Alternative menopause: three therapies to try

Hot flushes, aching joints and tiredness top the list of menopausal problems. So you might be tempted to try some of the licensed herbal therapies available in health stores, but do they actually work?

Menoforce Sage Tablets

(A Vogel, £12.50 for 30 from health food stores - click here to buy online from A Vogel) Sage has traditionally been used to reduce the excessive perspiration linked with menopausal hot flushes and night sweats. The studies carried out have been statistically small but women have reported benefits. This brand is licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which means it’s regularly tested for quality and safety.

Menoherb

(Schwabe, £9.99 for 30 from Superdrug - click here to buy online from Schwabe) This contains extract of black cohosh, one of the most widely studied herbs for the relief of menopausal symptoms. There’s good evidence that it works better than placebo, although it is best for milder symptoms, experienced at the start of menopause. Tell your GP before you take it, as it’s not suitable for everyone.

Promensil Red Clover

(Novogen, £19.99 for 30 from victoriahealth.com) It’s claimed that an oestrogen-like substance in this plant could help with reducing the severity of hot flushes and night sweats and protect bone health. Several small studies have shown benefits, but you shouldn’t take it without medical advice if you’ve had breast cancer.

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