Menopause is the permanent cessation of a woman's menstrual cycle. It is a natural process caused by a decline in estrogen levels. Menopause is often associated with hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia and anxiety. The symptoms of menopause can be managed by hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT involves the use of estrogen or progesterone to manage the symptoms associated with menopause. However, HRT is associated with various side effects like increased risk of uterine and breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and gall bladder disease1.
Valerian-A Powerful Herb for Menopause Relief
Nowadays, there is an increasing inclination towards natural supplements to manage menopause symptoms. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that has sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anti-depressant properties. Valerian has been included in the pharmacopoeias of Europe and the United States and can be legally used as a supplement in many countries. The active metabolite in valerian root extract is valerenic acid. Various clinical studies highlight the importance of valerian extract in managing menopause symptoms2.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effect of valerian root extract supplements was assessed on Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Valerian root extract (VRE) supplementation (530 mg, BID) significantly improved the emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMS, compared to placebo3. Another 8-week clinical trial investigated the effects of VRE in a cohort of 68 menopausal women. Valerian root extract supplementation (255 mg, TID) significantly reduced hot flashes in the interventional group compared to the placebo4. A similar clinical study observed that VRE supplementation (530 mg, BD) significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women5. Another randomized, triple-blind clinical study evaluated the effect of VRE supplementation on insomnia associated with menopause. VRE supplementation (530 mg, BD) significantly improved the sleep quality of menopausal women compared to placebo6.
In conclusion, valerian root extract can benefit women in managing symptoms associated with menopause without side effects.
References:
(1) De Lignieres, B. Hormone Replacement Therapy: Clinical Benefits and Side-Effects; 1996.
(2) Bao, H.; Pan, X.; Tao, Q.; Zhang, G.; Ding, W.; Li, G.; Peng, D.; Du, B.; Li, P. Safety Evaluation of Aqueous Extract from Valeriana Officinalis L. Roots: Genotoxicity, Acute, Subchronic and Teratology Toxicity. J Ethnopharmacol 2024, 335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118687.
(3) Behboodi Moghadam, Z.; Rezaei, E.; Shirood Gholami, R.; Kheirkhah, M.; Haghani, H. The Effect of Valerian Root Extract on the Severity of Pre Menstrual Syndrome Symptoms. J Tradit Complement Med 2016, 6 (3), 309–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2015.09.001.
(4) Mirabi, P.; Mojab, F. The Effects of Valerian Root on Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women; 2013; Vol. 12.
(5) Jenabi, E.; Shobeiri, F.; Hazavehei, S. M. M.; Roshanaei, G. The Effect of Valerian on the Severity and Frequency of Hot Flashes: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial. Women Health 2018, 58 (3), 297–304. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2017.1296058.
(6) Taavoni, S.; Ekbatani, N.; Kashaniyan, M.; Haghani, H. Effect of Valerian on Sleep Quality in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Menopause 2011, 18 (9).