| |  | | Herbs for Menopause with Drugs for Heart Failure
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Betty Carroll
Posted on: April 13, 1999
I am a 65 year old woman. I have taken Premarin for years. Is there a natural substitute that would be as effective for heart and bone loss? I take an ACE inhibitor for congestive heart failure. Would any of the natural products be contra-indicated
In general, to avoid possible interference with the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, you want to avoid herbs which affect the heart rate and the renin-angiotesin-aldosterone cycle. Herbs often recommended for menopausal symptoms that may have these effects are:
* Licorice - may increase blood pressure and decrease renin and aldosterone levels if taken in large doses over prolonged periods
* Motherwort and Black Cohosh - may decrease blood pressure
* Ginseng - increases heart rate and blood pressure
* Gotu Kola - may affect renin-antgiotensin system
Books on natural menopause recommended in previous answers on our web site, http://www.richters.com include diet and exercise recommendations to decrease the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Go to the Q&A area and search for "Natural Treatment for Menopause" in the Medicinal Herbs section.
| | |
|
Main Menu
