Synthetic or chemical estrogen and progesterone are not the same as what the body produces and can have serious side effects. "Attitudes about hormone therapy changed abruptly in 2002, when a large clinical trial found that the treatment actually posed more health risks than benefits for postmenopausal women," according to the Mayo Clinic. There are natural sources of estrogen and progesterone that can be used to help balance the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Mexican Wild Yam
Mexican wild yam (Dioscorea mexicana) is one of the natural sources of progesterone. Studies at the Mayo clinic involving the use of wild yam extract show benefits that include increased sex drive, exercise capacity, improved well being and improved hormone levels in people with insufficient adrenal function. "Progesterone from diosgenin, extracted from Mexican yams, is identical to the natural progesterone of the human ovary or placenta," according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. There is good scientific evidence for the use of DHEA synthesized from wild yam extract, but further studies are necessary for firm conclusions.
Soy Beans
Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens (also called isoflavones), "compounds derived from plants and converted into weak estrogenic substances in the gastrointestinal tract," according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Soy products contain the highest levels of natural estrogens. To get 1 mg of isoflavones, it takes one gram of soybeans. Some NIH nutritional experts assume that a daily intake of 50 mg of isoflavones is safe; however, dietary supplements can contain more than 85 mg of isoflavones in a single unit, and some manufacturers advise taking two a day.
Lignans
Lignans provide phytoestrogens and can modulate estrogen signaling. Lignans are natural sources of estrogen. Dietary sources of lignans include flaxseed, rye, cereals and some berries. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) studies have been done to determine if HRT has beneficial effects on bone fractures, according to the National Institutes on Health (NIH). Clinical evidence shows that phytoestrogens help maintain or improve skeletal health. This means natural HRT can be beneficial in reducing risk of osteoporosis.
Caution
Natural sources of estrogen and progesterone may have some health risks. It is important to talk with a doctor or health care professional to determine whether dietary phytoestrogens and lignans are right for you. The estrogen-like effects from isoflavones may be a cancer risk, especially for people who have had breast cancer or are at risk of breast cancer. While clinical studies show some benefits with natural HRT, further studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn.
