You don’t necessarily have to use prescription medications in order to take the edge off the symptoms of menopause. There are many ways to get natural menopause relief. But different things work for different women and what may work for a friend might not work for you. Herbal applications abound in pharmacies and in health food retailers and you’ll be able to shop for them without a prescription. You must follow the instructions on the bottle to the letter. It might take three months for any natural remedy to work so you’ll have to have patience.

Black cohosh is among the most effective herbs for menopause relief. This herb is also known for its ability to lower blood pressure. It will only continue to work for about 6 months, however. Negative reactions include nausea, vomiting and gas.

Dong quai is a Chinese herb that has been known to quell hot flashes. It appears to help regulate hormonal levels that are out of balance, likely because of the phytoestrogens it contains. It hasn’t been established whether it works because of its estrogen-like effects or if it blocks estrogens in the body. This herb is also a blood thinner.

Chasteberry also seems to offer some help with mood swings that are associated with menopause. The effects of chasteberry derive from its actions upon the pituitary gland. Chasteberry inhibits prolactin secretion and thereby helps to stabilize hormone levels. It seems to be more effective when utilized as a supplement to dong quai or black cohosh.

St. John’s Wort treats depression, which is a common symptom of menopause. In particular, it has been shown to be effective for menopausal women when used with black cohosh. But when taking it you will be more sensitive to the sun and can get sunburned quite easily. This herb works for about 2 years and then you will need to stop taking it.

Taking vitamin E will lessen the frequency of hot flashes. Also effective in reducing symptoms is soy. Vitamin E can be consumed in a pill and soy is a component of soy milk, tofu, edamame, and soy nuts.

There are other measures you can take to take the edge off the symptoms of menopause. Avoid particular substances like caffeine, alcohol, and highly spiced foods. Keep your stress in check. Try applying ice packs when a hot flash happens, and be mindful that those women who exercise on a regular basis might not have as many symptoms. Stay away from taking hot showers or baths right before going to bed since they can cause nighttime sweats.

See the staff at your local health food store for other things that might help. Herbal and natural remedies must be used for about 3 months before you know if they will be effective, so be patient. If you use them for less time before giving up you are only wasting your time and money. Consult your physician before making use of any of these herbal treatments, because they may interfere with certain drugs you are currently taking.

Do you think you might be starting menopause? If so, you need to know what the symptoms are, how to treat them, and what kind of menopause relief is right for you.