Fenugreek reduces menopausal symptoms

Fenugreek may help reduce symptoms of menopause, according to research. The study, which was published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, examined the effect of supplementing with fenugreek extract on plasma estrogens and postmenopausal discomforts.

• A common conventional treatment for the symptoms of menopause is hormone replacement therapy, which has been found to have adverse side effects.
• As a result, the interest in the development of safe natural agents for managing postmenopausal discomforts is increasing.
• Researchers from India conducted a randomized, double?blinded, placebo?controlled study on the effects of fenugreek on menopausal symptoms.
• They recruited 88 women who have moderate to severe postmenopausal discomforts and poor quality of life.
• Then, they gave them a dose of 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day of a standardized fenugreek extract or a placebo for 90 days.
• The results showed that compared to placebo, the fenugreek treatment significantly reduced night sweat scores by 57.1 percent, mood swings by 68.2 percent, insomnia by 75 percent, and headaches by 53.9 percent.
• In addition, some women in the fenugreek treatment group reported no hot flashes after supplementation, while the others had a decrease to one to two times per day from an average of three to five hot flashes daily.
• They also experienced a 120 percent increase in estradiol and quality of life.
• Furthermore, the researchers found fenugreek extract treatment is safe and plays a role in the management of lipid profile in menopausal women.

These findings indicate that taking 1,000 mg fenugreek extract every day for 90 days significantly reduces symptoms of menopause.

To read more studies on natural treatments for menopausal symptoms, visit WomensHealth.news.

Journal Reference:

Begum SS, Jayalakshmi HK, Vidyavathi HG, Gopakumar G, Abin I, Balu M, Geetha K, Suresha SV, Vasundhara M, Krishnakumar IM. A NOVEL EXTRACT OF FENUGREEK HUSK (FENUSMART™) ALLEVIATES POSTMENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS AND HELPS TO ESTABLISH THE HORMONAL BALANCE: A RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY. Phytotherapy Research. 04 November 2016; 30(11): 1775-1784. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5680