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Fennel can Help Reduce Post-Menopausal Symptoms

Fennel can Help Reduce Post-Menopausal Symptoms

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Women over the age of 45 years experience menopause, which can lead to symptoms like hot flashes and anxiety. Fennel can treat such symptoms, finds a study.

Highlights:
  • Fennel, a commonly used kitchen ingredient may treat post-menopausal symptoms, finds a new study.
  • Post-menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness and anxiety.
Post-menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and anxiety can be treated effectively with fennel, a flavor-enhancing herb widely used in cooking.//
Studies have shown that fennel can treat a variety of issues including digestion and premenstrual symptoms. The study published in the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS), claims that fennel can treat post-menopausal symptoms without side effects.

In the recent years, the use of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of post-menopausal symptoms has surged.

Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for managing menopause symptoms. But most of the women have opted for alternative medicine due to the side effects of hormone therapy.

How Does Fennel Treat Postmenopausal Symptoms?
Fennel contains essential oils and has phytoestrogenic properties. Phytoestrogens ate estrogen-like chemicals found in plants that have been effectively used to treat menopause symptoms.

The research team conducted a small experimental study on 79 Iranian women aged 45 to 60 years. The participants were supplemented two soft capsules containing 100 mg of fennel for eight weeks. The control group received a placebo.

The findings of the study were compared with the control groups at four, eight and 10 weeks. The research team found a significant statistical difference between the groups.

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The group that received fennel capsules experienced reduced menopausal symptoms without side effects. The research team concluded fennel to be safe and effective to treat post-menopausal symptoms.

The study titled "Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial" is one of the first clinical studies to examine the benefits of fennel for managing post-menopause symptoms.

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Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, joint and muscular discomfort, exhaustion, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

"This small pilot study found that, on the basis of a menopause rating scale, twice-daily consumption of fennel as a phytoestrogen improved menopause symptoms compared with an unusual minimal effect of placebo," said, Dr. JoAnn Pinkerton, executive director of NAMS.

"A larger, longer, randomized study is still needed to help determine its long-term benefits and side effect profile," added Pinkerton.



Source-Medindia


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