Herbal Relief of Menopause

Herbs may be popular, but are they for you? That depends on the herb and your specific health needs. If you're thinking about using herbal supplements, consider the following advice:

Educate yourself about the herbal products you intend to use. The relief of menopause sometimes referred to as menopause relief can be achieved with menopause relief products. Herbal products have active ingredients that can affect how your body functions, in the same way as over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs can. Also, pay attention to the recommended dosages and don't exceed them. Tell your doctor what you're taking. Some herbs have a toxic effect when mixed with other prescription and OTC drugs. Be sure you don't have an underlying medical condition for which proven medical treatment is already available. Keep track of what you take. If you suffer from early symptoms of menopause get early menopause symptoms relief with menopause products now available. Take one type of supplement at a time. Make a note of what you take, how much and how it affects you. Does it do what it claims to do? Do you experience any side effects, such as drowsiness, sleeplessness, headache or nausea? Read the label for content. Not all brands are of the same quality. Look for the letters USP (United States Pharmacopeia) or NF (National Formulary) as an indicator that the supplement's manufacturer abided by the standards set by the testing organization, United States Pharmacopeia. The symptoms of menopause are symptoms menopause caused by the negative effects of menopause in women. The USP designation means that the herb has an approved use and was manufactured according to certain standards. The NF designation means that the herb does not have a USP-approved use but has been produced according to the same standards of quality and purity. Don't take any herbs if you're pregnant or breast-feeding. As a general rule, you shouldn't take any medications — prescription, OTC or herbal — when you're pregnant or breast-feeding unless your doctor approves. Medications that may be safe for you as an adult may be harmful to your fetus or your breast-feeding infant. Don't expect immediate results. Read the label to find out how long you must take an herb before you can expect it to work. This will vary depending on the herb. Be extremely cautious about taking herbs manufactured or purchased outside the United States. On one hand, many European herbs are highly regulated and standardized. On the other hand, toxic ingredients — including lead, mercury and arsenic — as well as prescription drugs such as prednisone, have been found in some herbal supplements manufactured in other countries, particularly China and India. Effective treatment of pms must deal with treatment pms symptoms using proven pms cures.

Can herbal health products change the way prescription medicines work?

Yes. Some medicines shouldn't be taken with herbal products.

Don't take Ginkgo biloba if you're taking aspirin, warfarin (brand name: Coumadin), ticlopidine (brand name: Ticlid), clopidogrel (brand name: Plavix) or dipyridamole (brand name: Persantine). Don't take St. John's wort if you're taking an antidepressant. Don't take ephedra if you're taking a decongestant or a stimulant drug, or if you drink caffeinated beverages. Don't take kava products if you're taking a benzodiazepine, a barbiturate, an antipsychotic medicine or any medicine used to treat Parkinson's disease. Also, don't drink alcohol if you take kava products. If you take a prescription medicine, check with your doctor before taking any herbal health product.

Using herbal supplements wisely.

Walk into the vitamin aisle of any pharmacy, chain discount store or even your local grocery store, and you’ll find them — herbal remedies, such as St. John’s wort, echinacea, ginkgo and garlic. Each claims to help one ailment or another using the so-called gentle, natural action of herbs.

Herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements are all considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their forms and packaging resemble one another. You typically use them to enhance your health. However, the difference is that you may use herbs to address symptoms of specific ailments. You typically take vitamins and mineral supplements to make up for nutrients your diet may lack.

Clinical studies have proved some herbal supplements safe and effective. Research also has weeded out several dangerous herbs. But the effectiveness of many others still hasn’t been established.

Doctors won’t endorse or embrace every herbal remedy available — because some are actually dangerous. However, a growing number of doctors are working to better understand herbal therapies so that they can help you make informed decisions about your health care.

A recent study found that many people who choose herbal therapy rely predominantly on their family and friends for information. But if you do choose herbal therapy, be sure to talk to your doctor first. Also, remember there’s no substitute for a healthy pms relief.