Menopause and Perimenopause

Many women have turned to alternative medicine for menopause symptom relief. Before you try prescription medicines or hormones, you can think about using one or more of the following options for preventing or treating symptoms.

• Reference Reference Mind and body relaxation using breathing exercises. It may reduce hot flashes and emotional symptoms.
• Reference Black cohosh (such as Remifemin) may prevent or relieve menopause symptoms. But the research on black cohosh has had mixed results.
• Reference Soy may improve menopause symptoms. But studies have shown mixed results.
• Reference Yoga (which often includes meditative breathing) and/or Reference biofeedback gives you tools you can use to reduce stress. High stress is likely to make your symptoms worse.

Remember that dietary supplements aren't regulated the way medicines are. It's important to be careful when Reference taking supplements. Tell your doctor what you are taking.

Treatments to avoid

Based on the latest research, some treatments aren't recommended, either because they don't work or because they can cause dangerous effects.^{Reference 5} These include:

• Kava.
• Evening primrose.
• Dong quai.
• DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).
• Angelica.
• Reference Wild yam or natural progesterone creams.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.