There are hundreds of products on the market claiming to help alleviate the symptoms of the menopause, but only a small number have solid evidence to back up their claims. What’s more, most alternatives will only help with one problem at a time so you may need to consider different options depending on your symptoms.
St John’s Wort has been shown to help with mood swings and feelings of depression, but there is no evidence that it will help with hot flushes and you should consult your GP before using it because it can interfere with other medications. As for other supplements, the evidence is limited and we need more scientific studies to be done before we can be sure of any benefits.
There are also some products out there that you should be wary of as they have been shown to be ineffective or even unsafe. These include:
- Evening Primrose Oil, which may interact with other medication
- Ginseng, which can cause vagin*l bleeding and is not effective for hot flushes
- High doses of vitamin E, which does not help with symptoms and can be very dangerous
For many women, hot flushes and mood swings are amongst the most disruptive symptoms, but there are some lifestyle changes that could help. One of the best options is exercise, which is also has wider benefits for overall health. Cutting down on alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine have also shown some benefits.
If your mood is a persistent problem, and you don’t wish to use HRT, your doctor may prescribe you some mild antidepressants or refer you to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions.
