Fennel improved, according to investigations, the symptoms of menopause

Side effects of menopause can be reduced by consuming fennel
Many women suffer from hot flashes, fears and other negative symptoms during their menopause. Researchers have now found that eating small amounts of fennel, such as risotto, can reduce such effects.

The researchers from the North American Menopause Society found in their study that consuming fennel seems to reduce the negative effects of menopause. The doctors published the results of their study in the journal "Menopause".

Many people do not like to eat fennel, because the plant has a very intense taste. However, physicians now find that fennel is effective in treating side effects in menopausal women. (Image: karepa / fotolia.com)

Fennel has similar properties to estrogen
Fennel can help women in their menopause reduce hot flashes and other negative effects. The plant has similar properties to estrogen and can reduce postmenopausal symptoms, the experts explain.

Already twice 100 mg fennel daily reduce the side effects of menopause
Even eating a pinch of 100 mg fennel twice a day can reduce vaginal dryness, sleep problems, joint and muscle problems, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression, the researchers say. On average, women suffer from the symptoms of menopause for about four years, but one in ten women report symptoms for a period of up to twelve years.

Experts are looking for alternatives to hormone therapy
The use of complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of symptoms of menopause has been increasing in recent years as women are looking for alternatives to hormone therapy. Joann Pinkerton of the North American Menopause Society.

Fennel contains estrogen-like chemicals
Fennel, a herb with essential oils, has so-called phytoestrogenic properties. Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like chemicals in plants that have previously been used to treat a wide range of menopausal symptoms.

What effect does menopause have on affected women?
Menopause leads to an increase in the sex drive. The hormonal changes during the menopause also favor the increase in fat deposits around the abdomen, hips and thighs, the researchers say. Menopause can also greatly affect women's energy levels. So it is not surprising that those affected need to take more nap. In addition, menopause reduces short-term memory. Hot flashes and sweating can also lead to trouble sleeping. About 61 percent of menopausal women suffer from sleep problems, the physicians add.

Fennel is a safe and effective form of treatment
For the study, 79 women aged 45 to 60 years were given about 100 mg fennel twice daily for a period of eight weeks. Dr. Pinkerton and her team compared the improvements seen in fennel and placebo groups. Comparisons of effects were made after four, eight and ten weeks, respectively. The results showed that consuming fennel was a safe and effective form of treatment. A larger study is now needed to further investigate the benefits of fennel for postmenopausal women, the researchers concluded. (As)