Nutrients for Menopausal Symptom Relief Black Cohosh is the most researched herb for the treatment of menopausal symptoms and the replacement of standard hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progestins). It is effective in the treatment of the following menopausal symptoms: hot flashes, heavy perspiration, headaches, heart palpitations, depression, sleep disturbances, vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal walls causing painful intercourse), vaginal dryness, nervousness, irritability and loss of concentration. In 2004 researchers discovered that black cohosh has no hormone action and that it works on the vascular system to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. As a result studies were then performed using black cohosh along with tamoxifen in women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer to dramatically reduce hot flashes. Black cohosh is safe and non-estrogenic. Sage Leaf: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the European Union recently approved 300 mg of sage per day as a treatment for excessive perspiration associated with menopause. In the United Kingdom, medical herbalists treat menopausal women suffering from hot flashes and night sweats with sage. The sage in MENOsmart PLUS is not an alcohol extract or an oil. The safety studies for long term use of the full herb (i.e. longer than one year) are excellent. Research demonstrates that 300 mg of sage does not cause elevated heart rate or blood pressure. Dong Quai is an effective treatment for the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes, as well as for painful menstruation that causes spotting but no full blood flow. It will also relieve too frequent menstruation (more than one menstrual cycle per month). Chastetree Berry, also known as Vitex, has no direct hormonal activity and is not estrogenic. Its main active ingredients stimulate the pituitary gland to produce a hormone that, in turn, increases progesterone. Vitex also inhibits the production of prolactin, which increases at menopause. Excess prolactin triggers male facial hair growth and acne in women, among other symptoms. Excess prolactin is also found in women with low thyroid function. Gamma-oryzanol, which is isolated from rice bran oil, is recommended for the treatment of hot flashes, to enhance pituitary function and to promote endorphin release by the hypothalamus, thereby improving mood. Not only is it a very effective substance for alleviating menopausal symptoms, but it also lowers triglycerides and total cholesterol. This is especially important because women of menopausal age and beyond are at increased risk of heart disease. Hesperidin, a potent flavonoid from citrus fruit, improves the vascular (vein) system and capillaries, thereby improving cardiovascular health and reducing bruising. It has also been shown to reduce hot flashes and night-time leg cramps. EACH CAPSULE CONTAIN: Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Extract (2 mg of triterpene glycosides measured at 27-deoxyactein) 80 mg Sage Leaf (Salvia officinalis) 75 mg Dong Quai Extract (Angelica sinensis) (4:1 from 400 mg of dong quai) 100 mg Chasteberry Extract (Vitex agnus-castus) (0.6% Aucubin) (10:1 from 800 mg of chasteberry) 80 mg Gamma-oryzanol (from rice bran oil) 75 mg Hesperidin (Citrus sinensis, pericarp) 75 mg This product does not contain artificial colours or sweeteners, dairy, soy, shellfish, corn, wheat or yeast. VEGAN-FRIENDLY. GLUTEN-FREE.. Suggested usage: Take 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at bedtime or as directed by a health care practitioner. Symptom-Free Withdrawal from Synthetic Hormones If you are currently on synthetic hormones, it is time to wean yourself off them. If you eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables and good sources of protein and exercise every day, you will have an easier time weaning yourself off synthetic hormones. Women who have been on synthetic hormones for decades may find it takes many months to do this, while others may be able to come off quite easily. We have provided a few scenarios for coming off your homones as examples. Some women may want to switch over to bioidentical hormones, while other women will want to stop hormone therapy and use herbs and nutrients instead. Case History: From Synthetic Hormones to Nutrients Lisa, who is 72, has been taking Premarin for over 30 years, after having a complete hysterectomy. After the WHI estrogen-and-progestins study results were published, Lisa decided it was time to get off those hormones. Although she is well past menopause, her body is dependent on the synthetic hormones. Lisa does not want to switch to bioidentical hormones; she wants to come off hormones entirely. In order to stop hormone therapy without nasty menopause symtoms, it is necessary for Lisa to wean herself off the drug slowly. It is important that all post-menopausal women who stop taking synthetic estrogens ensure they are using an excellent bone supplement containing a minimum of at least calcium citrate, magnesium citrate, vitamins D and K. Research has shown women are at higher risk of fracture at this time. Weaning Off Oral Estrogens Ask your physician for consecutively lower and lower dose prescriptions for estrogen to make the weaning process easier. Menosmart Plus dosage is 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at bedtime to provide 24-hour support. Weeks 1 and 2 1 day HRT 1 day Menosmart Plus Weeks 3 and 4 1 day HRT 2 day Menosmart Plus Weeks 5 and 6 1 day HRT 3 day Menosmart Plus Weeks 7 and 8 0 to 1 day HRT Menosmart Plus every day If you are using the patch Estrogen HRT: The longer you wear the patch, the weaker it becomes. You can also ask your physician for a lower-dose patch as well. Weeks 1 and 2 apply and wear for 5 days alternate Menosmart Plus Weeks 3 and 4 apply and wear for 7 days alternate Menosmart Plus Weeks 5 and 6 apply and wear for 10 days Menosmart Plus daily Weeks 7 and 8 apply and wear for 14 days Menosmart Plus every day Weeks 9 do not wear Menosmart Plus daily Every woman is different. Some women will be able to wean off HRT over an eight-week period; other women may take 18 months. The goal is to wean off symptom-free, so go slower than suggested above if you have to.