (4)

Menopause Natural Remedies - Damania

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Damiana is believed to have aphrodisiac properties and has been considered a sexual restorative since ancient times. In addition it is helpful for headaches, depression, nervous dyspepsia, atonic constipation, for prophylaxis and treatment of sexual disturbances, strengthening and stimulation during exertion (overwork), and boosting and maintaining mental and physical capacity.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study of a nutritional supplement, containing Damiana and other nutrients, for enhancement of female sexual function, resulted in 73.5% of the study group improving their satisfaction with their overall sex life, compared with 37.2% of the placebo group (p < 0.01). Notable improvements were also observed in sexual desire, reduction of vaginal dryness, frequency of sexual intercourse and orgasm, and clitoral sensation. 

Menopause Natural Remedies - Dong Quai

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Dong Quai is one of the major herbs used in tradition Chinese medicine. It is usually used to treat menstrual cramps PMS, hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Several open studies on human support the use of Dong Quai for these conditions.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Evening Primrose Oil

Strength of effectiveness: Weak

Evening Primrose Oil is popular in the U.K. and other parts of Europe to treat eczema and cyclic mastalgia ( breast pain which cycles with the menstrual cycle). There are many other proposed uses for EPO but all are based on weak evidence including its use to relieve general PMS symptoms.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Ginseng

Strength of effectiveness: Fair

Ginseng's potential capacity to increase non-specific resistance to various stressors is the reason it has been used as one of the herbal remedies for menopause. Ginseng however has hormonal qualities and so should not be used with estrogen. 

Menopause Natural Remedies - Red Clover

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Red Clover extract is a highly popular medicinal herb which has been cultivated since ancient times. It is used for menopausal symptoms and hot flashes, cyclic breast pain or tenderness, cancer prevention, indigestion, whooping cough, cough, asthma, bronchitis and headaches.

Red clover contains isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens which are structurally similar to estrogens. In pre-menopausal women with normal endogenous estrogen levels isoflavones may have an anti-estrogen effect. In post-menopausal women with low endogenous estrogens, isoflavones are likely to act as weak estrogens.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Sarsaparilla

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Sarsaparilla stimulates metabolism, enhances glandular balance, boosts and balances hormone production and cleanses blood.  More about Sarsaparilla...

Menopause Natural Remedies - Soy Isoflavones

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Soy contains a group of isoflavones that are phytoestrogens. These cause effects in the body somewhat similar to those of estrogen. Two of the most scientifically investigated phytoestrogen isoflavones are genistein and daidzein both of which are present in soy products and in Red Clover.

If the body is deficient in estrogen, isoflavones can stimulate cells with estrogen receptors and partly make up for the deficit. When estrogen levels are sufficient, isoflavones may block real estrogen from attaching to estrogen receptors, thereby reducing the total estrogenic effect. This suggests the potential to reduce some of the risks of excess estrogen, such as breast and uterine cancer. There is conflicting evidence regarding whether soy or isoflavones may be helpful for preventing osteoporosis.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Tribulus Terrestris

Strength of effectiveness: Good

Tribulus Terrestris has a long history of traditional medical use in China, India and Greece. It was recommended as a treatment for female infertility, impotence and low libido in both men and women.

Studies from Bulgaria are the main source of most current health claims regarding tribulus. According to this research, tribulus increases levels of various hormones in the steroid family, including testosterone, DHEA and estrogen. These effects are attributed to the protodioscin constituent of Tribulus.

Menopause Natural Remedies - Wild Yam

Strength of effectiveness: Very Good

Wild Yam Extract is used as a natural alternative for estrogen replacement therapy, postmenopausal vaginal dryness, premenstrual syndrome and osteoporosis, whilst sometimes increasing female energy and libido.

There have been some negative statements released that have found their way around the internet regarding the oestrogenic effects of wild yam. These are misleading!

These negative reports suggest that wild yam diosgenin, and the form of alternative progesterone hormone synthesized by diosgenin in the lab, are totally different - hence many conventional studies conclude that wild yam has no use as per claimed, because the body cannot convert the natural diosgenin with laboratory synthesis. 

While this is technically correct it is also misleading and does not present the whole story.

Although the same hormonal effects have not been proven in natural wild yam, due to this claim of non-conversion in the body, it is actually the hormonal precursors naturally contained in wild yam that have similar effects to the diosgenin used in laboratory conversion. So, although many of the available studies present a negative summary, these are not complete in their information and can actually be used as positive studies:

ie. If the diosgenin is converted through scientific steps to produce alternative hormone, the precursors MUST be set in the natural wild yam in order for this to take place, and hence the natural precursors in wild yam logically encourage the body to produce its own hormones rather than relying on the synthetic version (albeit from part natural origin) which provides a finished product, but encourages the body to be lazy in not producing its own hormones. 

The precursors are the key in the natural product, promoting natural hormone production  and the negative studies therefore actually provide underlying positive evidence for wild yam as the conclusion of diosgenin synthesis also promotes the precursors that must be there in the natural ingredient!

Menopause Natural Remedies - Vitamin E

Strength of effectiveness: Mild

Vitamin E is often recommended for hot flashes but no real evidence exists that this is the case. One 9-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial followed 104 women with hot flashes associated with breast cancer treatment, but it found marginal benefits at best.(5)

Menopause Natural Remedies - Boron and Calcium

Strength of effectiveness: Mild

Boron assists in the metabolism of vitamins and minerals involved with bone development. Boron appears to affect estrogen and possibly testosterone as well, hormones that affect bone health. Therefore it is commonly recommended for preventing and treating osteoporosis. No clinical studies exist to evaluate the effectiveness of boron for any bone-related conditions.

Calcium is essential for healthy bones, the CNS (central nervous system), muscle and cardiac function. Calcium may also be beneficial in osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps.

The Best Menopause Nutrients For the Lifestyle You Want

Based on available clinical studies and long term anecdotal evidence, our list of the most effective nutrients for menopause natural remedies looks like this.

  • Black Cohosh
  • Chaste Tree Berry
  • Damania
  • Dong Quai
  • Red Clover
  • Sarsaparilla
  • Soy Isoflavones
  • Tribulus Terrestris
  • Wild Yam
  • Calcium

Menopause Natural Remedies 
The Supplements That Get My Vote

If you want powerful, science-based supplements containing synergistic mixes of the key menopause nutrients listed above then please consider Total Balance Women's premium    or  Female Rejuvenator 

The Total Balance Women's 'Premium' formula contains 6 Key Female Hormone Balancing herbs

  • Wild Yam
  • Dong Quai
  • FeverFew
  • Chaste Berry
  • Isoflavones
  • Red Clover

along with an OUTSTANDING  93 other ingredients that strengthen and support your overall health and wellness. 

I have several friends who use Total Balance (contact details available), along with my mother, and all have experienced significant reductions with their menopause symptoms. 

Two of them actually experience no symptoms whatsoever anymore.

Female Rejuvenator is an even STRONGER formulation which can be used as a stand alone formula or as an adjuvant to the Total Balance Women’s Premium formula. 

This combination of ingredients specifically aimed at women is not available currently in any other supplement!


The 6 key herbal extracts in this formula are: 

  • Black Cohosh
  • Damania
  • Chasteberry
  • Red Clover
  • Sarsaparilla extract
  • Tribulus Terrestris

Please jump over and take a look at my best vitamin supplements comparisons and reviews of the markets leading health supplements to see how Total Balance DOMINATES its competitors.


Menopause Natural Remedies – Sources

  1. Liske E, Hanggi W, Henneicke-Von Zepelin HH, et al. Physiological Investigation of a Unique Extract of Black Cohosh ( Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma ): A 6-Month Clinical Study Demonstrates No Systemic Estrogenic Effect. J Womens Health Gend Based Med . 2002;11:163-174.

  2. Einer-Jensen N, Zhao J, Andersen KP, et al. Cimicifuga and Melbosia lack oestrogenic effects in mice and rats. Maturitas .1996;25:149–153.

  3. Seidlova-Wuttke D, Wuttke W. Selective estrogen receptor modulator activity of Cimicifuga racemosa extract: clinical data [abstract]. Phytomedicine. 2000;7(suppl 2):11.

  4. Wuttke W, Splitt G, Gorkow C, et al. Treatment of cyclical mastalgia: results of a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study [translated from German]. Geburtsh Frauenheilk . 1997;57:569–574.

  5. Barton DL, Loprinzi CL, Quella SK, et al. Prospective evaluation of vitamin E for hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. J Clin Oncol. 1998;16:495–500.

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