When symptoms subside, drop the dosage to 300 milligrams twice a day. Dr. Jeanne says that this dose can be taken for four to six weeks, but after that it s best to stop for a while. Most women in their twenties and thirties probably take their abundant supply of estrogen for granted. It s only when the supply runs low as they get older that they begin to notice the effects of a shortfall. Herbs can replenish some of the estrogen that s lost during the menopausal and postmenopausal years and give you the moisture and protection you need.
Naturopathic doctors recommend herbs like licorice , dong quai , and black cohosh .
But none of these should be taken by women who are pregnant. Licorice contains natural estrogen-like compounds. Like the isoflavones in soy foods, its active ingredient glycyrrhizin seems to help adjust estrogen in both directions, reducing levels that are too high and increasing them when they re too low. Licorice helps support the function of the adrenal glands, located just above your kidneys, where your body s supply of estrogen is produced, she explains. The adrenal production of estrogen becomes increasingly important as women approach menopause.