Herbal medicine and menopause: the truly effective plants to support you

Phytotherapy draws on the active compounds found in plants: phytoestrogens, alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils… These substances act on various physiological pathways to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and regulate its functions.

Unlike conventional medicine, which uses synthetic molecules, phytotherapy favours preparations made from fresh or dried plants (herbal teas, mother tinctures, dry extracts, capsules) whose efficacy is supported by clinical and pharmacological data.

According to the WHO, around 65% of women going through menopause turn to complementary medicine, with nearly 25% choosing phytotherapy often in the form of a menopause dietary supplement.

The decline in oestrogen triggers a range of symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, mood fluctuations, and fatigue.

Plants offer:

• Adaptogenic plants (ashwagandha, ginseng) studied across 12 clinical trials, shown to reduce fatigue by 20% (Planta Medica review, 2019).

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions (turmeric, ginger) to ease irritability and support joint comfort.

Phytotherapy fits within a holistic wellness approach, respectful of individual rhythms and possible interactions.

These plants do not impose raw oestrogenic activity but rather support endocrine regulation:

• Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus): improves emotional stability and helps regulate natural progesterone production.

• Yam: supports ovarian function during perimenopause, with benefits reported by many users.

These plants, found in natural supplements for hormonal stress, strengthen resilience to stress and promote nervous system balance:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): 27% reduction in cortisol after 8 weeks.

• Ginseng (Panax ginseng): 15% improvement in memory and concentration.

• Ginkgo biloba: improvement in memory and concentration.

• Lemon balm and chamomile: validated calming action on the sleep-wake cycle.

• Clary sage: recognised for its support in reducing perspiration and vasomotor discomfort.

• Chamomile and lemon balm: a synergy that improves sleep onset and overall sleep quality.

• Saffron: recognised efficacy on mood and emotional balance.
• Lemon balm: reduces palpitations and restlessness.

• Sage, phytoestrogens: 40% improvement in vaginal comfort (Italian study, 2018).
• Ginseng, rhodiola: increased endorphins and energy, with a +30% improvement in overall wellbeing index.

• Turmeric (curcumin): 25% reduction in joint pain (meta-analysis, Journal of Pain Research, 2019).
• Ginger, devil's claw: confirmed anti-inflammatory effect, 20% improvement in mobility.

• Infusions: ideal for flowers and leaves. 2 cups/day, 5–10 g of dried plant.

• Decoctions: suited to roots and bark. 10–15 g in 250 ml of water, 10–15 min over low heat.

• Dry extracts and capsules: precise standardisation. 40–80 mg of standardised extract, 1–2 times/day.

• Mother tinctures: concentrated use. 20–30 drops, 2–3 times/day in a little water.

Although "natural", plants can interact with 60% of drug treatments (Clinical Pharmacology review, 2018). For example:

• St John's Wort accelerates the metabolism of more than 50 medications (anticoagulants, contraceptives).

• Milk thistle influences the plasma concentrations of certain cancer treatments.

No: it remains less potent and should be considered as a complement to medical treatment, following medical advice.

Results generally appear between 4 and 8 weeks of regular use, depending on the plants and dosages.

Yes, but gradually: start with 1–2 extracts, then adjust under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

At recommended doses, their modulable action minimises risks. If you have a history of hormone-dependent cancer, consult an oncologist.

Infusions for daily use, standardised extracts for precise dosing. The key: quality, traceability and appropriate guidance.