The Beauty of Rhodiola for Perimenopause
Rhodiola is an adaptogen herb that is beneficial to take during perimenopause. As the ovaries decline in doing their job to maintain hormone function, the body takes a toll. Adaptogen herbs can lower stress on the body, which helps with adrenal function. Adaptogens make you less prone to physical and emotional stress. Balancing hormones is an essential step to take during perimenopause, and Rhodiola can help.
Rhodiola is also known as arctic root or golden root, and its scientific name is Rhodiola Rosea. Its root contains more than 140 active ingredients, the two most potent: rosavin and salidroside. Healthline
This flowering herb has numerous benefits for all adults, not just women.
“According to the basic tenets of traditional Chinese medicine, it can boost qi and dissipate blood stasis, unblock the blood vessels, relieve pain, fortify the spleen, treat palpitations, relieve coughing and shortness of breath, reduce fatigue and weakness.”
Reducing cortisol levels
Rhodiola lowers stress by reducing the levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced by the body. It regulates metabolism and the immune responce.
Anti-aging
“Rhodiola is also used as an anti-aging herb and for the treatment of aging-related diseases. Current pharmacological investigation reveals that Rhodiola has therapeutic value for many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).” US National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health
Improves memory
Several studies show improved memory as an added benefit to taking Rhodiola. Memory loss is a common symptom of perimenopause, and no one has time for that!
Reduces fatigue
The adaptogen nature of Rhodiola can help to fight fatigue. In studies where participants were followed for a total of eight weeks, fatigue lessened by week one.
Improves brain function
Studies have been done on night-shift workers, students, and physicians to review the effects of taking Rhodiola. The participants showed an increase in brain function by 20% or more. In addition, test scores increased by 8% in the students.
Side effects may include:
- jitteriness
- dizziness
- sleep problems
As it has a mild stimulant-type effect, Rhodiola Rosea is not recommended for people who have bipolar disorder or who are taking other stimulants.
Take Rhodiola before meals – avoiding a full belly for the best absorption. Also, it could make it harder to sleep if you take it at night as it has a stimulant effect.
Adding Rhodiola to your daily routine is a great way to enhance your health. Getting adequate sleep and plenty of healthy food is beneficial for your body and will lower cortisol levels.
Menopause Quiz
If you want more information on menopause and want to take a quiz to find out if you are going through it, click on this link.
Common signs of menopause:
- weight gain
- fatigue
- hot flashes
- loss of menses
- mood swings
- joint pain
Hormonal Replacement Therapy is one route women can take for perimenopausal symptoms. There are several options: pills, patches, creams, and implants. For more information, read this helpful article.
Natural Remedies
If you are familiar with our site and these articles, you will know we appreciate a more natural approach. As always, you decide what types of treatments are best for you. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may decide on allopathic medicine on occasion alongside a healthy diet with herbal supplements.
Herbs for Women’s Health
There are many beneficial herbs for women during transitional times, such as premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. Read our past article: 5 Herbs for Women’s Health. We will continue to produce papers on the subject, so stay tuned.
“Many women are plagued with endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and uterine fibroids. These conditions can make the menstrual cycle painful and difficult. Even without these complications, some women have problems with cramping, body aches, headaches, mood swings, and irregular periods. Perimenopausal symptoms can run from mildly irritating to downright difficult. Symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, and weight gain are just a few of the many complaints women have during this time.” Anastacia Elizabeth Walden 5 Herbs for Women’s Health
I want to stress how important it is to work with a Master Herbalist, such as Jennifer Vollbrecht, when you want to add a new herb into your routine. Herbs are lovely, but some can be pretty strong. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult with your Licensed Midwife or Doctor, as well as a Master Herbalist, to make sure the herb and the dosage are safe for you.
Jennifer Vollbrecht is the owner of You, Me, and Uni. She sells two tea blends and a book on Feminism, which she co-authored with her sister. Refer to 9 effective ways to use herbs as medicine to better understand the medicinal properties herbs can offer. For more inspiration on herbal tea and how to enjoy it, read Calming Herbal Tea and Fun Facts About Tea.
Anastacia Elizabeth Walden
Writer and Editor in Gainesville, FL
Owner of Walden Writes For Women
