In general, plant estrogens seem to be safe to use in moderate amounts - especially if consumed in food. There’s also not a clear understanding of which types of phytoestrogens are most effective, or what doses are needed.Īnd though certain phytoestrogens - especially soy and flaxseed - do sometimes seem to help with menopause symptoms, in many studies they didn’t work any better than fake treatments (placebos). A 2014 meta-analysis found that phytoestrogens did seem to help cut down on hot flashes - but didn’t seem to help as much with other symptoms. The scientific evidence is mixed, especially in individual studies. It’s not clear how well they work for menopause. Many medicinal herbs also constrain phytoestrogens, including: Vegetables: zucchini, broccoli, garlic, carrots Legumes (beans): kidney beans, chickpeas, peanutsįruits: strawberries, cranberries, blueberries Phytoestrogens are found naturally in many foods, including: Some people consider using phytoestrogens to help with menopause symptoms, though the evidence is mixed on how well they work. They can be eaten, or taken as a pill or supplement. Phytoestrogens are found in many types of foods and herbs, and seem to have weak estrogen-like effects in your body. Your body’s estrogen levels naturally decline during menopause. Estrogen is a hormone made by your body that has many functions - including regulating your period. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that are similar to estrogen. Phytoestrogen foods and herbal supplements What are phytoestrogens? It can also be helpful to talk it over with your provider, to confirm that your symptoms are related to menopause instead of another condition (like hypothyroidism). In reality, many people are able to identify menopause without any lab testing, based on age and symptoms. This is because your hormone levels can vary naturally throughout the month, especially as you get older. During menopause, as your ovaries slow down and stop working, FSH levels in your body go up.īut beware: An at-home FSH test can’t really tell for sure whether you are in menopause. FSH is a hormone that encourages your ovaries to release eggs. Some people choose to use at-home menopause test kits to measure their levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH).
There’s no simple test to confirm whether you are in perimenopause or menopause. There are a wide variety of symptoms that can occur during menopause. For many people, this is a process that can take several years. When your periods stop, you have completed menopause. You may also have some mental and physical symptoms. But menopause-related hormone changes can begin as early as your 30s and 40s - a time that is sometimes called “perimenopause.”ĭuring perimenopause and menopause, you may notice some changes in the frequency and length of your periods. Most people in North America experience menopause between ages 40 and 58. Menopause is technically defined as the point when you’ve gone 12 months without having a period (and its absence was not caused by another condition, like pregnancy). Here’s a guide to the nonhormonal menopause treatments available, so that you can understand which treatments might be right for you. Knowing your options can empower you to make decisions about your reproductive health. Menopause - and menopause treatments - aren’t one size fits all. Some treatments seem to be safe and helpful other remedies don’t seem to work at all, and might even have some risks. But when it comes to whether these remedies work, there’s a huge range of evidence. Over-the-counter supplements, mind–body treatments, and diet and lifestyle changes may be able to offer support during menopause - especially if your symptoms are mild. In fact, about 50% of people use natural treatments during menopause, and 60% of those find these treatments helpful. Though hormone replacement therapy works well for menopause symptoms, many folks are interested in nonprescription medications and treatments. Common symptoms include:įor many people, menopause symptoms are mild and go away on their own.
These symptoms are mostly caused by dwindling amounts of estrogen and progesterone in your body - hormones normally made by your ovaries. Many people have a variety of symptoms in the years before, during, and after menopause. It can also be caused by surgery or illness. For most people, it is a normal part of aging. Menopause is the time in your life when menstruation stops.