11 homeopathic remedies for menopause

David Needleman shares 11 homeopathic remedies to help with the physical and emotional challenges of menopause—from hot flashes to low mood

When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, no doubt you will have seen many articles extolling the benefits of various supplements, herbal remedies and dietary changes. But homeopathy can also be a valuable tool to help with “the change.”

It’s useful not just for the many physical symptoms women can experience as they approach menopause, like hot flashes, night sweats, aches and pains, and menstrual changes. It helps with the psychological and emotional symptoms, too.

Here are my top 11 homeopathic remedies to help with the transition. Nothing will work as well as a constitutional remedy (which requires a consultation with a homeopath and an intense evaluation of you and your symptoms). But on a first-aid basis, the following remedies are all easy to get hold of online or from your local homeopathic pharmacy, and they can make a big difference.

Just as the symptoms of menopause vary from person to person, so will the choice of remedies. Check the symptom picture for each remedy to see which one most applies to you.

For mental symptoms

Baryta Carbonica

This remedy is often associated with childhood and is helpful for changes such as learning to walk, starting school or going through puberty or adolescence. But it’s also effective for any stage in life when significant change occurs. It can be especially useful for coming to terms with the changes that accompany perimenopause (the transitional period before menopause).

Suggested dosage: 30C or 200C weekly for a few months

Ignatia

Generally thought to be a grief remedy, Ignatia is excellent for dealing with feelings of loss. For many women, menopause brings feelings of loss related to their fertility, changing body, confidence, control and identity. So this remedy is ideal for any woman overwhelmed by these sorts of feelings.

Suggested dosage: 30C, three times a day for a few days whenever feelings of grief or loss arise

Aurum Metallicum

Many women are prescribed antidepressants during the various stages of the menopause, but Aurum Metallicum can be a safer alternative. It’s mainly used as a remedy for depression but also for any “change for the worse” or loss of confidence. It can really make a difference, especially in the darkest moments.

Suggested dosage: 30C three times a day when needed; stop when the depression lifts

For physical symptoms

Sepia

This is probably the most frequently used remedy for menopause as it covers most of the typical symptoms. In particular, it’s useful for these:

• Hot flushes, especially those that move upward from the waist to the face and head and are accompanied by weakness and perspiration
• A bearing down sensation, as if everything might escape through the vulva
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Irregular, unusually heavy or unusually light periods
• Feelings of tiredness and lack of energy, often eased by exercise
• Feelings of indifference toward loved ones and sadness
• Hair loss

Lachesis

This remedy is indicated for many of the symptoms mentioned under Sepia, but those needing Lachesis may experience other symptoms as well:

• Hot flashes that move from left to right accompanied by perspiration
• Hemorrhages
• Vertex headaches (headaches that affect the top of the head)
• Fainting spells
• Feeling that clothes are uncomfortable and too constricting
• Menstruation that’s too short or scanty
• Feeling that the breasts are inflamed

These symptoms are often worse after a sleep. Another sign that points to Lachesis as a suitable remedy is a tendency to talk a lot. Sepia, on the other hand, is better for those reluctant to talk.

Cimicifuga

Also known as Actaea Racemosa, this remedy is suitable if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain immediately before your period, usually in the ovarian region, which may shoot upward and be accompanied by pain down the front of the thighs
• Menses that’s profuse, dark and coagulated
• Back pain during your period
• Irregular periods
• Pain after your period, often along with discomfort in the left breast
• An intolerance to pain—no discernible pain threshold

Sulphur

This remedy is widely available and can be used to treat almost anything. In menopause, however, there are specific symptoms that indicate it’s the right remedy:

• A burning sensation in the vagina
• Itching in the genital area
• Menses that’s delayed, too short or scanty, with blood that may be thick or black and have an unpleasant smell
• Premenstrual headache, which can stop suddenly
• Whitish, yellowish or greenish vaginal discharge
• Cracked nipples that may smart or feel burnt
• Night sweats, leading to getting up in the night to find a cold place to stand, such as a tiled floor or a shower
• A burning sensation in the soles of the feet, especially at night

Calcarea Carbonica

This remedy is suitable if you have the following symptoms:

• Premenstrual headaches along with abdominal pain, chilliness and milky vaginal discharge
• Cutting pains in the uterus during menses
• Menstrual bleeding that’s excessively long and heavy
• Burning and itching sensations before and after menstruation
• Increased sexual desire and easy conception
• Swollen, tender breasts before menses
• Perspiration, which can stain bedclothes yellow

Sabina

This remedy is suitable if you have the following symptoms:

• Menses that’s profuse and bright red
• Bleeding between periods
• Uterine pain extending into the thighs
• Increased sexual desire
• Pains in the pelvis and shooting up the vagina
• Lower back pain

Gelsemium

With this remedy, there are fewer menopausal symptoms but they can be more intense. Symptoms can include these:

• Vaginismus (a painful muscular contraction or spasm of the vagina)
• Period pain that can extend into the back and hips
• Scanty, delayed or absent periods
• A squeezing sensation in the uterus

Pulsatilla

This remedy is suitable if you have the following symptoms:

• Periods that have stopped, are delayed or are too scanty
• Menstrual blood that’s thick, dark and clotted
• Diarrhea during or after menstruation
• A feeling of downward pressure with a painful flow
• Creamy, unpleasant-smelling discharge that can feel like it’s burning
• Back pain
• Tiredness

Suggested dosages: For all these remedies, take 30C three times a day for a few days until the symptoms ease, or until you have had a consultation with a homeopath and been prescribed constitutionally

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