Menopause is a powerful change in every woman’s life that signals the end of their reproductive years. But beneath this change in life is a profound hormonal shift that can bring about a range of unpleasant challenges. From hot flashes and night sweats to mood swings and sleep disturbances, menopause can often feel like an emotional and physical rollercoaster, and the symptoms can be challenging to manage. As more and more women seek natural remedies to alleviate these discomforts, researchers have identified Siberian rhubarb root as a plant extract with significant support for menopausal women.
Finding Balance in Menopause Management
Women’s estrogen levels change throughout their lives, depending on age and stage of life. Once women enter perimenopause, their ovaries start to produce less estrogen, and once they reach menopause, their ovaries stop producing estrogen altogether. For many women, the fluctuating levels of estrogen during this time can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, which can have a major impact on their quality of life.
Some women opt for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to restore estrogen in their body. While this may help reduce the severity of menopause symptoms, it comes with significant risk since the estrogen given during HRT binds to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which can increase the division rate of cells.
Alternatively, Siberian rhubarb, also known as Rheum rhaponticum, provides a non-hormonal, plant-based option to address perimenopause and menopause challenges, while touting an impressive safety profile. The root extract contains two key active constituents that are responsible for its powerful properties- rhaponticin and deoxyrhaponticin. These compounds are phytoestrogens or estrogen agonists, meaning they mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. They work by preferentially activating estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) while inhibiting ERα, thus minimizing the side effects associated with significant ERα activation.
As a result, these compounds help alleviate many menopause-related discomforts. Branded extracts, such as Menofelis®, contain standardized, high concentrations of these compounds for consistent and maximum benefits.
Siberian Rhubarb’s Remarkable Clinical Results
Since estrogen plays a key role in numerous physiological processes throughout the body, a lack of this hormone results in symptoms across various body systems. By mimicking the effects of estrogen, Siberian rhubarb has been clinically shown to help with at least 11 symptoms that many women experience during menopause:
- Hot flashes
- Sleep issues such as night sweats, waking up early, and difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Joint and muscular discomfort
- Heart discomfort
- Physical and mental exhaustion such as forgetfulness, and decrease in performance and focus
- Depressive mood including feeling sad or on the verge of tears, mood swings and lack of drive
- Anxiousness including inner restlessness and feeling of panic
- Irritability including feeling nervous, aggressive or inner tension
- Sexual issues including a reduction in sexual desire and satisfaction
- Bladder issues such as increased need to urinate, difficulty urinating and bladder incontinence
- Vaginal dryness
In a study of 129 perimenopausal women, Menofelis Siberian rhubarb extract intake of 4 mg once daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced (67% by the 12th week) the mean Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) II scores in menopause discomforts. Most women saw a significant improvement in menopause discomforts within 4 weeks of taking Siberian rhubarb, with further benefits seen by 8 weeks and 12 weeks.
Menopause can be a challenging time for many women, disrupting daily life and well-being. But with the right tools and support, women can take charge of this phase of life, embracing it as an opportunity for growth and renewal. With its unique properties, Siberian rhubarb extract offers a natural solution for reducing the intensity and frequency of many menopause symptoms, making it a valuable addition to a perimenopause or menopause management plan.
References
Shah J, et al. J Midlife Health. 2021;12(2):108-115.