Many women are not keen to take hormones for the menopause and are looking for a 'natural cure'. However, recent research has found very little evidence that natural/herbal remedies work.

Phytoestrogens have little effect if any on menopausal symptoms and bone strength. Studies have shown no benefit from evening primrose oil, Chinese herbal medicines, wild yam cream and 'natural progesterone' cream.

One exception is 'extract of black cohosh' which reduces menopausal symptoms by 60-70% over a 12 week period.