Alternative Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms: Benefits & Risks

Dong quai root is an herbal Chinese remedy used most often to treat female reproductive problems.

Benefits: Some women report relief of hot flashes with dong quai use. It is unclear if dong quai has estrogen-like properties or if it blocks estrogen. So far, scientific studies have not confirmed the effectiveness of dong quai in relieving hot flashes.

Risks: High doses of dong quai increase sensitivity to sunlight and causes skin inflammation and rashes. The essential oil of dong quai contains a small amount of cancer-causing substances. Do not use dong quai if you have chronic diarrhea or abdominal bloating. Women who are at risk for hormone-related cancers, such as breast, uterine and ovarian cancers, should not take dong quai because its estrogen-like effects have not been scientifically determined.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute: Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy Use and Cancer

SoyConnection.com: Soy Isoflavone Intake and the Risk of Breast and Endometrial Cancers By Mark Messina, Ph.D.

Office of Dietary Supplements:
Black Cohosh
Vitamin E

Mayo Clinic: Menopause Alternative Medicine

University of Maryland Medical Center:
Licorice
Ginkgo biloba
Dong quai

Holisticonline.com: Alternative Medicine for Menopause