Micronutrient therapy
| Alleviates symptoms |
| The root of the North American Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is used for neurovegetative symptoms of menopause due to the estrogen-mimetic effects of the component triterpenes and alkaloids. Menopausal symptoms particularly hot flushes, irritability and sleep disorders, can be significantly alleviated and positive effects on the urogenital mucosa and bone density have been demonstrated. Its effectiveness is based on the constitutent cimicifugin, actein and cimicifugoside, which bind to estrogen receptors as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). Cimicifuga causes a-decrease in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion which correlates with a-decrease in menopausal hot flushes. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is successfully used in modern phytotherapy due to its main components anethole, fenchone and estragole and also plays an essential role in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. In various studies, fennel has demonstrated its ability to treat vaginal atrophy with an effect on the cells and a decrease in symptoms such as dryness, itching, dyspareunia and pallor, to increase sexual satisfaction and menopausal quality of life, and to relieve vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating and night sweats. A study was conducted to investigate the influence of a combination preparation of Monk's pepper (Vitex agnus-castus) and Black cumin (Nigella sativa) with citalopram on healthy menopausal women with hot flashes. Based on the results, the addition of N. sativa and V. agnus-castus to citalopram leads to a possible improvement in therapeutic outcomes. A review article summarizing clinical studies on the mechanisms and effects of medicinal plants for the treatment of menopausal symptoms showed that Vitex agnus-castus, in addition to other medicinal plants such as Sage herb (Salvia officinalis), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), or black cumin (Nigella sativa), acts in the treatment of menopausal syndrome through different mechanisms. In this context, Israeli researchers have found that a plant extract of monk's pepper, Milk thistle, Chinese angelica, Black cohosh, American ginseng and Meadow clover can alleviate the symptoms of menopausal women. In the 55 participants in their study, taking monk's pepper for three months reduced hot flashes by 73% and night sweats by 69%. Hot flashes disappeared in 47% of the women. Furthermore, their sleep quality improved. As pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), Vitamin B6 plays an essential role in various functions in the body and is sometimes involved in the regulation of hormone activity. An adequate supply is also important for women during the menopause, as a deficiency of vitamin B6 and also other B vitamins can increase menopausal symptoms. |
| Improve mood |
| Dysphoria, a leading symptom of menopausal mood swings, is positively influenced by serotonin stimulating substances. Serotonin levels are closely related to psychological changes such as depressed moods, anxiety and panic or aggression. It directly influences the sleep-wake rhythm, appetite control and pain perception. 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP) is an intermediate stage in the endogenous conversion of the amino acid tryptophan to the neurotransmitter serotonin and can naturally increase serotonin levels. St. John's Wort extract influences symptoms of mild and moderate depression such as nervousness, anxiety, restlessness or sleep disorders and has a mood-lifting effect without the side effect of fatigue. St. John's Wort extract intervenes in the neurovegetative process through various mechanisms. The anxiolytic and antidepressive effect of St. John's wort is due to a direct action on the pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. |
| Equalize hormonal imbalance |
| Diosgenin is a bioactive saponin found Yams and is similar to the endogenous hormone progesterone. Diosgenin can displace estradiol bound to receptors and therefore exerts an estrogen modulating effect similar to the known phytoestrogens found in soy and red clover. Depending on the oestrogen concentration in the blood, phytoestrogens can weaken (antagonistic effect) or increase (agonistic effect) the effect of estrogen. If there is a high estrogen level in the blood, phytohormones block the receptors for the body's own estrogen, but have a much weaker effect. If the concentration is low, the phytohormones bind to the free receptors and act weakly, but overall the effect is higher than with an unoccupied receptor. Numerous studies have shown that the intake of Hops (Humulus Lupulus) in menopausal women leads to a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations and sweating. Responsible for this are the components of hops such as the strong phytoestrogen 8-penylnaringenin (8-PN), the flavanones 6-penylnaringenin (6-PN) and isoxanthohumol and xanthohumol. Phytoestrogens are secondary metabolites in plants whose polyphenolic structure is similar to that of 17β-estradiol, which is produced by the ovaries and underpins the estrogenic effect of hop extract in studies. |
| Protect from antioxidant stress |
| The climacteric deficiency of estrogen, which acts as an antioxidant in the body, induces oxidative stress through the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various tissues, which in turn leads to the characteristic menopausal symptoms. As the most important fat-soluble antioxidant in the human organism and a component of all biological membranes, Vitamin E protects polyunsaturated fatty acids (DHA, linoleic acid, etc.) highly effectively against oxidation by aggressive oxygen radicals. In this context, a study was able to show that the daily intake of vitamin E in menopausal women led to a decrease in the frequency and also the severity of hot flashes. Due to their pharmacologically and therapeutically effective properties as bioreducers and their high bioavailability, grape and grape seed extracts and Resveratrol are also suitable phytotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress in various target organs and tissues. The effect of resveratrol has been shown especially in a study of postmenopausal women. In this study, resveratrol was not only able to increase the general well-being and also the quality of life of post-menopausal women, but also to reduce chronic pain associated with age-related osteoarthritis. |