Change is inevitable but that doesn't make it easy (just ask your hormones.) Dry skin, night sweats and brain fog can all play a role in hormonal change. While using clean, toxin free products is an important aspect of menopause, herbs such as Wild Yam can also help to reduce the occurrence of symptoms.

So if less sweaty, sleepless nights are on your to-do list, let's dive deep on a few Wild Yam crowd favourites from our Menopause category (plus a few helpful lifestyle tips for good measure.)

Wild Yam: Traditional Uses and Benefits

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for centuries to help with various women's health concerns and digestive discomfort. Often referred to as "colic root," this herb continues to be valued today for its potential to support hormonal balance and ease menopausal transition through its natural plant compounds.

Anna's Wild Yam Cream

Anna's Wild Yam Cream has cult status for a reason… When it comes to the use of Wild Yam cream for menopause relief, testimonials just keep rolling in! This is due to its Diosgenin content, a powerful phytosterol with the ability to help activate the body's pathways responsible for oestrogen regulation. Over two decades of customers have loved this product. To use: Massage into the chest, neck, breasts, abdomen, inner arms & thighs alternating the location.

Recommended dosage varies, but key takeaways are:

• Days 7 - 20: use ¼ of a small 2.5ml teaspoon, AM and PM
• Days 21 - 28: use ½ a teaspoon, AM and PM.
• Irregular periods are part of peri + menopausal territory, so if you're using the product and your period hasn't arrived, just count to day 7 from where it should and begin again.
• If you're new to Anna's and haven't had a period for several months, allocate your start day as Day 7 and follow the above protocol.

For Menstrual Discomfort: Start on Day 12 to 20 with 1/4 small 2.5ml teaspoon am & pm then Day 21 to 28 with 1/2 a small teaspoon am & pm.

For Menopause: Start on Day 7 with 1/4 of a small 2.5ml teaspoon am & pm then as above creating a new cycle if necessary.

NB: Day 1 is always the start of your period.

This cream is TGA listed menopausal symptom support. Always read the label, if symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.

Metamorphosis Skincare for Hormonal Skin

If plummeting hormone levels have led to dry, lax skin, this is where the Metamorphosis skin and body range comes in. Each of the products are cleverly formulated to support peri and menopausal skin, with an all natural ingredients list based on both traditional herbal remedies and green science. The range contains Wild Yam extract to help address dryness and loss of elasticity often experienced during menopause. To use: Apply products as directed, typically morning and evening as part of your regular skincare routine.

Other Natural Treatments for Menopause

It's not just what we use on our skin that counts. How you live each month actually makes a difference too. Five helpful ways to support hormonal balance include:

1. Prioritise plant variety: The gold standard for gut health is to consume 30+ plant varieties per week. This will feed your microbiome and boost fibre intake for healthy hormone elimination.
2. Supercharge with supplements: Quality supplements can work to nurture elimination channels as well as supporting healthy hormone production.
3. Feed your gut community: Eating fermented foods can support a healthy estrogen-gut microbe axis, the two way feedback system between oestrogen and gut bacteria. Research has shown that gut microbes play a crucial role in regulating circulating estrogen levels, which can impact menopause symptoms.
4. Seek less stress: Harvard research has found that declining oestrogen levels can actually make women more vulnerable to stress and anxiety. The study showed that oestrogen can help temper the emotional response to potential threats, which explains why hormone fluctuations during menopause can trigger mood swings and increased anxiety. Prioritising mental health through regular exercise, magnesium salt baths and meditation can make a significant difference.
5. Limit environmental toxins: Exposure to the phthalates found in conventional fragrances may increase menopausal symptoms. Go for a natural fragrance instead designed to elevate mood and decrease stress.

Other Products in Our Menopause Section

Our Menopause section contains several additional products designed to support women through this hormonal transition, including:

• Melrose FutureLab Menopause Ultra Complex - A comprehensive supplement with key nutrients and botanicals formulated specifically to provide multi-system support during perimenopause and menopause
• Harmony Menopause Day & Night - This dual-action formula offers targeted support for managing both daytime temperature fluctuations and promoting restful sleep at night with a carefully balanced blend of herbs
• The Beauty Chef Glow Ageless Inner Beauty Essential - A specially formulated version of the original Glow powder designed for women 50+ wellness. This bio-fermented blend contains over 18 whole food ingredients to support gut health, skin vitality, and overall wellbeing during this important life stage

Some products discussed in this article are regulated by the TGA. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. This product may not be right for you. Read the warnings before purchase. Warnings can be found on the product page under the ingredients or how to use tabs.