Herbs for Menopause with Drugs for Heart Failure

I am a 65 year old woman. I have taken Premarin for years. Is there a natural substitute that would be as effective for heart and bone loss? I take an ACE inhibitor for congestive heart failure. Would any of the natural products be contra-indicated

In general, to avoid possible interference with the ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor, you want to avoid herbs which affect the heart rate and the renin-angiotesin-aldosterone cycle. Herbs often recommended for menopausal symptoms that may have these effects are:
* Licorice - may increase blood pressure and decrease renin and aldosterone levels if taken in large doses over prolonged periods
* Motherwort and Black Cohosh - may decrease blood pressure
* Ginseng - increases heart rate and blood pressure
* Gotu Kola - may affect renin-antgiotensin system
Books on natural menopause recommended in previous answers on our web site, www.richters.com include diet and exercise recommendations to decrease the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. Go to the Q&A area and search for "Natural Treatment for Menopause" in the Medicinal Herbs section.