The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Black Cohosh
Posted by Renee (NC) on 01/15/2020
★★★★★
I was having hot flashes all night and, to a lesser extent, during the day for several weeks in a row. Black Cohosh 540 mg, taken twice a day with breakfast and dinner, decreased my hot flashes immediately by about 80%.
My hot flashes became "warm" flashes. But even the warm flashes were waking me up several times a night, and if I wasn't overheating, I was freezing.
So I added a generic menopause supplement twice a day containing Damiana, Black currant seed oil, Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, Black Cohosh and Ginkgo bilobba plus Evening Primrose Oil 80mg twice a day.
That's a lot, I know! But my body temperature completely corrected itself immediately. 100%. My body's thermostat is working properly again. I sleep better, although still waking up - just not due to body temperature any more.
Wild Yam
Posted by Skeptic (USA) on 02/22/2023
I wonder if it worked.
Do natural remedies carry the same risks as HRT?
General Feedback
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/19/2014
Dear Loraine,
Here is my 2 cents on progesterone cream. I have used it with great results on and off over the last 10-12 years or so. (Mostly off. I have just used it as needed here and there.) I have not noticed any long term side effects. (Nor short term, for that matter.) It has helped with what I needed it for. (Regulating cycles when they were "off.") At the same time, I have read that "natural" progesterone is not really that natural. I know a naturopath who says she wouldn't touch it with rubber gloves. Rachel Weaver, an herbalist whom I have learned much from, recommends it when all else has failed. She considers it to be a "big gun" and not to be used carelessly. Personally, I am comfortable using it when my other options are not working.
Have you tried Evening Primrose Oil or any of the herbs that are commonly recommended during menopause? (i.e. Black Cohosh, Vitex, Damiana, etc?) I know there are some herbal formulas out there for this season of life. However, I am just starting to learn about it myself (I am 47.) so I don't have any hard and fast recommendations. Plus, it seems that everyone is different so there is not likely a one size fits all solution.
Hope I haven't muddied the waters worse than they were....as I said, it is just my 2 cents. Do let us know what you try and what helps!
~Mama to Many~
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Anonymous (La, Ca) on 06/29/2013
★★★★★
Menopause may cause hair loss, tiredness, bloating, dry skin, skin changes , anxiety, mood changes, hot flashes, sweating, night heat, I think it just an overall feeling of being uncomforable... the next symptom is something that surprised me
inner shaking and trembling feeling is from low estrogen!
Two ND's and my chinese medicine doctor told me NO soy products, because it is not processed correctly in our country unless you located old style genuine organic tofu maker. Vitamin E (not soy based) magnesuim citrate and vitamins B and D I think for the skin the best product is taking 2 tablespoons flax seed oil a day for week then back dow to 1 tablespoon a day and buy the best quality primrose oil helps 1 tablespoon molasses daily relieves hot flashes!
Vitamin E
Posted by Caitlin (Austin, Tx) on 03/02/2013
★★★★★
My mom took (still does) 200 I.U. of Vitamin E daily and her night sweats and menapausal symptoms went away after about a week. You might also check your blood glucose. I have found that when I eat in excess of 100 carbs a day, my menapausal symptoms go crazy. You know, like feeling hot and flushed one minute thin cold or fine the next minute. When this happens during the hot Tx summers, Oh Boy! So I stick with the Vitamin E and keeping my carbs down. Works!
Sage Tea
Posted by Tashimoto (Vancouver, B.C. Canada) on 02/11/2013
★★★★★
Sage Tea is an old time herbal remedy for night sweats. In a mug, pour boiled water over a teaspoon of the herb, let sit for 10-15 min. And drink. Good luck!
DIM
Posted by Loo (Boston, Ma) on 10/30/2012
★★★★★
I went through a very bumpy ride to menopause last summer. After much research I decided to try DIM. After about 2 weeks I noticed a major improvement that I can only attribute to the DIM. I was taking 2x a day last summer and through the fall, but now take 1x a day. Relieves menopause symptoms and has been a life saver.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne
Posted by Jodie (Oak Park, IL) on 05/23/2008
★★★★★
My allergies were the worst ever this spring so after reading about cures on your website I decided to try ACV and cayenne. Not only did it eliminate my allergy symptoms, but the unexpected side benefits are great! My chronically runny nose -gone, constant throat clearing -gone, red rimmed eyes -gone, HOT FLASHES - GONE!My complexion is clearer and I have more energy. This is unbelievable. I use generic ACV and don't feel the need to switch to unfiltered.
Magnesium Citrate, Vitamin E
Posted by Tricia (Tucson, Az) on 08/05/2010
★★★★☆
Thanks Ted, I started taking 240 iu's of Vit E oil (liquid) and 400 mg's of Magnesium Citrate. I'm not sure if I'm even in perimenopause let alone menopause, no hot flashes, but just didnt feel right. It really has helped! I feel better, and sleep all through the night.
Thanks! Tricia
Soy
Posted by Someone (Home) on 02/22/2023
Birth control pills work by supporting the estrogen level. The week you schedule a period you simply stop the estrogen pills. If soy were the equivalent of six birth control pills then women who use soy frequently would notice irregular or absent periods during their soy consumption. Has anyone experienced this?
Wild Yam
Posted by Helena F. (Wilmington, Nc) on 10/04/2017
★☆☆☆☆
Tried wild yam capsules as a way to eliminate hot flashes. If anything, it made them worse. Took 500mg twice a day for two months as I've read several people online saying 'it takes time to work'. No, it doesn't. It doesn't work at all. Just another natural product that does nothing -- a placebo effect at best, I would say.
At this point, I have tried everything 'natural' to get rid of hot flashes -- apple cider vinegar, sage, magnesium, black cohosh etc. Have been struggling for over a year plus spending a ridiculous amount of money on natural remedies. I finally, made an appointment with my doctor and am going to go on HRT. At least I know that works.
General Feedback
Posted by Loraine (Orlando, FL) on 04/20/2014
Thank you so much "Mama to many" for all your wonderful tips on progesterone use. I really do appreciate you taking the time to give me such a detailed explanation/suggestions. Thank you again and God Bless......
DIM
Posted by Earlygirl (California, Usa) on 12/14/2013
★★★★★
I started taking DIM with calcium d-gluconate for menopause symptoms/hormone issues, specifically breast pain. I have been on it for about a month and the breast pain has almost completely gone away. I am hoping that the DIM will work to balance my hormones and help me lose the unexplained weight that I've gained over the last few years (estrogen dominance?) Time will tell.
Progesterone
Posted by Elsa (Hawaii) on 09/20/2013
I have low levels of estrogen and progesterone. They told me I was in the peak of menopause. During this time I have been dealing with internal shaking, sometimes a dull headache behind my right eye, nausea. It is like a moter idleling, or a cell phone was dropped inside your body, a cat purring inside of you, I can go on and on about how it feels. I started BHRT, and that lessoned the sensation, then it came on again. I tried another HRT, with only 1 of the 3 estrogens needed for my body that I was low in. They also found cysts in my overies and a fibroid mass inside my uterus. My question is has anyone found something to help with the with internal shaking, is it due to the menopause? Are they (Doctors) noticing more and more women are having this particular symptom, and looking into it? any answers would be welcomed.
Rhubarb Root, Blackstrap Molasses, Vitamin E
Posted by Faith (Portland) on 09/12/2013
★★★★★
Hot flashes stopped when my ND gave me a supplement containing extract of rhubarb root, it works fast, but pricey. I'm also taking organic unsulphered blackstrap molasses, 1 tablespoon twice daily, and one high quality (no soy) Vitamin E 400 IU's and a multiple vitamin. No hot flashes anymore.
Black Cohosh
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 02/12/2013
★★★★★
Black Cohosh - Oddly enough, it was something that my M.D. recommended for night sweats, and it worked!
Black Cohosh
Posted by Grace (Bellevue) on 05/31/2017
★★★★★
I did both, stopped all sugar, gluten and took black cohosh twice a day at first and I no longer felt warm. I never really had hot flashes, just felt warmer than usual which felt uncomfortable to me. I now prefer the indoor temperature to be 67-68.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Rose (Jamaica ) on 01/02/2023
Oh boy, thanks for posting, Rosemary. It validates some of the exact symptoms I am going through..thought I was going crazy.
Menopause is no joke.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Cacey T. (San Diego) on 01/03/2023
Aniseed relieves menstrual pain, has anti-diabetic properties, prevents bad breath, and good indications for treating insomnia
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Rebecca (Sydney, Australia) on 01/31/2009
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I stopped menstruating 2 years ago (I'm 47; my mother stopped at 46), and was pretty sure that I had gone through menopause. However, six months ago I started taking blackstrap molasses, and one month began bleeding. I stopped the molasses and the menstruation stopped too (it was very light). Now I have begun the molasses, the menstruation - very irregularly has begun again. I'm a bit worried why this is happening and whether it is normal. Anyone's informed feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
Soy
Posted by Ronda (Silver Creek, NE) on 02/23/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I would have to disagree with the soy for menopause. I tried soy for 6 months and it didn't help, actually made it worse. I got off soy and started taking ACV and a natural vitamin everyday and all that symptoms were gone. I feel 30 again....
Psyllium
Posted by Holly (Cleveland, Oh) on 09/24/2017
★★★★★
I have suffered from terrible food sensitivities which manifest as acne all over my face since I was in my 20's. When menopause hit five years ago, I developed devasting hot flashes, as well. I have tried everything for the acne and the hot flashes. I did realize that phytoestrogens (often promoted for hot flashes) where making my hot flashes worse and caused extreme breakouts and boils on my face. To make a long story short, after trying EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING plus buying an infrared sauna ($$$$), I added some psyllium to my routine because I had started milk thistle to attempt to clean my liver. After one or two doses of the psyllium, I noticed my skin feeling better and my hot flashes decreasing. I actually didn't know it was the psyllium at first, but deducted that it was the only completely new thing I had added (I had used milk thistle before which never helped that much and actually is a phytoestrogen itself). So, I started to experiment with the psyllium husk by adding it to my diet slowly but surely. My skin has not looked this good since I was probably 10 years old (I am 50). My allergies are decreasing and my hot flashes are almost non-existent. I have eaten very healthy for the past 25 years, never seeing a benefit to my skin even when I made/grew my own sprouts, kefir, kombucha, juices, etc. The psyllium is like a true miracle. My stomach began to bloat a bit as I have been in menopause (I just attributed it to that and getting older) but I am starting to see it flatten again. It has only been about 5 days, but I have never seen such a change in my system and my health issues. I have heard that fecal matter that is encrusted in your colon can prevent foods/vitamins etc. from being absorbed into your body and that the psyllium can scrub it away. I would get acne from every supplement, vitamin and food I ate (even vitamin D and C made me have eczema like skin eruptions), and I believe it was because my bowels have not been able to absorb them so they acted as toxins and came out through my skin. I believe psyllium may be the greatest health food that exists. I have spent years of my life looking for a cure and thousands and thousands of dollars. Psyllium seems to possibly be the answer to my problems and I hope others will take note, as it may be a simple cure for all our bodies.
General Feedback
Posted by Loraine (Orlando, FL) on 04/18/2014
Hey EC.....Quick question which I hope someone can answer. I am thinking of using some progesterone since I am approaching menopause to balance out my whacked out hormones. The thing is after checking out different products online, I noticed that on some of the products, it clearly states that in the state of California, progesterone use can cause cancer. Now this scared the heck out of me. I know that one should not mess with their hormones but since mine was low, I figured why not use some to help me out in this transition but I have to say I was quite taken aback with this disclosure. Any help from you great people would be highly appreciated. Thanks guys
