A Nutraceutical Approach to Menopausal Complaints

Abstract

The menopausal transition, or perimenopause, is characterized by menstrual irregularities, vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood symptoms, and urogenital tract atrophy. These changes can also affect the quality of life and one’s self-esteem. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered the best option to achieve therapeutic relief of different menopausal symptoms but is usually restricted to moderate or severe symptoms. Moreover, many women refuse HRT for a variety of reasons concerning the fear of cancer and other adverse effects. According to these considerations, new topics are emerging: Dissatisfaction with drug costs and conventional healthcare, desire for personalized medicines, and the public perception that “natural is good”. In this context, nonhormonal therapies are mostly evolving, and it is not unusual that women often request a “natural” approach for their symptoms. The aim of this study is to investigate nonhormonal therapies that have been identified to reduce the menopausal symptoms.

Isoflavones Isolated from the Seeds of Millettia ferruginea Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

“…In addition, the genus Millettia is rich in flavonoids, for example, isoflavones, showing various activities in women health. Isoflavones have been shown to have beneficial effects for women with menopausal complaints, postmenopausal syndromes, and breast and gynecologic cancers [15][16][17][18]. Similarly, griffonianone C, an isoflavone from the M. griffoniana, has been reported to have estrogenic activity in uterus and liver of ovariectomized rats [19].…”

<p>Thyme Tea and Primary Dysmenorrhea Among Young Female Students</p>

“…3,19,20 Though effective pharmacological drugs like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptive pills are widely available, 16 most adolescents choose to use home remedies or non-pharmacological remedies for their pain. Non-pharmacologic nutritional measures called nutraceuticals, 21 used to control primary dysmenorrhea include: Dietary habit changes and consumption of foods (like fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and fish which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids), 4,22,23 and use of herbal products of cinnamon, 24 ginger root, 25 and Foeniculum vulgare 22 were reported effective in reducing the intensity of dysmenorrhea.…”

Vitex agnus-castus L.: Main Features and Nutraceutical Perspectives

“…Many clinical trials confirm the health-promoting effects of V. agnus-castus L. [101][102][103][104][105][106][107][108]. Table 3 reports the results of the main clinical trial studies.…”