Menopause marks the end of the fertile years in the reproductive period of a woman’s life. Leading up to this is perimenopause – a period that can span anywhere from a few months to a decade.
Around the age of 45, and as early as their mid-30s, most women begin this period of transition, as the menstrual cycle changes and eventually ceases.
Symptoms that can arise during this phase of endocrine change can include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, mood changes, difficulties losing weight, low libido, and vaginal dryness, to name a few.
This can be a frustrating, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even nerve-wracking period of a woman’s life! But there are ways to make this transition smoother.
Working to restore balance in the body and support hormonal health is an effective approach towards managing the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany perimenopause and menopause – and herbs can help!
Chastetree and Menopause
Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a deciduous shrub that is native to the Mediterranean area, with berries that have been used in preparations that support women’s health for thousands of years.
Today, chastetree is valued for its well-known balancing effects on women’s hormonal health, and research has examined the therapeutic effectiveness of chastetree berry for many gynecological problems, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), cyclic mastalgia (painful, tender breasts), and sexual dysfunction.
The estrogen-balancing effects of chastetree can help to ease common menopause symptoms, with studies indicating its ability to reduce oxidative stress as well as positively influencing hormone deficiency in the transitional period, not to mention its mitigation of symptoms through its beneficial effects on prolactin levels.
Menopause can also come with “brain-fog,” while cognitive decline and memory loss are other side-effects. Another study concluded that chastetree improved learning and memory, an effect associated with Estrogen Receptor gene expression in the hippocampal formation.
We offer chastetree in both 5:1 concentrated capsules, as well as a traditionally-crafted tincture, both made using Certified Organic chastetree berries.
Shop Chastetree Capsules and Chastetree Tincture
Read more: Chastetree – Nature’s Amazing Hormone Balancer for Women
Targeted Menopause Support
Chastetree is a key ingredient in our Menopause Support – a tincture formula that does what its name suggests: helps to relieve common symptoms associated with the specific challenges of transition throughout perimenopause and menopause with 7 targeted plant medicines.
Chastetree, coupled with dong quai, another hormonal normalizing herb, helps to balance hormones, while sage and adaptogenic rhodiola support memory and increase the body’s resiliency to stress and fatigue.
Black cohosh is a herb with phytoestrogenic effects and works on the endocrine regulatory system, reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Phytoestrogens have been shown to help offset the symptoms of estrogen withdrawal that accompany menopause and to preserve tissues that are typically protected by estrogen, including the brain, heart, and bones.
This balancing formula is complemented by burdock, which supports liver function, helping to clear excess hormones and reduce high estrogen levels.
Topical Symptom Relief
Another common complaint during these transitional years is vaginal dryness, which comes from falling estrogen levels that cause thinner and drier vaginal tissue and can be accompanied by irritation, itchiness, and painful intercourse.
Cala-Gel is a topical cream specifically formulated to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort.
- Moisturizes and lubricates the vagina in a way that feels natural
- Heals, restores, nourishes, and tonifies vaginal tissues
- Can be used as often as needed
- Contains no hormones
Shop Cala-Gel
Learn more about how herbs can support women’s unique health needs all throughout life: Women’s Health – Herbs to Balance and Support
