There are many women who wish to take a more natural approach to menopause without medicating their body with hormone replacement therapy. Replacement hormones do have benefits, but carries with it, risk of serious long-term side effects. Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women and those that want natural remedies can rely on a wide variety of herbs and supplements.

There are many natural remedies to help ease the unpleasant side effects of menopause. Symptoms of menopause can vary from women to women, but most experience mood swings and irritability, hot flashes and night sweats, great amounts of fatigue and the feeling of daily stress or even panic attacks. While most women can tolerate hormone replacement therapy with little or no trouble, these hormones can increase a woman’s chance of long-term side effects. Women taking hormone replacement therapy over a long period of time have a greater chance of developing blood clots, some forms of breast cancer and endometrial or uterine cancer. Those who have a history of these problems or wish to avoid the possibility of these side effects can look into natural remedies.

Panic attacks, feeling of elevated stress and mood swings are all very common during the menopause years. With the amount of hormones in the body fluctuating, women often feel emotional during this time. Stress can also be caused by lack of sleep and living a busy and active life. There are several natural remedies to help balance the emotion. St. John’s Wort, kava, blessed thistle, Gingko Biloba and Dong Quai are herbs known to help the emotional status. Also oriental herbs such as white peony root, and gardenia fruit can be beneficial.

Fatigue is another common complaint for women during menopause. Sleep is often restless due to uncontrolled night sweats and hot flashes. Stress can also cause a less than restful night for women during menopause. American ginseng and licorice root are known to help women rest better at night. Also, astragalus root and tangerine peel can be taken to help fight fatigue.

When women experience menopause, hot flashes are very common. Hot flashes can be embarrassing and come with no warning. They start as radiating heat and sweating that spreads and reddens the face and neck area. Hot flashes usually last about three minutes. Taking herbs including black cohash, licorice root, wild Mexican yam, hibiscus and linden flower all help women alleviate and less the severity of hot flashes. Other herbs that are proven beneficial include peppermint, yarrow, honeysuckle, red clover, ginger, and asparagus root and cornus fruit.

Another common side effect from menopause is vaginal dryness. This can cause a decrease interest in sex and lead to other sexual disorders. Yellow dock, motherwort, raspberry leaf, nettle and aloe vera can all help alleviate this problem. In addition, women can use dong Quai and discorea root for vaginal dryness.

Women who choose to take any herbal supplements should always consult a physician before taking the herb. Some herbs and natural remedies can interfere with other types of medication.