For the past 40 years or more, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been used to manage unpleasant symptoms that commonly occur around the menopause. This hormone replacement therapy has been in the form of estrogen medications or estrogen medications combined with synthetic preparations or progesterone, which are called progestins. Unfortunately, the disadvantages and limitations of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have become apparent in recent research, where it is now known that HRT can be potentially dangerous.

            While the menopause can precipitate unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, lack of psychological well-being and urinary problems, the real significance for the post-menopausal years is the onslaught of age-related disease, such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, thin bones (osteoporosis) and age-related declines in brain function.

            In recent medical literature, scholarly physicians have examined the evidence behind the use of many dietary supplements for the management problems surrounding the menopause or altered menstrual function. The science of nutritional support for menopause and PMS using dietary supplements is emerging with much strength and there are an increasing number of evidence-based studies now showing variable benefits of a number of natural agents in the management of menopause.

            Considering the management of the menopause transition, most scientific support lies with the use of soy isoflavones and black cohosh, which form major ingredients and constituents of the product Menopause and PMS Naturally™. There is good scientific agreement that red clover which contains isoflavones similar to those found in soy, may help with hot flashes and other symptoms in the menopause. Red clover is found in Menopause and PMS Naturally™.

            Promising information exists on the benefits of certain vitamins and the use of evening primrose oil and/or dong quai for menopause and PMS. Though much of the support for the use of these natural substances is anecdotal, in comparison to the study with soy, red clover and black cohosh, I believe that these constituents are valuable in PMS and menopause as nutritional support.

            The ingredients of Menopause and PMS Naturally™ include black cohosh in its well-documented and research standardized extract form of 2%, together with soy isoflavones providing the “power of soy”. Contained within Menopause and PMS Naturally™ is an extract of green tea called L-theanine, which assists with the normal body function of a relaxation response. Added to the formula are evening primrose oil, which provides nutritional support for reproductive organ function and breast health, dong quai, a traditional female specific herb, and chasteberry for which there is a long precedent and history of use for female health. Finally, Menopause and PMS Naturally™ contains the benefits of gingko biloba which supports central nervous system functions and blood flow to the brain.

            In comparison, with other popular menopause supplements such as Estroven® and Remifemin®, Menopause and PMS Naturally™ has a more versatile formula. Constituents of Menopause and PMS Naturally™ have antioxidant function, which can assist in nutritional support for anti-aging. Overall, Menopause and PMS Naturally™ with recommendations for lifestyle change presents a useful first-line option for individuals experiencing uncomplicated transitions in the menopause and some problems related to menstrual cycles.