NOTE:
The amount of active or main ingredient in a standardised herbal product is often expressed as a %
e.g. Milk thistle standardised 80% silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle)  means that  80% of the extract contains that ingredient, the other 20% being fillers, binders or other substances. So, 150 mg dose of milk thistle that is standardised to 80% silymarin contains 120 mg of silymarin (150 X 0.08 = 120)

Taking them in certain combinations seems to work best.
First, try black cohosh (phytoestrogen) and chasteberry, which help to stabilise hormone levels, and siberian ginseng, which is, considered a good all round female tonic.
If this does not provide enough relief add dong quay or licorice root.  Some studies have suggested that dong quai alone is not effective for menopause but seems to enhance the effect of other herbs when used together.
Licorice root is another of the plants containing phytoestrogens.
If you dislike soya based foods you could use a supplement containing soya isoflavones, which are the compounds thought to be partly responsible for the protective effects of soya.
 Studies suggest Vitamin E helps protect the heart by preventing LDL cholesterol from adhering to artery walls.

Black cohosh
Dose:  40 ml of extract twice daily
Advice:    standardised to contain 2.5% triterpenes
NOTE: Black Cohosh is a traditional remedy  widely used to good effect over many years  by women for menopause and PMT symptoms; there has however in recent years been some adverse reports in the press about possible serious side effects, and the implications for women who have had breast cancer.   To read some current information about possible side effects and  the findings of clinical trials visit  ‘National  Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine’ http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh.asp

Chasteberry (Agnus Castus)
Dose:  100 mg standardised extract once a day
Advice:     also called vitex; should contain 0.5% agnuside

Siberian ginseng
Dose: 100 – 300 mg extract a day
Advice:     standardised to contain at least 0.8%  eleutherosides

Calcium
Dose:  600 mg a day

Magnesium
Dose:  300 mg a day
Advice:  Often come combined, also choose one that contains 10mcg of vitamin D if possible

Dong quai/Chinese angelica
Dose : 200 mg or 30 drops of tincture three times daily
Advice:  standardised to contain 0.8% - 1.1% ligustilde
         
Liquorice
Dose:  200 mg standardised extract three times daily.  A safe daily dose of true liquorice confectionery  would be 5 grams - less than a quarter ounce
Caution:  can raise blood pressure so check with your Dr before using it.

Soya  isoflavones
Dose:  50 mg a day
Advice: Choose products that contain genistein & daidzein

Vitamin E
Dose  250mg twice daily
Caution: consult your Doctor if you take anticoagulant drugs

Boron
Research has shown that as little as  3 mg of boron can double blood levels of circulating estrogens.  Top foods that contain this important mineral, in descending order are;
strawberries, peaches, cabbage, tomatoes, apples, asparagus, figs, poppy seeds, broccoli, pears, cherries, beetroot, apricots, currents, parsley, dill and cumin seed.

The information contained in these pages is intended only as a layman’s guide.
It is not intended for use in place of conventional medicines but only as a back up.
I strongly recommend that you discuss it with your G.P. before starting any course of supplements or alterative therapy

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