I’ve told you all of my own personal struggles with perimenopause and the desperate measures that I sometimes resorted to. Not to mention the hundreds, nay, the thousands of dollars I spent, trying to get relief. Some things worked for me. Some things didn’t.
One of the products that I’ve used that actually did work is Remifemin, an herbal, over-the-counter treatment for menopause that can be found online and in health food stores everywhere.
By the time I had heard of Remifemin I was pretty much past the worst of my menopause symptoms. Though, I continued to wrestle with some brief periods of irritability, mild depression and that wretched insomnia. It was during one of my more difficult bouts with insomnia that someone recommended Remifemin.
Having already done my stint with prescription sleep aids during the worst of my symptoms, I certainly wasn’t too thrilled with the prospect of using them again. Nor did I want to get back on the merry-go-round of trying this and trying that, in hopes that something would work.
But, they say old habits die hard and when you’re a middle aged broad seeking relief from menopause symptoms, no truer words can be spoken. Though I had thrown everything I could think of at the perimenopause insomnia situation and felt I had pretty much exhausted all possibilities; hope sprang eternal in my heart once again when I heard of Remifemin and I beat cleats, as we say in the South, straight to the nearest Whole Foods store in search of that magic pill.
According to their official website:
Remifemin claims to be the the number one obstetrician and gynecologist recommended over-the-counter menopausal therapy.
In addition:
Backed by 50 years of clinical studies, Remifemin claims to be safe, effective, well tolerated and proven to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, related occasional sleeplessness, irritability, and mood swings associated with menopause.
So, that’s the “official” take on Remifemin, ladies. What’s my take on it? It actually works.
The main ingredient in the product is black cohosh. The good news about black cohosh is that it has no estrogenic activity. Which means that it is safe for use by women who have had breast cancer and don’t wish to wrangle with it again and also for those of us who aren’t too thrilled about getting it in the first place. You know, silly women that we are.
So, if you’ve been considering Remifemin lately and wondering if it’s all it’s cracked up to be, I think the answer could be said, yes. Yes, it is.
Is it the perfect cure-all? No. But, it can certainly provide some measure of relief when you just might be feeling desperate.













{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Another option for relieving the symptoms of menopause – try GEM Keep it cool. It’s a ready-to-drink wellness supplement with Black Cohosh and a variety of herbs and vitamins….each clinically proven to be safe and effective in minimizing hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness and more.
Go to http://www.drinkgem.com for further info!
Hello Peggy,
Thanks for stopping by and for the recommendation for the drink. I’ve never heard of it, but I’ll check it out.
Magnolia
Hello ,
Just wonder if anyone has had any wierd side effects to remifemin?
I have been taking it for about a month and have been experiencing a rapid heart rate. Although it definately works for the hot flashes and night sweats. Thanks for your input.
Kelly
Hello Kelly,
Hmmm……had you been experiencing rapid heart rate “before” you were taking the remifemin? Palpitations? Both are definately symptoms of perimenopause, as I’m sure you already know.
But, given that I have serious heart issues in my family history, I take no chances when it comes to weird noises, feelings or bumps in the night if my heart is involved.
I would certainly have it checked out if I were you. Whether rapid heart rate is a side effect of anything in remifemin, I don’t know for sure, but I’ll sure look into it.
Magnolia
Thanks Magnolia,
I actually did go to the cardiologist for the rapid heart rate, ofcourse they want to put me on medication for it but i’m not so sure thats the answer.
I know that it can be hormonal but it seemed to increase the longer it took the black cohosh. I did stop taking it yesterday, do you happen to know how long it stays in our body? I know the more you take it the more it works ( so the disclaimer says on the box) so do you think it will take a while to go out of my system?
Hello again Kelly,
I found these two links that I thought might be of interest to you. One of them is from Merck, a drug company that states there are no known side effects from Black Cohosh. However, the second link does say if you have heart issues or high blood pressure NOT to take it. Scroll down about 2/3 down the page to see the section I’m talking about.
No, I do not know how long it stays in your system, I’m sorry. But, I’m completely fascinated with your experience with it. Can you keep me updated?
http://merck.com/mmhe/sec25/ch310/ch310b.html
http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/B_EXTRANET_HEALTH_INFORMATION-FlexMember-Show_Public_HFFY_1126657490629.html
Thanks Magnolia
You’re welcome Kelly.
If you find anything new and interesting out about Remifemin, please come back and let me know. I am very interested to hear what you’ve learned.
Magnolia
Hi there…
I am 55 years old and have had very “manageable” peri-menopausal symptons for approx. 8 years. Now I have had my period for 8 weeks, increased heart rate, night sweats, all over body itchiness and am feeling like I’m going crazy. I do not want to go on HRT. Am trying to go the natural route. I am a Family/Marriage counsellor. I have a great husband and great kids/grandkids/in law children. A really great life and I cry over NOTHING. I think about my symptons non-stop and feel so self focused and selfish period. I only get a few hours of interrupted sleep and am EXHAUSTED. I haven’t exercised in weeks because I’m done, therefore when I attempt to do anything…my heart races and I’m weak. All my friends are over this period and I feel rather lonely in all of this. A Doctor of Natural Medicine has just put me on Chinese Herbs containing Black Cohosh, Don Quai and other well known herbs. I’m hopeful. I have excellent blood pressure. Can ANYONE out there relate. Could we just talk so I don’t feel like a basket case anymore?
Much appreciated.
Live In Canada ( as if that should make a difference lol)
Gabriela
Hey Gabriela,
), some irritability and mild depression. Other than that, I’m hanging in there.
I am so glad to hear from you! No, you’re not going crazy. Even though I know it feels like it sometimes. I am, thankfully, almost past the worst of my symptoms. I know have the occasional flooding period (could do without THAT
You are certainly welcome to come here and talk or vent or just let it all hang out. That’s what we need sometimes. Just to know that somebody else gets it. And I surely do.
Thanks for stopping by and please come back again.
Thanks Magnolia…
Much appreciated. You are right. Venting is very helpful at times.
Please see my e-mail in response to your question.
Regards, Gabriela
I was just so excited when I found out about Remifemin. Even my gyn recomends it. Couldn’t wait to get to the store and buy it. THEN I read it’s not recommended for those with fibroids, which I have. Uggghhh! Does anyone know why? I can’t really find the reason. I can’t afford bio-identical hormones. Now no Remifemin. Help please!
Hello Jenny,
I’m not sure why Remefemin is not recommended for those with fibroids, but it’s a good topic to research. Particularly if I discuss it on my blog. that’s for passing on that information.
Are you *sure* you can’t afford bio-identical hormones? I know they are expensive (believe me, I know
), but sometimes we have to cut one thing out to have something else. I dunno. Just a thought.
What are the symptoms that you are seeking help for with Remifemin? There may be other things I can recommend.
Magnolia