Perimenopause may be the most confusing and surprising stage in a woman’s life, as it often creeps up on us with nondescript symptoms. For some women, perimenopause symptoms start as early as their 30s. However, due to the wide range of symptoms, it’s tricky for women and their doctors to pick up on the varied symptoms.
Common signs of perimenopause are irregularity with your menstrual cycle, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, moodiness, and night sweats. However, there are a huge number of surprising symptoms that we will dive into today, along with herbal remedies you can use to support yourself during this life stage.
Surprising Perimenopause Symptoms
Perimenopause marks the beginning of dropping estrogen levels, which can lead to all kinds of symptoms, including fatigue, suddenly dry skin or brittle nails, moodiness, and more.
According to the Menopause Foundation, these are some of the symptoms that women may experience during perimenopause:
- Acne
- New or worse allergies
- Breast pain
- Brain fog or forgetfulness
- Brittle or thinning hair or nails
- Bloating
- Anxiety or depression
- Burning in the mouth (roughly 10% to 40% of women experience this)
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e., gas, nausea, and indigestion)
- Depression (around 20% to 30% of women)
- Fatigue
- Electric shocks (mild shock feeling under the skin or in your muscles)
- Headaches (around 45% to 55% of women)
- Irregular periods
- Irritability
- Itchy skin (about 25% to 50% of women experience this)
- Joint pain (50% to 60% of women)
- Muscle tension
- Loss of libido
- Vaginal dryness (around 40% to 60% of women)
- Tingling or numb extremities
- Vision changes or dry eyes
- Weight gain (usually around the abdomen)
Natural Remedies for Perimenopause
The two primary goals of herbs for perimenopause are symptom relief and hormone balance, as this can encourage reduced symptoms.
Keep reading to learn about some of the best herbs for supporting these goals, along with the scientific research behind them.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is traditionally used for many ailments, ranging from menstrual cramps to inflammation to kidney ailments. Today, it’s largely praised for being a supportive remedy for women, whether they’re experiencing unpleasant PMS symptoms or struggling with the transition into menopause.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, black cohosh has been found potentially beneficial for menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.
A 2018 study found that black cohosh and evening primrose oil were both effective in reducing the severity of hot flashes and improving overall quality of life in menopausal women. However, black cohosh was deemed the most effective of the two because it also reduced the number of hot flashes!
A 2019 study found that women experiencing anxiety and depression due to peri- or post-menopausal benefited from black cohosh. While black cohosh alone didn’t impact anxiety, it was found to significantly improve other psychological symptoms, such as depression, in healthy women going through these life stages.
Lastly, we found an exciting study on black cohosh and sleep. The researchers concluded that “black cohosh effectively improved sleep and might be a safe measure in managing menopausal sleep disturbance.”
Vitex (Chaste Berry)
Vitex is commonly used to manage PMS and perimenopause symptoms due to its purported hormone-balancing effects.
In a clinical trial, researchers found that vitex essential oil provided strong relief from common menopause-related symptoms. The second trial supported the first trial’s findings.
Another study found that women who often had migraines or headaches due to their menstrual cycles experienced a significant reduction in headaches by as much as 66% after taking vitex for three months.
Sage
Sage is traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, especially those related to overheating and perspiration.
A study of 30 women aged 46 to 58 found that sage extract significantly reduced the intensity of hot flashes and night sweats after 4 weeks of consumption. On top of this, it reduced the severity of fatigue, brain fog, and feelings of panic, which are common perimenopausal symptoms that are sometimes overlooked.
While sage doesn’t have as much research as other herbs, it’s been used for generations and is an herb we recommend checking out for its cooling properties.
Herbal Remedies for Perimenopause
Ready to support yourself during this life change? Try these traditional remedies that promote balanced hormones and help you feel more comfortable and supported during perimenopause.
- Centered Woman Capsules: These fan-favorite capsules support balanced hormones and and overall comfort during perimenopause and menopause. We love that these capsules contain vitex, black cohosh, eleuthero, wild yam, and other traditional herbs known to help balance the body during this change.
- Cool Down Capsules: Experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or disrupted sleep? Try our Cool Down Capsules, which contain sage, black cohosh, motherwort, and other herbs that encourage hormonal balance and a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Cycle Balance Capsules: If you’re beginning to experience irregular periods or PMS-like symptoms as you approach menopause, these capsules are an excellent choice for supporting your body. They contain vitex, wild yam, dandelion, black cohosh, and other herbs to encourage balanced estrogen and progesterone levels.
- Intimate Rejuvenation Capsules: Struggling to feel energized and full of desire? This blend nurtures sexual vitality and desire for those experiencing vaginal dryness or a low libido. Black cohosh, Amazonian ginseng (maca), and shatavari are the stars of this curated blend, creating a unique capsule that may encourage desire and support balanced hormones and dryness.
- Super Women Powder Blend: This nourishing powder blend is designed to support energy, vitality, and overall balance during times of hormonal change. Packed with nutrient-rich herbs and superfoods, it’s an easy way to support your body daily—simply add to smoothies, shakes, or your favorite beverages for a gentle, supportive boost.
- Valerian Root Capsules: If you’re experiencing symptoms like insomnia, depression, moodiness, or anxiety, this calming herb may be for you! Valerian root is packed with calcium and magnesium, which act as a supportive sedative to the nervous system and may help you release muscle tension and encourage better mental health.
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Black Cohosh Capsules: Whether you have severe menstrual cramping, hot flashes, or tense muscles, black cohosh can help you feel more at peace. It’s traditionally used to support healthy female reproductive function at all stages (except pregnancy) and can support the symptoms associated with irritation, inflammation, and muscle tension.
If you’re experiencing hot flashes, check out our previous article on herbal remedies that specifically address hot flashes for further inspiration.
Well Wishes,
Herbalist Natalie & Herbalist Leilah
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |
*The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products and statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Consult your healthcare provider before use.