Planetary Formulas MenoChange Cimicifuga-Vitex Compound is a comprehensive botanical preparation, used to support a woman's changing cycle through menopause. This is a great product to help with Hot flashes, Irritability, Mood swings, Lack of Energy, Sleeplessness and Night sweats. It contains a standardized black cohosh extract, along with wild yam root extract from Native American herbal traditions, and Europe's premier female regulator, Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus). These are combined with traditional Chinese herbs, including dong quai, renowned for their ability to support a healthy gynecological system.
Key points:
- Black cohosh is an herb sold as a dietary supplement in the United States.
- Black cohosh is used for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- In 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated, primarily on the basis of consensus and expert opinion, that black cohosh may be helpful in the short term or long-term for women with vasomotor symptoms of menopause.
What is black cohosh?
Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa ), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. Insects avoid it, which accounts for some of these common names.
Daytime relief for:
- lack of energy
- Hot flashes
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Nighttime relief for:
- Sleeplessness
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
Wild Yam Root Extract:
- Soothes the symptoms of PMS and menopause
- Fights the fatigue associated with a woman's cycle
- Contains precursors of progesterone
A wonderful women's-health herb, wild yam's unique ability to support hormonal balance has made it a popular favorite for promoting emotional and physical well-being during the menstrual cycle or the changes that accompany menopause.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, wild yam ( Dioscorea villosa ) was used by herbalists to treat menstrual cramps and problems related to childbirth. The subsequent discovery of a substance contained in wild yams revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry. The tubers, or fleshy, root-like parts, of wild yams (not to be confused with the sweet potato yam) contain diosgenin, a steroid-like substance that is involved in the production of the hormone progesterone. Diosgenin has served a key role in the making of hormones and the development of the birth control pill, two of the major advances in plant drug medicine this century. Wild yam continues to be used for treating menstrual cramps, nausea and morning sickness associated with pregnancy, inflammation, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, and other health conditions.
Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree berry) is a well-known herb that has been used for centuries in Europe for hormonal imbalances in women. It may be helpful for women with PCOS who do not have a normal menstrual cycle and thus don't ovulate or menstruate. A large percentage of these menstrual problems are related to insufficient progesterone during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, which is called a luteal phase defect or corpus luteum insufficiency. A corpus luteum insufficiency is defined as an abnormally low progesterone level 3 weeks after the onset of menstruation. Insufficient levels of progesterone may result in the formation of ovarian cysts.
In addition, some PCOS women have too much prolactin, which can inhibit fertility. Vitex may help with both of these problems
This formula was developed from more than 10 years of clinical experience of licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Lesley Tierra, L.Ac., Diplomate in Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM).