Believe it or not, there are women who go through perimenopause and menopause without needing any support. One day their periods just stop. They do not experience the very common symptoms of sleep problems, hot flashes, and mood shifts. But for those who do—the majority—relief is often found using traditional women’s herbs.
Traditional women’s herbs are phytohormones. They have what are known as adaptogenic, moisturizing, and tonifying effects. These effects are what results in relief of many menopausal symptoms. When an herb is adaptogenic (or an adaptogen) the effect it has differs, depending on your hormone levels. For example, if your own estrogen levels are too high (estrogen dominance), a phytoestrogen (plant-based estrogen) will exert a modulating effect to stabilize the cell and protect it from overstimulation. If your estrogen levels are too low, the same phytoestrogen will have a tonifying and moisturizing effect.
Phytoestrogens are found in more than 300 plants. Because of their adaptability, traditional herbs such as maca, Pueraria mirifica, and black cohosh—all phytoestrogens—are often a first choice for many women looking to boost estrogen levels naturally. Vitex is a good choice when trying to boost progesterone levels.
How Herbs Work in Your Body
There are estrogen receptors on nearly every cell in your body. The two types of estrogen receptors are called Alpha and Beta receptors. The Alpha estrogen receptor is the one that gets the most attention because that is the one that mammalian estrogen binds to resulting in typical estrogenic effects on breast and genital tissue.
Phytoestrogens bind to the Beta estrogen receptor. The estrogenic effect of phytoestrogens is lower than that of human estrogens in a range of a hundredth to a thousandth that of estradiol. Their three-dimensional structure is different from bioidentical and synthetic hormones, so they do not interact with estrogen receptors in the same way and therefore they don’t produce the same biologic effects.
Phytoestrogens also have antioxidant and antiproliferative effects, which means they have the ability to prevent free-radical damage to cells and to prevent abnormal cell growth. In fact, phytoestrogens have been proven to inhibit breast tumors in animal studies. And menopausal herbs have never been implicated in promoting cancer in humans.
In my New York Times bestseller, The Wisdom of Menopause, I provide detailed information about the most common menopausal herbs and healing foods.
Reasons to Try Traditional Women’s Herbs
Common menopausal herbs have been used safely and effectively for thousands of years and rarely have side effects. Although there are some herbs—such as belladonna, blue cohosh, lobelia and poke root—that should only be used with the guidance of an experienced herbalist, most standardized herbs pose no real concerns.
Herbs generally exert their influence in a much slower, more gradual way than drugs and even bioidentical hormones. Many herbs exert a tonic effect on female pelvic organs and other organs as well. This means that they stimulate blood flow and may even increase the weight of these organs. Other herbs such as black cohosh and chasteberry have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms by acting on the pituitary gland.
If you have mild symptoms and need a little support, herbs are a great option to support your body. You may also want to try menopausal herbs if you cannot tolerate HRT, have a fear of breast cancer or another health concern, or simply prefer a natural approach to alleviating symptoms.
Remember, many herbs are taken in combination since their actions are often synergistic and produce better results when used this way. This is a good reason to do your own research or talk to an herbalist or practitioner of Chinese Medicine if you are unsure what herbs would be best for you.
Best Approach for Quelling Menopausal Symptoms
I always suggest you start with the simple things first, like changing your diet and starting an exercise program. If you don’t get the relief you want, move on to another solution—one that is just right for you and your body. Herbs such as maca, pueraria mirifica, black cohosh, and Vitex may be what works for you, though it may require experimenting, and for you to use different options at different times.
My friend, Lorraine, started with traditional women’s herbs when she was in perimenopause. They helped for a while, but as she got closer to menopause (the time of her last period) Lorraine decided to try bioidentical hormone replacement for her menopausal symptoms. She was quite happy with the bioidenticals for a few years. But, as her body adjusted to her new normal, she found she no longer needed the bioidenticals and switched back to herbs.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my decades of practice and teaching, it’s that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to optimal health. But, there is one resource you can always count on to give you the right answer—your own inner wisdom. Your body knows what it needs. And so do you. When it comes to making any decision, you should always gather information, then go within. Offer your question to your inner wisdom (and to God or a higher power). And know that you will be given the right answer for you.
Have you used herbs for your menopausal symptoms? What have you used and what was your experience?
Reference: The Wisdom of Menopause by Christiane Northrup, MD
Hi,
Im wondering if its ok to take both vitex and pueraria mirifica? I have estrogen dominance as i suffer from fibroids & goiter to name a few issues. would taking both these supplements be contradicting, or would they work well together?
Thank you
Dear Dr Northrup,
I would love to take your product but I notice it has folic acid in it…this is not good for those of us with MTHFR who cannot methylate it properly. Any suggestions? Many Thanks!
Take the pure product rather than the plus. That’s what I did, as I have one of the MTHFR genes.
Dear Dr Northrup, I have immense respect for your work and your advice.
As a coach, I sometimes have to give some advice on treatments which I personally know to be of help. However, like some of your other readers, I have also come across this clinical study on the
carcinogenic effect of pueraria mirifica.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5127102/
What is your view on it ?
Thank you for your reply,
What are the side effects of using Pueraria Murifica? As noted in reviews from your other sites, is it common for post menopausal women to bleed and have a discharge while using this product? If so, how long do these side effects last? I’d like to know what to expect when using this product. There doesn’t seem to be any information regarding the side effects.
Am very interested in trying PM. Can you tell me what side effects women have noticed taking the 100 mg per day and are side effects common?
vitex is contraindicated for menopausal women. You can find good studies by Dr Kerry Bone Mediherb about vitex (agnus castas) Blue Vervain is helpful and ground fennel seeds. Take all herbs 6 days a week. rest one day. Repeat. Herbs are foods that feed the organs so they can regulate themselves. You are a bright light in a dark place Dr. Northrup.
Do you recommend bio identical hormones for post menopausal women over 60?
Great article, but it doesn’t look like anybody’s questions here are being answered 🙁
I just wanted to recommend something to all the ladies (and gentlemen) here that sleep badly or suffer from insomnia. PLEASE try out a few sessions of Neuroptimal neurofeedback. It has helped so many to get a good night’s sleep – including myself.
You can do a search on Google or Neuroptimal’s website – even some of the groups on facebook etc, to find a good, qualified neurofeedback trainer. There’s no one size fits all (like most things) so some people will improve in 2 sesssions, others may require a few more. But stick at it! It’s also the best meditation around – without actually having to do anything. It’s truly amazing stuff ❤
Anyway, good luck to everybody here! Because we all know that some of these symptoms that we endure through this perimenopause malarkey (lol 😉 are downright scary! I’m sitting here light-headed, dizzy, with chronic fatigue (= later stages of adrenal fatigue?), internal and external tremors (neck), heart palpitations and feeling like I’m going to fall unconscious almost 24/7 and just praying to God to PLEASE bring me the answers I need to nip this in the bud ASAP so I can get back to living a normal life. Because this certainly isn’t living! This is a nightmare which I’m hoping doesn’t last another day – let alone another 2/5/10 years.
Please God…
Sending you all hugs, you are not alone
Louise xo
I know this thread is a few years old but what did you ultimately use to help you? I had a total hysterectomy (no ovaries left) and have all your symptoms. I thought I went through menopause 11 years ago when I had my surgery but I’m feeling wonky again like I did back then. Ughh, my biggest is the light-headed dizzy thing. I can’t stand it.
Your advice has helped me so much with my female issues for decades after seeing your PBS shows and on Oprah. I think you are an extremely intelligent and learned woman who I have great respect for. I want to try the Amata, but this study worries me. “ Pueraria mirifica Exerts Estrogenic Effects in the Mammary Gland and Uterus and Promotes Mammary Carcinogenesis in Donryu Rats”. What do you think of this study?
Thank you!
Did you ever receive an answer? I am curious about this, too. Thank you.
I also saw that study and was concerned, because Pueraria Mirifica has been a game changer for me. I now sleep through the night and have NO night sweats or hot flashes during the day (both issues were greatly troublesome for me before I started taking the supplement). I would love to take Pueraria Mirifica for many months (years?) to come but am worried about potentially negative estrogenic effects. Hope Dr. Northrup replies when possible!
May I ask if you have any side effects. Amata says that bleeding and discharge are common. I have been trying to get Amata to respond in more detail on this but no one will respond.
“always consider your source” meaning ..who funded the study? the pharm machine funds over 90% of studies. Use teas as much as possible, rather than tinctures. Susun Weed herbalist has some excellent videos on YT that you will find helpful. Herbs are foods that nourish the body.
I would like to know about this too. Any answers here, please.?!?
As of today, Jun 27, 2020
I was with my gynecologist after 3 years for periodic check-ups. When he made an echo of my womb, he saw things there that I couldn’t do at my age, he said. There was a black dot in the middle, he thought it was a mucus plug, or he hoped. And tissue or something that is only possible if you are still menstruating. He asked if I had had a blood loss but that didn’t happen. I said that I had been taking pueraria mirifica for about a year and a half after extensive research on the internet. He said now I understand. And told me that this must go away and can become malignant and has prescribed me 20 mg of progesterone per day for 2 weeks. I have to come back in 6 weeks.
I was shocked and quite upset. I can’t find good documentation to make him read about pueraria and I don’t know now whether it is as harmless as people say on the internet. Can you please help me please! Do you have a scientific article for me to show to the doctor? I’m 61 years old and feel so good with Pueraria. Maybe I took a too high dose, here in Belgium they wrote ‘1 caps per day of 300 mg’
I have just started taking Biovea Pueraria. Could I take Vitex capsules too or am I best just starting off with the Biovea Pueraria?
If I can take both, how and when am I best taking them??
Many Thanks
I am wondering if anyone can answer this question for me: Can I take Pueraria Morifica while using natural progesterone and estrogen cream, I’m also taking maca. I am post menopause.
Did you received an answer, please? I am curious about this too, I’m on bio identical hormns. (prog. & estrgn.). June 27, 2020. Thank you very much
I am 54 and suffered for three years with severe insomnia due to menopause and hot flashes mostly night sweats I tried black cohosh then Maca which worked well for a while but then stopped working. About six months ago I started using estrogel and prometrium which is has a good effect on the night sweats and hot flashes but the insomnia and lack of sleep is starting to come back. In addition my sex life is gone to the dryness painful sex even my orgasms are not as Intense or easily reach like they used to be.
My doctor recommends estrogen creams vaginally and I’ve read a lot of about the new hyaluronic acid creams that you can use vaginally that seem to work well as well. I want something that will not only restore lubricant for sex but the dryness and itching and burning, something that heals the tissues and I was told the estrogens are the best. I see you have both tablet form of puerica marifica and vaginal cream.
I’m not sure if I should try going off the hormones and using Maca or puerica, or if I should just add something natural or hormone-based for the vaginal issues and deal with the systemic issues later. I can’t risk not sleeping though it is such a bad effect on my psyche I exercise daily and do yoga and eat really well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Christiane- I am 53 and have been on Bioidentical Hormones for 6 years. I am thin framed with Crohns Disease (undercontrol) and I have recently been diagnosed with Osteoporosis. Recent blood work has shown my hormone levels are all normal, though I do have an occational hot flash, my hair is thinning, and vaginal dryness and atrophy is a huge problem! I mentioned PM to my doctor and although it was the first she has heard of it, she greatly admires you and trust that it must be safe. That said, she believes I should remain on the BIOidentical Hormones as well for bone health. Is it possible to do both, or is the PM just as protective of bone loss as the hormones?
Danielle, how are you feeling now?
I would love to know the answer to your question as I am in a similar position. Any news? Thank you!
I have started perimenopause symptoms i.e. dizzy, lack of energy, mood swing since 35 with insomnia for months now and then. I am 46 now and have even worse insomnia. I get only 2-3 hours of sleep for the past 3 years and now have to rely on lorazepam. I have hot flash sometimes but now the mood swing is gone. I use progestorone cream and it seem to help a bit with sleep but even i use 5 times higher than the recommended dose. I still can’t sleep. Applying lots of progestorone cream seems to help with my problem that my sleep gets worse if i exercise even just a half Km run in the morning. I found information of Maca, Vitex and DIM but not sure which one to use.
P.S. i live in Thailand and the field of hormone imbalance is still mediocre here. I visited 3 doctors in top notch hospitals who claim to specialise in hormone but they even haven’t heard of progestorone cream! (I order it from the U.S.)
Should I use Maca, DIM or Vitex for my sleeping problem or can I combine them?
Can I take ashwandgha and pueraria mirifica together? Do I need to take progesterone with any of these? I was told I have low progesterone or estrogen dominance. I am perimenopausal age 46.
I just watched your video with your daughter about Amata PM Plus and felt very connected to trying this out. I have been taking maca capsules, methyl B 12, and magnesium from high-quality sources for about one year maybe longer. I have seen my PMS, rosacea, and cramps reduce significantly, especially my mood.
I have been changing my lifestyle over the last few years along with these vitamins, yoga, meditation, exercising, happier diet and becoming more connected with myself.
I’m 38 And have had my least invasive and calm PMS of my life literally this period that I’m starting today.
But I am wondering is it best to stop taking maca? And because there is vitamin B and magnesium in the Amata PM Plus, is it best to stop taking the additional methyl B 12 and magnesium? I really appreciate any advice and your time. Thank you so much! I am grateful for everything I’ve learned from you.
Hi Dr Northrup, I was irregular since the age of 13. At age 25 I had infertility issues and went on a tablet called Clomid and had twins. And I never went back on the contraceptive pills and was irregular all the time with serious migraines that killed me. At age 40 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and I was put on Eltroxin. That little pill regulated my period after 6 months. So at day 14 and day 28, I was dying with migraines. Morphine injections wouldn’t help. So at age 42 I had a total hysterectomy to eliminate the migraines. I was put on Premarin and went directly to ER because the migraine came back. I was given a natural progesterone cream to use on my skin, also went straight to ER. Now I will be 52 in August Im so scared to try anything. Ive already had my gallbladder removed after that. I have high cholesterol, a fatty liver, increased insulin but my glucose is perfectly normal. Im considering the plant paradox diet by Dr Gundry but what must I do about my hormones that are running on zero. Please help. I also lost my husband at age 38 so I have fibromyalgia as well. Many thanks Glynis
This may sound strange, but consider being tested for food allergies. …..long term food in tolerances can create or aggravate chronic health issues.
I would also get tested for the MTHFR gene mutation. 30-50% of the population has it and it causes problems with everything. If you don’t want to get tested, just start taking methyl folate and methyl b12… all other b vitamins are toxic especially folic acid if you have it. But it makes sense given all your symptoms. They say it’s also helpful to take a b2 vitamin (riboflavin) if you have the mutation… coincidently riboflavin is prescibed for migraines.
I just had a questionable pap with possible squamous uterine cells . I am 66 and have been on bioidenticals for 11 years. I stopped cold turkey. Just had a D+ C and waiting to make sure all is well.
Since stopping I am having terrible night sweats that wake me several times a night….perhaps I postponed my menopause?
I ordered your product Amata …is there any contraindication for me not to take this ?
This is very good information you are sharing. Thanks! : )
there is a simple book that you might consider studying “Tissue Cleansing Through Bowel Management” by Dr Bernard Jensen. He wrote over 50 books & this one after 60 years of clinical practice. You can buy a copy on amazon. You will find the answers to your health concerns between its pages. Kind Regards
I forgot to mention I am in Post- Menopause – 55 years old. Before taking biodentical I had severe anxiety and couldn’t sleep well, now I’m feeling better and sleep 6 hours every night. Thank you.
I’ve been taking biodentical (Bi-Est 80/20, 2.75 mg + Progesterone 125 mg) compound – for over a year and also I’ ve been taking Nature-throid 97.5 mg. Now, I would like to try more natural approaches and take Ashawagandha. How do I start?
I would recommend that you gradually wean off your bioidenticals– over a month’s time– I less dose every 3 days until you are off them. At the same time, start Pueraria mirifica so that by the time you are done with your hormones, you will be supported by the naturally occurring phytoestrogens in Pueraria mirifica. Check out http://www.amatalife.com ( It’s my own product).
No period this month just very bad pms symptoms bloating uti feeling but no uti and my period never came though it feels like it might? Last month it was late and very light. Is this the end the pms feeling and bloating weird uti symptoms seem to never leave. What should I do?
Do you have to take progesterone with the pueraria mirifica in order to avoid estrogen dominance?
I have the same question. Did you ever get a response?
No you don’t.
Dear Dr. Northrup,
Have been following you for years. Started bioidentical HT a year ago on low dose estrogen patch and progesterone topical. Cannot tolerate the progesterone. Have tried even very low doses. Have purchased your A-mata in pill form and want to know how to wean off bioidentical and begin taking the AMATA. Thank you.
You simply cut back slowly on the hormones– one less dose every 3 days until finished. But start the Amata PM Plus ( I capsule twice per day). before you wean off. That way your body won’t have to go into any withdrawal.
Thank you. I’m wondering if I can continue 10mg of Paxil while on Amata?
Have been taking Amata once daily and want to increase to twice daily. Don’t see any contradictions for low dose paxil.
Thank you.
I was just wondering…. Would you recommend pausing every now and again with the Pueraria Mirifica if you take take it daily for the menopause?
It is not necessary. But you could certainly give it a try.
Dear Dr. Northrup, can you please provide me an answer which I have been seeking but know not where to ask. I am now 51. I am still having my menstration. Recently l found l have a uterine fibroid that sometimes disrupts my bladder and bowel. I have been taking pueraria mirifica and maca. Can l continue using them if l want to shrink my fibroid? Do these 2 types of phytogen increase my estrogen so much that l developed fibroid unknowingly?
Yes you can. These phytoestrogens won’t cause fibroid growth after perhaps an initial burst since phytoestrogens can inhibit break down of collagen initially. But they do NOT contribute to breast or uterine growth.
I have been on BHRT(divigel and prometrium) for 3 months. I was having cramps and weight gain. I started weaning off the hormones and went I went to every other day the cramps stopped.(still struggling with the weight gain). Since he hormones were helping with the hot flashes, I decided to stay on the every other day regimen. Prior to going on the hormones, I was taking pueraria mirifica and stopped taking it when I started the hormones. I would like to take the pueraria mirifica on the “off days” of the hormones. Is this safe to do? Mixing the estradiol and the prometrium with the pueraria mirifica? I am feeling desperate for an answer to this question. Thank you in advance for your guidance.
Cris
Generally speaking, the Pueraria mirifica works just fine for hot flashes without adding anything additional. But it is perfectly fine to use both the bioidenticals with Pueraria if you like.
Can I add estrogel back in low dose as the progesterone cream is good but not controlling all my flushes and symptoms …how long would it take to work? Thank you
Dear Dr Northrup
Please please will you consider offering your Pueraria Mirifica in the UK or on amazon.co.uk. The costs of shipping plus customs duty make the price prohibitive for many of us. I have found a Pueraria Mirifica supplied by Biovea, but I do not know if it contains Pueroestrol, the substance you talk about and it also recommends 500mg a day which I do not know whether it is safe or not….I am not looking for breast enlargement…..one year in to the menopause I am nearly dead from trying so many things with no effect. If it is possible for anyone out there to answer my questions about the Biovea product I would be so grateful. I asked the company and they couldn’t tell me!
Hi, you have probably sorted yourself out by now but I have been taking the Biovea Pueraria Mirifica for almost a year and feel pretty good. I take 2 in the am and 2 pm. It is safe. I am 54. I went off the pill last year – cold turkey for 6 weeks so I could have blood tests for hormone levels and felt terrible. I was given a prescription for HRT but decided to give the PM a go first. Within two weeks I felt back to normal again. A couple of friends have also found relief with it. Good luck.
So thankful to have you to refer to over the years. I’ve tried herbs,then went to anti depressants. Never been a fan of the idea but was quite overwhelmed by my life at a time. Now I feel number from the anti depressants and need another option. When does all end or does it
for me until I got on hormone replacement my mental health as well as my physical health was going down hill. I was eating very well at the time. My mom also went through a very bad menopause and went on estrogen. When she went off is went I think her health went downhill. I believe ours is genetic because she and I had very bad periods as well as my daughter does now. I think we were high in estrogen and then had big drops in old age. I don’t think everyone should take hormones but in my case it is hormones or heavy psychiatric drugs. I just started again to use the patch and we started at the lowest patch. By the time I got back to the doctor I was a mess. He looked at me and told me you are rambling and this is the worst I have seen you in a long time. We up it again. I have been going in every week and a half. This last time I bit off more than I can chew and I can tell it is too high. When I tried to go off before I became house bound from panic attacks and my regular psychiatrist wanted to put me on antipsychotics. I took it one time and my head felt like it was frozen. She prescribed another one and I was scared to take it. Some of the side effects were death by diabetic coma and heart failure. I try to stay very attuned to my body when it comes to dosages. I look for how peaceful do I feel, are my nails growing, is my hair not falling out, do my eyebrows grow, is my skin soft and oily. Do I feel like I can remember better and is my vision clear. Can I go the bathroom properly and do I not leak. Do I not get sick or have UTIs. All those things were not a given before treatment.
Since you are submitting this on Dr. Northrup’s site, I think you should try the product she is selling – Pueraria Mirifica Plus Vaginal Moisturizer. Try it and let us all know if it works!
I have also heard Black Cohosh can help this condition. Did you search this on the web? Might help!
Dear Dr. Northrup, I am so relieved to find your site, and hope that it will help with my symptoms. I am 49, still getting fairly regular periods, and suffering from what I believe to be symptoms related to perimenopause: severe panic attacks, anxiety, heart palpitations, feelings of dread, depression, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. With the exception of hot flashes (which are probably imminent) you name it, I’ve got it. I’ve been to multiple doctors, none of whom agree on a course of treatment. One recommended anti-depressants, but I don’t feel that that is the right course of action. I’m taking 200 mg of micronized progesterone 12-14 days after my period begins, using essential oils, and taking 200-400 mg of magnesium, but nothing helps. It’s severely impacting my family and my job. I am miserable and I welcome any suggestions you may have. I hope can help because I’m at the end of my rope–I just want to feel like myself again. Thank you.
Your diet, lifestyle, stress levels etc will play a part in your peri symptoms too. Also a healthy gut and digestion is also important. Take a good multi strain probiotic at least 30 billion bacteria. What magnesium do you take? Some magnesium supplements are not well absorbed/digested. I like to make up a magnesium spray using 1 cup of pure boiled water and 1 cup of magnesium chloride. Let the magnesium flakes dissolve and the water to cool and put into a spray bottle. I spray onto my skin. I find its the best way to get magnesium as it by passes the digestion. Don’t wash it off for at least 30 minutes so it has time to sink in. Have you had your thyroid checked as some of the symptoms you mention can be thyroid related. Ashwaghanda herb is good to nourish the thyroid. Also stress can increase cortisol which can also cause symptoms that you have described. Cortisol can steal your progesterone so its important to keep stress levels down. Take some time out for yourself and do deep breathing, relaxation. I hope that helps you.
I am 51 and still getting my periods on a regular basis. I have been taking black cohosh for years as a preventative for hot flashes. I have never had a hot flash to date. I know my hormones are going up and down and I am on the edge of menopause. Honestly, I can’t wait for this roller coaster ride to be over. Recently I started getting migraines right at the start or during my period. Horrible. I decided to use Emerita Pro-gest, and voila!, the migraines are gone. I know my progesterone levels are hitting rock bottom. All I have to do is troll the internet for symptoms and all I have point to low progesterone. So I choose to self medicate. I would rather rub a cream on my body than pop prescription pills. Search for Dr. John Lee on the web. Read some of his books also. Educate yourself. Read Dr. Northrup’s books and her website. I honestly believe you will not harm yourself if you try some of these things – herbs – black cohosh, vitex, – creams – Emerita Pro-gest. Give it 90 days and see if anything makes a difference. Read up on your symptoms and see what your issue is and then try something intelligent. Follow the advice of reputable people – Dr. John Lee, Dr. Northrup – their books and websites should point you in the right direction. Hate to say this but in my experience, most western medicine gynos will not help you like you should be helped. They will tell you “we don’t test hormone levels because they are all over the place so what is the point?” They want to write you a prescription for every symptom you describe – can’t sleep? we have a pill for that, not happy? we have a pill for that, moody? we have pill for that, bitchy? we have a pill for that. I would rather try my luck with creams and herbs or find a doctor with an open mind that will work with you and listen to you. Good luck on your journey!
Hi! Thanks for your comment, it was helpful to me. I am 47 and I too suffer from low progesterone symptoms. I started using Dr Lee’s ProgesterAll and that helped but since I still have periods I can only use it 2 weeks a month, and when I am not using it I have severe hypothyroidism symptoms. Before I stated with the creams, I used Vitex for almost 10 years and that really helped me. Do you use creams and herbs together? I stopped the Vitex when I started the creams but I feel like I need it. Thank you so much in advance for your advice!
Lorin I hope you are feeling better now. For me I found that too much Progesterone actually makes me angry especially when it is not opposed with estrogen. Your dose may be too high. I personally can’t take that high of a dose and when you take oral hormones you don’t get as much as topically because some is thrown out by digestion. Topically I have to be careful because my body seems to really absorb well spiking my levels and causing me to bloat. Also, without a balance of estrogen with the progesterone my thinking is just not clear as well as my bodily functions deteriorate. Be careful about taking a mineral like magnesium for a long time because too much can affect your organs making you feel worse. My dad took too much calcium and ended up damaging his kidneys. Make sure they are monitoring your Magnesium levels regularly.
My issue is high level of estrogen and virtually no progesterone. I am 8 yrs post-menopause and just recently my symptoms came back (hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and hair thinning). Should I try the Vitex?
I would try progesterone cream, get on Amazon, Emerita Pro-Gest, follow the directions. I believe you will do no harm to yourself by trying this. Give it some time.
be really careful about over the counter progesterone creams. They are real drugs because when I have run out of compounded progesterone and I can’t get my cream right away I have used it. I don’t find that the over the counter creams work as efficiently. Make sure you get your progesterone levels rechecked before you adjust. Do not go and randomly smear cream because it is a real drug and you make get way too much more than you need. You need the level that is right for you. I think the best over the counter ones are the ones in the pump that give exact dosages. You still need to make sure a doctor is monitoring your levels. You can usually tell that you are close when all the symptoms you describe start to go away.
Hi, I started Puerina, 3 weeks a go, but I fell all my sintoma increase is this possible. I can’ not sleep more the 4 hours for day, I fell fatigue in the mornings, and my hot flashes too. Thank you. Grace New York
Hi, I have mild cardiovascular disease but am only in my mid-fifties. I am very slim, extremely fit, vegan, with a great HDL and triglycerides profile and fabulous HDL/LDL ratio (so clearly my problem is not dietary) but have high LDL cholesterols for familial/genetic reasons as well as high BP. Doctors have tried me with statins (just 8 weeks’ use caused muscle damage and inflammation as well as abnormal liver function tests) and I cannot take ezetimibe (ezetrol) to lower my LDLs as it causes tingling in my extremities and severe depression (suicidal ideation.) I have some pueraria mirifica, bought originally for breast enhancement and daren’t use it, in case it makes my atherosclerotic plaques worse, because my GP said I can’t take HRT owing to my existing cardiovascular plaques. I’ve heard that PM improves your lipids profile, though (and in my case could resolve some of the breast and skin looseness problems I’m having post-menopause) and wondered if it might be safe to take in patients with existing atherosclerosis whereas conventional HRT is not. Does anyone in a similar position or know anything about this?
My situation is similar and I’m wondering if Amata is safe for people with mild cardiovascular disease? My calcium score is 117 so I’m on 10 mg of simsavaststin with no side effects. I also have graves and Addison’s diseas so wondering if it’s safe to take with synthroid, hydrocortisone and statins.? I’m also a super star when it comes to eating clean and exercising. But I’m still having night sweats that disrupte my sleep! Back cohosh and soy not really helping. I’ve asked these same question on Facebook and here before but no one has answered.
I was told 3 years ago by a very nice endocrinologist who let me sit and babble about how bad I felt that what was coming out of the medical journals was that without HRT some women progress into heart disease very fast. I personally refused statins so I guess I will just live with that decision. My mom and her brother both got muscle pain from them and could not use them. The endocrinologist listened to the whole babble and I told him if it is all in my head let me know. He said it was not all in my head. Well it actually was in my head because the tests showed that my pituitary gland was under producing and I needed more estrogen. You might try this one drug that is not a statin. It basically absorbs the fat and you poo it out. It can cause some stomach gas or something but at least you won’t take your liver out or destroy your muscles.
Hi Dr Northup, I’m 64 yrs old. Went through menopause at 42 with every menopause symptom there was except never had a hot flash! No periods since. It’s been a rough 20 years. I have tried everything throughout the years including compound hormones which I felt okay. I decided about 6 months ago to stop everything since something was always off. Now… I actually feel pretty good except I’m really hot all the time! No hot flashes. No night sweats. It’s 58 degrees right now and I’m hot! I barely have clothes on and I have two fans blowing on me. I just had blood work done. Estradiol <19 pg/ml, progesterone 0.5 ng/ ml, testosterone 5.9 which doctor says was high, DHEA 89 mcg/dl. HGH .19 ng/ml.
What should I take to help cool me off? Pueraria mirifica or black cohost or ?? What dose I should try of either one? I will not survive this summer. Thank you
Is A-MA-TA just for menopause or can post-menopausal women safely use this product as well…this means in their mid to late 60’s who are experiencing hot flashes and dryness EVERYWHERE!! Thank you.
Too hot? Check your thyroid, sounds like it is overactive. My sister had that and she would wear shorts and tank tops in the winter.
Hi Dr. Northrup!
Thank you for your informative wealth of information!
I have a very important and valid question to ask.
After reading this article and many other articles about phytoestrogens and bio-identical hormones, I understood that phytoestrogens do not have the exact molecular structure as the estrogens produced in our bodies but some herbs like licorice, contain trace amounts of STEROIDAL estrogens which are bio-identical to the estrogens found in our bodies. Also, some phytoestrogens work on the alpha receptor and some on the beta receptor which exert different effects. My body is not able to produce enough estradiol due to genetic defects which cause me to age very quickly and experience severe menopausal symptoms eventhough I am under 30! I tried taking licorice root extract for few months and low and behold my estradiol levels skyrocketed from severely low to average optimal range!
My question therefore is – what actually caused the rise in estradiol? was it the fact that licorice contains steroidal estrogens or the fact that the steroidal or non-steroidal estrogens found in licorice worked on the alpha receptor? (would the beta estrogen receptor activity also cause a significant increase in serum estradiol levels?) and since licorice caused a rise in serum estradiol does it mean that it will exert the same physiological effects as compounded
bio identical estrogens? Basically, I would like to know if licorice root can be used as a substitute for compounded
bio identical estrogens to not only alleviate early menopausal symptoms but to regain my fertility or should I combine both or simply compounded bio-identical hormones?
Thank you Dr. Northrup and wishing you all the very best!
Question: I’m 60 had hysterectomy( after the birth of my second child at 37 ) due to fibroid so have had menopausal symptoms for a few decades along with chronic depression. I am concerned about my skin on arms as it is dry and wrinkly. I use mineral oil, coconut oil etc but to no avail. Does your product help this moisturizer from inside out? Also I’m back to dating…haven’t had sex in three years…I heard you mention this was good for that?
Thank you for all that you bring to us fellow goddesses!
Just searching the web for ANY info I can find and you have more info than any other THANK YOU!
I’ve had 4 rounds of pellets and each round has needed tweaking do with tweaking has been a roller coaster ride! I decided I was tired of the ride and going to no longer use pellets. Coming down off the last dose has been pretty rough…severe headaches, achyness all over especially legs and forearms, heart palpitations, sore red big toe??? Weird! Before pellets I tried patches which cause severe dizzyness, headaches and I started a period (haven’t had a period in 7 years, I’m 48). The doc I started with was concerned at my low levels of estrogen and testosterone for my age (I’m thinking this is what happens in menapause though right?). But anyway, long story short all I really need is energy, good sleep, rid myself of night sweats/hot flashes and I do have the achyness with is at an all time high with coming down from pellets.
Do other woman deal with aches?
Thank you so much for what you do!
I feel like I’ve aged 10 years in the past 2 weeks and know it’s the “coming down” from the pellets
Hi Dr. Northrup, I am on bioidentical hormone therapy for several reasons, and I feel great. I was wondering if I can still take pueraria mirifica as a supplement? I am also taking the supplement DIM, which my doctor recommended I take along with the bioidentical hormone therapy. I want to use the pueraria mirifica for breast enlargement. Thank you so much.
I should add that I have the bioidentical hormone pellets for estrogen and testosterone, and I use a progesterone cream. Thank you.
Carol,
Did you ever get an answer to this question? I have cut my hormones replacement in half and I wanted to take pueraria mirificia on the “off days” and I wondered it that is safe to do?
Hi, Dr Christiane! I (reside in South Africa) and am menopausal – I have purchased the Pueraria Mirifica (500mg per capsule) but I am now afraid to take it because I believe it promotes breast enlargement….. does this occur in all cases and if so, if you stop taking it will your breasts return to normal? I had breast reduction at the age of 16 and the last thing I want is for the twins to enlarge 😉 Please help.
Sorry Dr Christiane, I forgot to mention that in 2007 I had a hysterectomy but still have my ovaries.
Where did you buy your Pueraria Mirifica from? I also live in South Africa, but customs will block this herbal supplement and won’t allow it into the country. Not so? Unless this law has changed? Or did you buy it in SA?
Solgar PM Phytogen Comple
I’ve used bio identical hormones for more then a year for my menopausal symptoms. It has worked very well, until my 24 h urine test showed that all of mine hormone levels were abnormally high! I used the smallest amount of bio identical estrogen/progesterone/testosterone/DHEA cream. I decided to stop using the cream, and for 4 months after stopping it, I did not have any menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, my symptoms are back now, and I am thinking of going back to my hormone cream. At the same time, I am afraid that my hormone levels are going to skyrocket again. I heard somewhere that it is not uncommon for 24h urine test to show high levels of hormones, when using bio identical hormones. What do you think about that?
HI Oli, Given this, I would strongly recommend that you use herbs instead of hormones. My own brand of Pueraria mirifica works really well for most women. And with NO worries about excess hormones. Check out http://www.a-ma-ta.com Read the testimonials. And give it a try. Women often notice improvement in symptoms in a very short time– 4 days to a week. But in some it takes longer– 1-2 months. But certainly well worth a try. And if you want more information on this herb, check out http://www.puresterol.com thanks so much for asking. Christiane
Thank you so much!
I am taking pueraria mirifica for breast enlargement (and it’s working!). I’m also taking birth control pills.
Should I take vitex also to balance my hormones?
There is no need for additional herbs. The Pueraria mirifica should do the trick. And will also help protect you a bit from the synthetic hormones in the birth control pills.
tENGO 51 AÑOS. tENGO LA MENOPAUSIA DESDE LOS 47. mE DIAGNOSTICARON HACE DOS AÑOS OSTEOPOROSOIS EN LA COLUMNA -3.4 Y EN LA CADERA OSTEOPENIAA. hICE EJERCICIO, CORRER, CAMINAR Y ALGO DE PESAS. Y TOMÉ UN COMPLEMENTO DE CALCIO M(800) MAGNESIO, VITAMINA d( 4259 BORO, COBRE, MANGANESO…COLÁGENO Y OMEGA TRES. DESPUÉS DE DOS AÑOS ME REPITEN LA DENSITOMETRÍA Y ME DA -3.9 EN LA COLUMNA.
mI DUDA ES: ME PONGO LAS INYECCIONES PARA RECUPERAR MASA ÓSEA?
o HAY OTRAS FORMAS DE QUE PUEDA RECUPERAR MASA ÓSEA?
BUEN DÍA
Try the SAVE OUR BONES Program on line….. check it out ?
I am 51 and I taking 100 mg of bio identical progesterone days 15-28, and 1 pump of EstroGel 0.06% 50 GM every day. Is it safe to also take the herbs you recommend in your book H.R.T. (pueraria mirifica), Femmenessence (Maca), and Remifemin (Black Cohosh)? The herbs made me feel better, but was just prescribed the EstroGel and wonder if it’s safe to take all of those drugs/herbs? Thank you so much!
You certainly can add the herbs without any worries. And my recommendation would be that after you’ve been on the herbs, especially Pueraria mirifica, for a couple months, then wean off the Estrogel. Chances are good that you won’t need it. let me know how you do.
Vitex- Chasteberry
I have had a wonderful experience with Vitex for relieving the “constant PMS” symptoms of peri-menopause, and hope it can help others the way it has helped me!
My question is, can you be on minimum amounts of bioidentical hormones and supplement with say pueraria mirifica at the same time? Thank you.
Yes– absolutely. But generally you won’t need both.
Thank you, Doctor. I want to add pueraria mirifica for breast enlargement. I have been on bioidentical hormone therapy since June, 2015. I love how I feel – I had so many menopausal issues I was dealing with. I have the estrogen and testosterone as pellets, and use a compounded progesterone cream. I will go ahead and try the pueraria mirifica. I was just concerned that the PM could interfere with my estrogen levels. Thank you very much.
Hi Dr. Northrup. I’m 52 yrs. old and have PCOS and hormone imbalance all my life. Since I started menstruation (12 yrs.) I always skipped my periods and had to take birth control to balance so I didn’t have to have a D&C. For the last year I had a period every other month (off BC) until earlier this year when I started having periods every month with migraine headaches. My GYN put me on HRT but that didn’t stop the bleeding that I’d have every few weeks. Since May I’ve had a period all but 3 weeks. My GYN did put me on BC’s again but that didn’t stop the bleeding as well. Now she wants to do a D&C with Estrogen IV drip to get the bleeding to stop. My question is will that stop the bleeding and if the Estrogen is high why do I have to do an estrogen IV drip then? Also my PAP and recent biopsy of lining came back normal therefore my GYN believes this is all hormone balance issues. She also offered an ablation but I’m on the fence on that. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks
I HAVE BEEN ON BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES FOR 8 YRS. AND FOR THE LAST YEAR THEY HAVE NOT WORK WELL FOR ME ANYMORE. I HAVE HOT FLASHES , NIGHT SWEATS, HAIR FALLING OUT, ALWAYS HAVING STRANGE FEELINGS GOING THROUGH MY BODY LIKE SOME THING IS VERY WRONG WITH ME.VERY SCAREY .AND FEEL SAD AND DEPRESSED. AND THE INTERNAL SHAKING. PLEASE HELP I AM SO STRESSED OUT ALL THE TIME. IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I CAN TRY?
This is where I’d try Pueraria mirifica. And also make sure your vitamin D levels are optimal! Check out http://www.a-ma-ta.com
Dear Christiane – First let me tell you that 25 years ago when I started peri-menopause and then moved into menopause, I thought I was loosing my mind and that’s putting it lightly. The Divine placed your book Wisdom… in my life and it turned everything around so THANK YOU for your pioneering and encouraging work! You are such an inspiration to women everywhere and I pray you continue for many years to come. I am now post-menopausal and on the verge of osteoporosis; my hormones are in the toilet – estrogen, progesterone, and testerone- all bottomed out. My women’s dr. has put me on topical progesterone, testerone, and Minivelle patches .075mg for estrogen. While I feel like it’s probably working, I am now wondering about the Amata you reference in your book. I am reading (and listening) to Goddesses never Age (which is by the way the best book I could ever absorb into my psyche!!) When I visit the website, it doesn’t refer to post-menopause at all so I’m wondering if this would be right for me? I would very much like to get off of bio-identicals before I retire as they are extremely costly to be compounded and I just don’t like the patch…BTW-I am a healthy 65 year old, have a little osteoarthritis and need to exercise more – loose 20 lbs., but other than that look and feel pretty good. So your insight would be so appreciated.
Blessings and light for you and your ministry,
Terra
Our product www. A-ma-ta.com ( Pueraria mirifica) is approved for use for menopausal symptoms. But because those symptoms can go on for many years, and because PM has beneficial effects at supporting bones, hormones, and other tissues, my opinion is that it’s something women find helpful for a lifetime. I’m sure taking it. But always check with your own intuition!! And thanks for this great question!
Sheeesh, ready to hurl myself out a window. Have had flashes for 10 years. Tried various estrogens, premarin 25 years due to a complete hysterectomy, hormone patch, divigel, dessicated thyroid but nothing stops flashes and they are severe. Why can’t any dr.s help me and I have seen many, even hormone specialist, very frustrated.
Try going gluten free vegan. Take digestive enzymes, probiotics and metabolic enzymes. Drink tea made from turmeric and ginger. Try the herbs mentioned.
[…] of physical and psychological stress or the results of aging.DIM has been confirmed in analysis becoming beneficial to the prevention of several estrogen-imbalance disease states in both women and men.The primary […]
I had a full hestorectomy 23 years ago. I don’t tolerate most hormones , my question is I have Osteoporosis and my hair has thinned drastically . What can i take for that?I am using a astodiol .5 patch for hot flashes.
Thank you for any information you can give me. Rachel e
I just bought some maca and was ready to start taking it but I noticed on the bottle that it raises IGF-1 levels. I did some research on this and found that higher IGF-1 levels greatly increase the chances of getting certain cancers. Is there a reason I shouldn’t be concerned about taking the maca?
I am confused! I am estrogen dominant, just turned 50 and having pre-menopausal symptoms of hot flashes, low libido, night sweats, etc. It would seem that I do not need “more estrogen”. Can I/should I try the pueraria mirifica?
Did you get an answer to this question. I am curious too.