Treating menopausal symptoms is difficult in our current medical-legal quite confusing environment that seems to produce nothing but mixed data and differing opinions.

It is always nice to see an alternative to hormone replacement therapy getting some data behind it as to its effectiveness. There is quite an array of “natural” remedies available out there, but very few have good clinical data as to their effectiveness.

One supplement that has been used by alternative practitioners for a number years to treat menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and joint pain is Fennel. Fennel, as I’m sure a number of you know, is an herb used in cooking.

Fennel has essential oils and phytoestrogenic properties that give it a wonderful flavor, as well as its potential benefit in treating menopausal symptoms.

A recent study published in the North American Menopause Society online journal Menopause showed that, compared to placebo, this herb greatly reduced menopausal symptoms, as listed above, when used as a method of intervention.

As there are so many mainstream and alternative treatments for menopause and menopausal symptoms, it’s important that you sit and discuss potential interventions with your doctor to ensure there are no risks or concerns with some of these over-the-counter remedies.

At least with this one, it’s likely safe to get online and find a few recipes you and your family might enjoy, with a nice side effect of decreased menopausal symptoms!

Dr. Warren Willey is a Pocatello physician. Visit his website at http://drwilley.com.