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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) <a href="/p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>is a complex endocrine disease that needs to be considered and treated taking into account all its aspects. Often the condition is related to something else - insulin resistance and this fact can be used as a starting point for treatment [<a href="../p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]. If insulin resistance is controlled, this will have a significant positive effect on polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Several characteristic manifestations of the syndrome are observed: the formation of cysts in the ovaries, lack of ovulation, irregular menstrual cycle, increased hair growth, acne, thinning of hair. Cysts in the ovaries are the most typical symptom and are detected during ultrasound examination by a gynecologist.

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Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, due to the fact that ovulation does not occur or it is difficult to predict when this is most likely to happen if it does.

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More and more women are looking for alternative ways to tackle the problem, i.e. <a href="/p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> regulating the cycle with changes in lifestyle, nutrition, with the help of herbs and andsupplements. In the article "<a href="../p/kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is the connection between polycystic ovaries, insulin resistance and infertility</a>", we discussed the importance of sports and nutrition to deal with the problem, and in this article we will focus on herbs and supplements for which there is scientific evidence that can help those who suffer from polycystic ovaries.

Herbs-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Herbs for polycystic ovary syndrome

Herbs-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome_0_0

As mentioned, polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition, Since reproductive health is loaded with additional emotional burden, this problem requires particular respect - it is extremely important to consult with your physician about each herb or supplement that you would like to take, so as not to inadvertently aggravate your condition. Each organism has its own specifics and each case is different - the doctor's job is to detect these differences and prescribe individual therapy to each patient.

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In the following lines, we will look at scientific data on the benefits of certain herbs and supplements - information you can discuss with your physician. :)

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)

Liquorice root lowers testosterone levels (Glycyrrhiza glabra  and  Glycyrrhiza uralensis)

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_0

Several preclinical and clinical trials of the effect of licorice have been conducted and it has been found that the herb can lower levels of testosterone and androgens in the blood, as well as improve the frequency of ovulation in women with polycystic ovaries [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Herbal_medicine_for_the_management_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_PCOS_and_associated_oligo_amenorrhoea_and_hyperandrogenism_a_review_of_the_laboratory_evidence_for_effects_with_corroborative_clinical_findings_25524718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_1

Licorice can also help metabolize sugar if a woman also has insulin resistance, improving insulin sensitivity [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Glycyrrhizic_acid_improved_lipoprotein_lipase_expression_insulin_sensitivity_serum_lipid_and_lipid_deposition_in_high_fat_diet_induced_obese_rats_20670429" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>].

Liquorice-root-lowers-testosterone-levels-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra-and-Glycyrrhiza-uralensis)_0_2

Maca-improves-fertility-in-both-men-and-women-(Lepidium-meyenii)

Maca improves fertility in both men and women (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca-improves-fertility-in-both-men-and-women-(Lepidium-meyenii)_0_0

Maca is also known as Peruvian ginseng. The root of the maca plant is often recommended as a means of improving fertility in both men and women, and for increasing libido. Unfortunately, there are no clinical trials that prove the benefit of maca in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, although the herb is used and prescribed very often. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7505790/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Vitex-regulates-the-levels-of-hormones-(Vitex-agnus-castus)

Vitex regulates the levels of hormones (Vitex agnus-castus)

Vitex-regulates-the-levels-of-hormones-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_0_0

This tree has many names - chaste tree (or chastetree), chasteberry, Abraham's balm, lilac chastetree, or monk's pepper. It is good to keep in mind that it can suppress sexual desire. There is evidence that it regulates the levels of sex hormones, cycles and can increase the chances of success in getting pregnant. [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305953583_The_Effects_of_Combined_Low-Dose_Oral_Contraceptives_and_Vitex_Agnus_on_the_Improvement_of_Clinical_and_Paraclinical_Parameters_of_Polycystic_Ovarian_Syndrome_A_Triple-Blind_Randomized_Controlled_Clin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Vitex-regulates-the-levels-of-hormones-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_0_1

Black-cohosh-has-multiple-effects-on-female-reproductive-system-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)

Black cohosh has multiple effects on female reproductive system (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black-cohosh-has-multiple-effects-on-female-reproductive-system-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_0_0

The plant is also known as black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle. Several preclinical and at least 3 clinical studies have been conducted on the effects of black cohosh in women suffering from PCOS. Their results are encouraging and include lowering LH (luteinizing hormone), optimizing the ratio between hormones LH and FSH (favors ovulation) [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23347605/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>], positive influence on the thickness of the endometrium (uterine mucosa) and others. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Herbal_medicine_for_the_management_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_PCOS_and_associated_oligo_amenorrhoea_and_hyperandrogenism_a_review_of_the_laboratory_evidence_for_effects_with_corroborative_clinical_findings_25524718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Chinese-cinnamon-or-Chinese-cassia-(Cinnamon-cassia)

Chinese cinnamon or Chinese cassia (Cinnamon cassia)

Chinese-cinnamon-or-Chinese-cassia-(Cinnamon-cassia)_0_0

The cassia is a relative of the cinnamon and its bark is also used as a spice. There are at least two studies that show beneficial effect of the plant in polycystic ovary syndrome. One was conducted in rats and compared the effects of metformin with those of the herb [<a href="https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Metabolic-Changes-and-Hormonal-Disturbances-in-Rats-Heibashy/953f4a4b32ec2196d1753d87aac2bf4cd7907605" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>]. The other was conducted in overweight women&nbsp; and those with PCOS [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/The_effect_of_cinnamon_extract_on_insulin_resistance_parameters_in_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_a_pilot_study_17296187" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>].

Chinese-cinnamon-or-Chinese-cassia-(Cinnamon-cassia)_0_1

The results: in the first study, cassia extract lowered testosterone, LH and insulin resistance to the same extent as metformin; in the second study, women's metabolic profile improved.

Tribulus-terrestris

Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus-terrestris_0_0

In the 1980s, Bulgarian scientists conducted two clinical trials in women and found that the herb Tribulus terrestris increased FSH in healthy women [ref. 9] and induced ovulation in women who did not ovulate&nbsp;[ref.10].

Tribulus-terrestris_0_1

In more recent studies, ovulation was also observed in polycystic ovary syndrome rat models after treatment with the herb [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21883512/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.11</a>].

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According to a 2019 science review, <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%20%D0%AF%D0%B9%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8/%D1%81%D0%BC%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%83%D1%85/-14762/-herb/5--" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and <a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B8%20%D0%AF%D0%B9%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8/cinnamomum%20verum/-14482/-herb/11--" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) are also worth attention, as they may exhibit additional positive effects on ovulation and menstrual disorders, obesity, insulin resistance, fat metabolism disorders and high levels of male sex hormones - androgens. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40199-019-00312-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.12</a>]

Tribulus-terrestris_0_4

  5 herbs useful for diabetics and people at risk of the disease

Other-supplements-and-minerals

Other supplements and minerals

Other-supplements-and-minerals_1_0

Some vitamins and minerals can also alleviate the symptoms of the disease and have a beneficial effect on the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key

Inositol (vitamin B8) - ratio between its two forms is the key

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_0

It has been found that inositol restores ovulation and improves insulin sensitivity in women suffering from PCOS. It is found in two forms (stereoisomers) in supplements - myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_myo_inositol_in_women_with_PCOS_a_systematic_review_of_randomized_controlled_trials_22296306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.13</a>]

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_1

In a 2020 article, scientists from the South Florida Institute of Reproductive Medicine wrote:

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_2

"... it is important to know that D-chiro-inositol treatment may be beneficial when administered in low doses, yet the progressive increase of its dosage results in the loss of its advantageous effects on the reproductive performance of women and a deterioration in the quality of blastocysts created via in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, we have to consider that the intestinal absorption of myo-inositol is reduced by the simultaneous administration of D-chiro-inositol since the two stereoisomers compete with each other for the same transporter that has similar affinity for each of them. A decrease in myo-inositol absorption is also found when it is coadministered with inhibitors of sugar intestinal absorption and/or types of sugars such as sorbitol, maltodextrin, and sucralose. The combination of these may require higher amounts of myo-inositol in order to reach a therapeutic dosage compared to inositol administration alone, a particularly important fact when physicians strive to obtain a specific plasma level of the stereoisomer. Finally, we must point out that D-chiro-inositol was found to be an aromatase inhibitor which increases androgens and may have harmful consequences for women. Therefore, the inositol supplements used in PCOS treatment must be carefully defined. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that the 40 : 1 ratio between myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol is the optimal combination to restore ovulation in PCOS women. Therefore, it is quite surprising to find that inositol-based treatments for PCOS seem to be randomly chosen and are often combined with useless or even counterproductive molecules, all of which can weaken myo-inositol's efficacy." [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7140126/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.14</a>]

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_3

Unfortunately, the same disproportion in the ratio between the two forms of inositol is also observed in widespread additives on the market.

Inositol-(vitamin-B8)---ratio-between-its-two-forms-is-the-key_1_4

Zinc-is-important-for-both-men-and-women

Zinc is important for both men and women

Zinc-is-important-for-both-men-and-women_1_0

Zinc is a trace element that is proven to be important for the proper functioning of the immune and reproductive system in both men and women. It can help regulate the menstrual cycle, affect insulin resistance and reduce the number of ovarian cysts [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/therapeutic_effects_of_organic_zinc_on_reproductive_hormones_insulin_resistance_and_mtor_expression_as_a_novel_component_in_a_rat_model_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_32405346" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.15</a>].

Vitamin-D-deficiency-is-a-risk-factor-for-PCOS

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for PCOS

Vitamin-D-deficiency-is-a-risk-factor-for-PCOS_1_0

It has been found that a large percentage of women with polycystic ovary syndrome have vitamin D deficiency [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=vitamin%20d%20pcos&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A19628650" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.16</a>]. There is evidence that restoring normal levels of this vitamin in the body can help deal with the problem.

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According to one study in rats, the vitamin has contributed to normalization of the structure of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), which favors implantation of the embryo if fertilization occurs. In women with PCOS, implantation is difficult. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Investigation_of_the_uterine_structural_changes_in_the_experimental_model_with_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_and_effects_of_vitamin_D_treatment_An_ultrastructural_and_immunohistochemical_study_29325695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.17</a>]

Vitamin-D-deficiency-is-a-risk-factor-for-PCOS_1_2

This article does not claim to be exhaustive, but we hope that it will give guidance to sufferers of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and will contribute to improving their chances of getting pregnant and dealing with the problem.

<a href="kakva_ie_vrzkata_miezhdu_polikistoznitie_iaichnitsi_insulinovata_riezistientnost_i_biezplodiieto_d3998f8b_139b_48b0_9d2a_33ba35debf57" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What is the link between PCOS, insulin resistance and infertility</a>, Sanat.io, 2020

<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Herbal_medicine_for_the_management_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_PCOS_and_associated_oligo_amenorrhoea_and_hyperandrogenism_a_review_of_the_laboratory_evidence_for_effects_with_corroborative_clinical_findings_25524718" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings</a>, BMC Complement Altern Med, 2014

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Glycyrrhizic_acid_improved_lipoprotein_lipase_expression_insulin_sensitivity_serum_lipid_and_lipid_deposition_in_high_fat_diet_induced_obese_rats_20670429" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glycyrrhizic acid improved lipoprotein lipase expression, insulin sensitivity, serum lipid and lipid deposition in high-fat diet-induced obese rats</a>, Lipids in Health and Disease, 2010

Lifestyle management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a single-center study in Bosnia and Herzegovina, AIMS Public Health, 2020

The Effects of Combined Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives and Vitex Agnus on the Improvement of Clinical and Paraclinical Parameters of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal inpress, 2016

Role of phyto-oestrogens in ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2013

Metabolic Changes and Hormonal Disturbances in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Rats and the Amelioration Effects of Metformin and/or Cinnamon Extraction, J Am Sci, 2013

<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/The_effect_of_cinnamon_extract_on_insulin_resistance_parameters_in_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_a_pilot_study_17296187" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The effect of cinnamon extract on insulin resistance parameters in polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study</a>, Fertil Steril, 2007

Tribestan effect on the concentration of some hormones in the serum of healthy subjects, Sofia, Bulgaria: Company documentation, Chemical Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 1981

Clinical studies on the preparation Tribestan in women with endocrine infertility or menopausal syndrome, Sofia, Bulgaria: 1st Obstetrical and Gynecological Hospital, 1984

Alternative Treatment of Ovarian Cysts with Tribulus terrestris Extract: A Rat Model, Reprod Domest Anim, 2012

A comprehensive review of clinical studies with herbal medicine on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2019

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_myo_inositol_in_women_with_PCOS_a_systematic_review_of_randomized_controlled_trials_22296306" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Effects of myo-inositol in women with PCOS: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials</a>, Gynecological Endocrinology, 2012

Inositol Treatment for PCOS Should Be Science-Based and Not Arbitrary, Int J Endocrinol, 2020

<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/therapeutic_effects_of_organic_zinc_on_reproductive_hormones_insulin_resistance_and_mtor_expression_as_a_novel_component_in_a_rat_model_of_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_32405346" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Therapeutic effects of organic zinc on reproductive hormones, insulin resistance and mTOR expression, as a novel component, in a rat model of Polycystic ovary syndrome</a>, Iran J Basic Med Sci, 2020

<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=vitamin%20d%20pcos&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9&amp;as=ARTICLE%3APUBMED%3A19628650" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scientific articles on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and ovarian cancer,</a> BioSeek

<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Investigation_of_the_uterine_structural_changes_in_the_experimental_model_with_polycystic_ovary_syndrome_and_effects_of_vitamin_D_treatment_An_ultrastructural_and_immunohistochemical_study_29325695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Investigation of the uterine structural changes in the experimental model with polycystic ovary syndrome and effects of vitamin D treatment: An ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study</a>, Reproductive Biology, 2018

Fenchol is an aromatic compound that is found in abundance in basil leaves. In addition to giving it a specific and well-known aroma, it turns out that it can help reduce the pathologies caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Basil in the fight against Alzheimer's disease

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Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the digestive system characterized by  symptoms such as pain and bloating. They often occur as a result of food intake, but the reason for this remains largely unclear. In this article, we look at a new and unusual idea that suggests that the explanation lies in a local intestinal immune response.

A Local Immune Reaction May Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Healing Properties of Juniper - The Secret of Gin 

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Summer aroma and ice cold taste - probably the mastic on the beach is the most common association of most of us when it comes to anise. But this plant turns out to be something more - a useful herb with many qualities that are used for medicinal purposes.

Anise - The Summer Taste of an Ancient Herb

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In this article you will find information about the most important things you need to know about stroke - types, symptoms, what to do if stroke happens, as well as innovative ways of rehabilitation and recovery even years after a stroke.

New Approaches To Stroke Rehabilitation

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Smoketree is a well-known gift from nature, which is distinguished by its powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

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Which herbs and supplements regulate the cycle in polycystic ovary syndrome for easier conception

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 Which herbs and supplements regulate the cycle in polycystic ovary

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Menopause is a difficult period that occurs in every woman's life, and when this happens, she needs help dealing with unpleasant symptoms and a lot of support and understanding from loved ones.

The average age at which menopause occurs is 50 years. Its onset is associated with a dramatic change in hormonal balance, a decrease in estrogen and an increase in hormones FSH and LH, which eventually leads to a decrease in the levelof progesterone and causes permanent amenorrhea or, in other words, an end to menstrual cycles.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause

What are the first symptoms of menopause

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_0

In two-thirds of women, specific symptoms are observed. The most characteristic symptoms of menopause or menopausal syndrome are vasomotor: hot flushes and night sweats, as well as psychosomatic symptoms, which are observed differently in people with different psychological, social and cultural characteristics.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_1

Hot flushes are presented as periodic redness of the face and sudden sweating with chills, palpitations, anxiety, a feeling of pressure in the head and chest, nausea, suffocation and lack of concentration, which usually lasts from a few seconds to a minute and rarely lasts up to an hour.

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Hot flushes are experienced and felt differently, but there are factors that worsen this symptoms:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_4

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">alcohol intake and caffeinated products,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">eating spicy foods,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">high ambient temperature,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">wearing tight clothes,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">smoke or exposure to cigarette smoke.</li>
</ul>

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Estrogen deficiency can also cause atrophy of the urogenital tract, and this can lead to symptoms such as:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">itching and dyspareania (pain or feeling uncomfortable during intercourse),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">urethritis (inflammation of the urinary canal),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">dysuria (burning or painful sensation during urination),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">incontinence (urine leakage),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">frequent urination.</li>
</ul>

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Psychological symptoms of menopause are:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_8

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">depression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">irritability,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">frequent mood swings,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">impaired memory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">decreased sex drive.</li>
</ul>

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Other symptoms include:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">pain in joints and muscles,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">facial hair,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">dry skin,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">creeping sensation under the skin,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">fatigue.</li>
</ul>

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Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and sweating) and for treating other complications associated with menopause. However, hormone therapy has been shown to cause an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease, as well as pulmonary embolism. For women at increased risk of breast cancer, hormone therapy is contraindicated.

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This is the reason why most women do not resort to hormone replacement therapy, but prefer herbs and dietary supplements to deal with symptoms until this period passes away.

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The market is flooded with products that promise help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, and this can be very confusing - what to choose and is there any scientific evidence behind the claims that one or another supplement can really help you. So we decided to write this article, presenting in it the herbs for which there is such evidence.

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What are the mechanisms behind herbs ability to alleviate the symptoms of menopause

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Perhaps the main reason for the effectiveness of some herbs and plants in relieving menopausal symptoms is the presence of phytoestrogens. More than 300 such plants have been identified so far. Phytoestrogens are substances that have the ability to bind to estrogen receptors in a woman's body and thus mimic the action of real estrogen.

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In addition to phytoestrogens, some herbs contain phytoprogesterone. They, as well as the antiandrogenic effects of some herbs, which reduce the conversion of testosterone to dehydrotestosterone and increase the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to estrogen in peripheral tissues, can alleviate the symptoms of menopause and especially hot flashes.

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There are other mechanisms by which medicinal plants help. For example, some herbal medicines that affect the nervous system by activating specific neurotransmitters are effective in improving sleep and memory in menopausal women.

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Which medicinal plants really have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of menopause

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The most studied plants whose action is associated with relieving the symptoms of menopause are soy (Glycine max) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). In the article, we will look at more herbs and plants, citing a 2017 review&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>], summarising the results of available clinical trials and studies, namely:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Sage (Salvia officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Valerian (Valerina officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Black cumin (Nigella sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Abraham's balm, Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Fennel (Foennel vulgare),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginkgo biloba,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Alfalfa (Medicago sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anise (Pimpinella anisum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Red clover (Trifolium pratense).</li>
</ul>

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)

Black cohosh root (Cimicifuga racemosa)

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Cimicifuga racemosa is also known as black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle. It's native for North America and was traditionally used for menstruation problems by Native&nbsp;Americans. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764641/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]

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The herb is used to relieve hot flushes and psychological symptoms of menopause. The active ingredient - terpene glycosides is found in the roots of the plant. They bind to the estrogen receptor and selectively suppress the secretion of LH without any effect on FSH.

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There have been no reports of dangerous side effects caused by taking therapeutic doses of this plant. Some side effects resulting from the consumption of this herb include inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, nausea and vomiting. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]

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The mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, but it seems that the active substances in black cohosh&nbsp;exercise estrogen-like actions in some tissues and anti-estrogenic effects in others. [<a href="https://bcmj.org/articles/relieving-symptoms-menopause-herbs-hormones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]

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Soybeans have beneficial effect on lipid metabolism (Glycine max)

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The results of some clinical studies have shown that soy extract reduces the frequency of hot flushes in postmenopausal women, but other studies have reported that there is no significant difference between soy and placebo.

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Evidence of the effects of soy (isoflavons) on menopause symptoms is minimal at best, but there is evidence that soy can have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of women who consume it.

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Therefore, given the benefit to the cardiovascular system, as well as the potential beneficial effects on bones and memory, it seems useful in the diet of women in the period of peri- and postmenopause to include soy. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Food_labeling_health_claims_soy_protein_and_coronary_heart_disease_Food_and_Drug_Administration_HHS_Final_rule_11010706" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>]

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Sage improves memory (Salvia officinalis)

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The mechanism of action of sage is carried out by binding to GABA/benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and relieves vasomotor symptoms - hot flushes and sweating, due to its estrogenic effects.

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Moreover, thanks to its positive impact on the nervous system, the herb is effective for improving memory and has a calming effect.

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There are no reports of dangerous side effects caused by therapeutic doses of this plant. But excessive use of sage causes a feeling of heat, dizziness, tachycardia and epilepsy-like seizures. Cross-reactivity with diabetes and blood pressure medications is likely to occur, so if you take them, consultation with a doctor is mandatory! [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]

Herbs and bioactive substances