Atrophic vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina as a result of tissue thinning due to not enough estrogen. Symptoms may include pain with sex, vaginal itchiness or dryness, and an urge to urinate or burning with urination. It generally does not resolve without ongoing treatment. Complications may include urinary tract infections.The lack of estrogen typically occurs following menopause. Other causes may include when breastfeeding or as a result of specific medications. Risk factors include smoking. ...

atrophic vaginitis

_-1_0

Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

_-1_1

_-1_2

Menopause is a difficult period that occurs in every woman's life, and when this happens, she needs help dealing with unpleasant symptoms and a lot of support and understanding from loved ones.

_-1_3

The average age at which menopause occurs is 50 years. Its onset is associated with a dramatic change in hormonal balance, a decrease in estrogen and an increase in hormones FSH and LH, which eventually leads to a decrease in the levelof progesterone and causes permanent amenorrhea or, in other words, an end to menstrual cycles.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause

What are the first symptoms of menopause

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_0

In two-thirds of women, specific symptoms are observed. The most characteristic symptoms of menopause or menopausal syndrome are vasomotor: hot flushes and night sweats, as well as psychosomatic symptoms, which are observed differently in people with different psychological, social and cultural characteristics.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_1

Hot flushes are presented as periodic redness of the face and sudden sweating with chills, palpitations, anxiety, a feeling of pressure in the head and chest, nausea, suffocation and lack of concentration, which usually lasts from a few seconds to a minute and rarely lasts up to an hour.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_2

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_3

Hot flushes are experienced and felt differently, but there are factors that worsen this symptoms:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_4

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">alcohol intake and caffeinated products,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">eating spicy foods,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">high ambient temperature,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">wearing tight clothes,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">smoke or exposure to cigarette smoke.</li>
</ul>

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_5

Estrogen deficiency can also cause atrophy of the urogenital tract, and this can lead to symptoms such as:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_6

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">itching and dyspareania (pain or feeling uncomfortable during intercourse),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">urethritis (inflammation of the urinary canal),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">dysuria (burning or painful sensation during urination),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">incontinence (urine leakage),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">frequent urination.</li>
</ul>

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_7

Psychological symptoms of menopause are:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_8

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">anxiety,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">depression,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">irritability,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">frequent mood swings,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">impaired memory,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">decreased sex drive.</li>
</ul>

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_9

Other symptoms include:

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_10

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">pain in joints and muscles,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">facial hair,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">dry skin,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">creeping sensation under the skin,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">fatigue.</li>
</ul>

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_11

Hormone therapy is one of the most effective treatments for reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and sweating) and for treating other complications associated with menopause. However, hormone therapy has been shown to cause an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary heart disease, as well as pulmonary embolism. For women at increased risk of breast cancer, hormone therapy is contraindicated.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_12

This is the reason why most women do not resort to hormone replacement therapy, but prefer herbs and dietary supplements to deal with symptoms until this period passes away.

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_13

What-are-the-first-symptoms-of-menopause_0_14

The market is flooded with products that promise help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, and this can be very confusing - what to choose and is there any scientific evidence behind the claims that one or another supplement can really help you. So we decided to write this article, presenting in it the herbs for which there is such evidence.

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-menopause

What are the mechanisms behind herbs ability to alleviate the symptoms of menopause

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-menopause_1_0

Perhaps the main reason for the effectiveness of some herbs and plants in relieving menopausal symptoms is the presence of phytoestrogens. More than 300 such plants have been identified so far. Phytoestrogens are substances that have the ability to bind to estrogen receptors in a woman's body and thus mimic the action of real estrogen.

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-menopause_1_1

In addition to phytoestrogens, some herbs contain phytoprogesterone. They, as well as the antiandrogenic effects of some herbs, which reduce the conversion of testosterone to dehydrotestosterone and increase the conversion of testosterone and androstenedione to estrogen in peripheral tissues, can alleviate the symptoms of menopause and especially hot flashes.

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-menopause_1_2

There are other mechanisms by which medicinal plants help. For example, some herbal medicines that affect the nervous system by activating specific neurotransmitters are effective in improving sleep and memory in menopausal women.

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs-ability-to-alleviate-the-symptoms-of-menopause_1_3

Which-medicinal-plants-really-have-a-beneficial-effect-on-the-symptoms-of-menopause

Which medicinal plants really have a beneficial effect on the symptoms of menopause

Which-medicinal-plants-really-have-a-beneficial-effect-on-the-symptoms-of-menopause_2_0

The most studied plants whose action is associated with relieving the symptoms of menopause are soy (Glycine max) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). In the article, we will look at more herbs and plants, citing a 2017 review&nbsp;[<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>], summarising the results of available clinical trials and studies, namely:

Which-medicinal-plants-really-have-a-beneficial-effect-on-the-symptoms-of-menopause_2_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Sage (Salvia officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Valerian (Valerina officinalis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Black cumin (Nigella sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Abraham's balm, Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Fennel (Foennel vulgare),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ginkgo biloba,</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Alfalfa (Medicago sativa),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anise (Pimpinella anisum),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata),</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Red clover (Trifolium pratense).</li>
</ul>

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)

Black cohosh root (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_3_0

Cimicifuga racemosa is also known as black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle. It's native for North America and was traditionally used for menstruation problems by Native&nbsp;Americans. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764641/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>]

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_3_1

The herb is used to relieve hot flushes and psychological symptoms of menopause. The active ingredient - terpene glycosides is found in the roots of the plant. They bind to the estrogen receptor and selectively suppress the secretion of LH without any effect on FSH.

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_3_2

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_3_3

There have been no reports of dangerous side effects caused by taking therapeutic doses of this plant. Some side effects resulting from the consumption of this herb include inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, nausea and vomiting. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]

Black-cohosh-root-(Cimicifuga-racemosa)_3_4

The mechanism of action is not yet fully understood, but it seems that the active substances in black cohosh&nbsp;exercise estrogen-like actions in some tissues and anti-estrogenic effects in others. [<a href="https://bcmj.org/articles/relieving-symptoms-menopause-herbs-hormones" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 3</a>]

Soybeans-have-beneficial-effect-on-lipid-metabolism-(Glycine-max)

Soybeans have beneficial effect on lipid metabolism (Glycine max)

Soybeans-have-beneficial-effect-on-lipid-metabolism-(Glycine-max)_4_0

The results of some clinical studies have shown that soy extract reduces the frequency of hot flushes in postmenopausal women, but other studies have reported that there is no significant difference between soy and placebo.

Soybeans-have-beneficial-effect-on-lipid-metabolism-(Glycine-max)_4_1

Evidence of the effects of soy (isoflavons) on menopause symptoms is minimal at best, but there is evidence that soy can have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of women who consume it.

Soybeans-have-beneficial-effect-on-lipid-metabolism-(Glycine-max)_4_2

Soybeans-have-beneficial-effect-on-lipid-metabolism-(Glycine-max)_4_3

Therefore, given the benefit to the cardiovascular system, as well as the potential beneficial effects on bones and memory, it seems useful in the diet of women in the period of peri- and postmenopause to include soy. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Food_labeling_health_claims_soy_protein_and_coronary_heart_disease_Food_and_Drug_Administration_HHS_Final_rule_11010706" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 4</a>]

Sage-improves-memory-(Salvia-officinalis)

Sage improves memory (Salvia officinalis)

Sage-improves-memory-(Salvia-officinalis)_5_0

The mechanism of action of sage is carried out by binding to GABA/benzodiazepine receptors in the brain and relieves vasomotor symptoms - hot flushes and sweating, due to its estrogenic effects.

Sage-improves-memory-(Salvia-officinalis)_5_1

Moreover, thanks to its positive impact on the nervous system, the herb is effective for improving memory and has a calming effect.

Sage-improves-memory-(Salvia-officinalis)_5_2

There are no reports of dangerous side effects caused by therapeutic doses of this plant. But excessive use of sage causes a feeling of heat, dizziness, tachycardia and epilepsy-like seizures. Cross-reactivity with diabetes and blood pressure medications is likely to occur, so if you take them, consultation with a doctor is mandatory! [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_review_of_effective_herbal_medicines_in_controlling_menopausal_symptoms_29403626" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>]

Sage-improves-memory-(Salvia-officinalis)_5_3

Lemon-Balm-for-better-sleep-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon Balm for better sleep (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon-Balm-for-better-sleep-(Melissa-officinalis)_6_0

This herb is used to soothe and treat sleep problems, especially at the onset of menopause. There have been no reports of dangerous side effects caused by taking therapeutic doses ofthis herb.

Valerian-has-a-soothing-effect-(Valerina-officinalis)

Valerian has a soothing effect (Valerina officinalis)

Valerian-has-a-soothing-effect-(Valerina-officinalis)_7_0

Valerian root extract is known for its soothing effect, but it also relieves hot flushes. There are no known negative side effects.

Fenugreek-against-metabolic-syndrome-(Trigonella-foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek against metabolic syndrome (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek-against-metabolic-syndrome-(Trigonella-foenum-graecum)_8_0

This herb has lipid-lowering effects due to the presence of saponin compounds. Several studies have shown the effects of this plant in the treatment of menopause symptoms, especially hot flushes and metabolic syndrome.

Black-cumin-lowers-blood-sugar-(Nigella-sativa)

Black cumin lowers blood sugar (Nigella sativa)

Black-cumin-lowers-blood-sugar-(Nigella-sativa)_9_0

Black cumin lowers blood sugar and lipids and is effective in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. [<a href="/p/5_bilki_poliezni_za_diabietitsi_i_khora_izlozhieni_na_risk_ot_boliestta_a1be3113_4acb_48b7_98d1_885314093e78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">ref. 5</a>]

Black-cumin-lowers-blood-sugar-(Nigella-sativa)_9_1

What-do-we-know-about-Vitex-(Vitex-agnus-castus)

What do we know about Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

What-do-we-know-about-Vitex-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_10_0

Vitex is also known as chaste tree (or chastetree), chasteberry, Abraham's balm, lilac chastetree, or monk's pepper.

What-do-we-know-about-Vitex-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_10_1

The mechanism of action and effectiveness of this plant have not yet been well studied and proven. According to some studies, the Vitex tree&nbsp;increases levels of the hormones progesterone and LH, while others say it has no influence. On the other hand, the effects on prolactin depend on the dose taken.

What-do-we-know-about-Vitex-(Vitex-agnus-castus)_10_2

More research is needed to determine whether this plant can be effective in combating menopause symptoms.

Fennel-against-atrophy-(Foennel-vulgare)

Fennel against atrophy (Foennel vulgare)

Fennel-against-atrophy-(Foennel-vulgare)_11_0

Due to the presence of palmitic acid and beta-sitosterol in the herb, it has anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory effects. The therapeutic effects of fennel on hot flushes and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women have been studied, and according to one clinical trial, the application of a specially developed vaginal cream has improved the symptoms of atrophy in participants. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Effect_of_Foeniculum_vulgare_fennel_vaginal_cream_on_vaginal_atrophy_in_postmenopausal_women_A_double_blind_randomized_placebo_controlled_trial_26617271" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 6</a>]

Evening-primrose-improves-psychological-condition-(Oenothera-biennis)

Evening primrose improves psychological condition (Oenothera biennis)

Evening-primrose-improves-psychological-condition-(Oenothera-biennis)_12_0

There is evidence that evening primrose oil reduces the severity of hot flushes associated with menopause, but not their frequency, while black cohosh also decreases their frequency, in addition to their severity. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_comparative_study_on_the_effect_of_black_cohosh_and_evening_primrose_oil_on_menopausal_hot_flashes_29619387" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>]

Evening-primrose-improves-psychological-condition-(Oenothera-biennis)_12_1

According to a clinical trial from this year (2020), evening primrose oil has also improved the psychological condition of women suffering from menopause symptoms. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Impact_of_evening_primrose_oil_consumption_on_psychological_symptoms_of_postmenopausal_women_a_randomized_double_blinded_placebo_controlled_clinical_trial_31738736" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>]

Evening-primrose-improves-psychological-condition-(Oenothera-biennis)_12_2

Evening-primrose-improves-psychological-condition-(Oenothera-biennis)_12_3

It should be considered that evening primrose oil can cause mild gastrointestinal disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, as well as lowering the threshold for occurrence of seizures&nbsp;patients with such diseases or taking anti-epilepsy drugs. In these cases, a consultation with a doctor is needed!

Ginkgo-bilobaimproves-memory

Ginkgo bilobaimproves memory

Ginkgo-bilobaimproves-memory_13_0

Ginkgo biloba can aid memory disorders in women who have already gone through the unpleasant period of menopause and are in the so-called postmenopause.

Alfalfa-against-hot-flushes-(Medicago-sativa)

Alfalfa against hot flushes (Medicago sativa)

Alfalfa-against-hot-flushes-(Medicago-sativa)_14_0

Alfalfa is effective against hot flushes, but there is a risk of hypoglycemia (dangerous decrease in blood sugar) and infection with bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli when consuming seeds from the plant.

St.-John's-wort-against-depression-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort against depression (Hypericum perforatum)

St.-John's-wort-against-depression-(Hypericum-perforatum)_15_0

Clinical studies have shown the effect of St. John's wort plant extract in the treatment of mild to moderate depression and anxiety and its efficacy on libido, vaginal dryness, urinary tract problems and mental complications caused by menopause [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20216274/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>]. Side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, sensitivity to light (phototoxicity), restlessness and fatigue.

St.-John's-wort-against-depression-(Hypericum-perforatum)_15_1

Asian-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Asian-ginseng-(Panax-ginseng)_16_0

Ginseng can be used as a remedy for fatigue, weakness and to improve concentration. This plant has been shown to be effective in treating depression and mood disorders in postmenopausal women, and has been reported to relieve the symptoms of sexual dysfunction [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/The_effect_of_ginseng_on_sexual_dysfunction_in_menopausal_women_A_double_blind_randomized_controlled_trial_31331583" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>]. Side effects include low blood sugar, insomnia, headaches, nervousness, gastrointestinal problems and acne.

Anise-phytoestrogens-(Pimpinella-anisum)

Anise phytoestrogens (Pimpinella anisum)

Anise-phytoestrogens-(Pimpinella-anisum)_17_0

There is evidence that anise can relieve hot flushes, but studies yield conflicting results and more research appears to be needed to prove the effectiveness of anise. It is believed that the effect is due to phytoestrogens in the plant. [<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813162/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 11</a>]

Licorice-has-proven-effects-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)

Licorice has proven effects (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice-has-proven-effects-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_18_0

Licorice has a number of proven beneficial properties, including its effectiveness in mitigating the symptoms of hot flushes in menopause.

Licorice-has-proven-effects-(Glycyrrhiza-glabra)_18_1

But prolonged use of this herb leads to an increase in blood pressure, heart problems, pseudohyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, hypertension, hypokalemia and hypernatremia. Side effects to consider.

Purple-passionflower-helps-with-insomnia-(Passiflora-incarnata)

Purple passionflower helps with insomnia (Passiflora incarnata)

Purple-passionflower-helps-with-insomnia-(Passiflora-incarnata)_19_0

Pasiflora contains flavonoids and has a phytoprogestogenic and sedative effect and helps with insomnia. In some studies, its efficacy has been reported in terms of neurological symptoms and hot flushes associated with menopause.

Purple-passionflower-helps-with-insomnia-(Passiflora-incarnata)_19_1

Red-clover-flavonoids-(Trifolium-pratenseine)

Red clover flavonoids (Trifolium pratenseine)

Red-clover-flavonoids-(Trifolium-pratenseine)_20_0

Red clover contains flavonoids and has phytoestrogenic effects. There is evidence that the intake of isoflavone-containing additives from this plant is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes. But there are divergent opinions in literature. Some research has suggested that the plant has no effect on menopause-related hot flushes, while others say red clover has a notable effect in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

Red-clover-flavonoids-(Trifolium-pratenseine)_20_1

Simultaneous use of this plant with hormonal drugs should be avoided due to cross-reactivity.