Reproductive
Menopause Symptoms
Hot flashes, night sweats and other changes around menopause. Talk to a health professional about your options, especially if you've had a hormone-sensitive cancer. Any bleeding after menopause needs medical attention.
Many herbs affect hormones, and several aren't safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with hormone-sensitive cancers. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments. Check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using them, especially if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or taking hormonal medicines.
13 herbs
Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.
AshwagandhaWithania somniferaIn one trial, ashwagandha combined with shatavari eased menopause symptoms more than placebo. There isn't enough evidence for ashwagandha alone.
Black CohoshActaea racemosaRecognized in Europe for hot flushes and sweating, but a Cochrane review found too little evidence. Watch for liver warning signs.
Devil's HorsewhipAchyranthes asperaLab tests found estrogen-like effects, which researchers link to its traditional use for menopause problems. It hasn't been tested in people.
Dong QuaiAngelica sinensisTraditionally used for hot flashes, but in a 24-week trial of 71 women dong quai on its own worked no better than placebo. A formula combining it with astragalus also did no better overall.
GinsengPanax ginsengA review of 10 trials found low-quality evidence it may help sexual function and overall hot flash scores, but not how often hot flashes happen.
HopsHumulus lupulusA vaginal hop gel worked about as well as vaginal estrogen for sexual problems after menopause in one trial.
MacaLepidium meyeniiA review of 4 small trials found limited evidence that it eases menopause symptoms.
Red CloverTrifolium pratenseStudied for hot flashes with inconsistent results. A Cochrane review found no clear benefit of a red clover extract over placebo.
Rehmannia RootRehmannia glutinosaFormulas built around rehmannia eased menopause-like symptoms in women treated for breast cancer, in lower-quality trials.
SageSalvia officinalisEarly studies suggest common sage may reduce how often menopausal women have hot flashes.
SchisandraSchisandra chinensisA small trial in women suggests it may help hot flushes and sweating.
ShatavariAsparagus racemosusIn one trial, shatavari combined with ashwagandha eased menopause symptoms more than placebo; shatavari alone was less clear.
SoybeanGlycine maxSoy isoflavones or protein may ease hot flashes a little; results vary.