Red clover products get heavy promotion for symptoms of menopause. Women who endure hot flashes and mood swings often rely on herbals such as red clover that contain phytoestrogens. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) explains that phytoestrogens are compounds that are a lot like estrogen, a female hormone. Results of scientific research on the effectiveness of red clover are all over the board, according to NCCAM. However, the largest study done to date indicates that red clover doesn't help menopausal women.
Background
Red clover is a perennial native to the meadows of Europe and Asia. It also grows in North America and is used for grazing cattle, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Traditionally, red clover has been used for a variety of purposes, including cancer, skin inflammations and respiratory problems. The UMMC states that red clover was believed to function as a diuretic, expectorant, liver cleanser and all-purpose "blood purifier." More current uses for red clover include treatment of high cholesterol, osteoporosis, enlarged prostate, breast pain during the menstrual cycle, and of course, symptoms of menopause.
Properties
Red clover contains isoflavones, which have effects similar to estrogen in the human body, says the UMMC. Physician Dr. Andrew Weil describes isoflavones as "compounds that have weak estrogenic activity." These are found not only in red clover, but in soy foods. Although isoflavones have shown promise in treating menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and osteoporsis, the UMMC states that there are also dangers associated with isoflavones. Weil advises avoiding all products that contain isoflavones.
Preparations
The flowers of red clover are used for medicinal purposes. It is sold in numerous preparations, says the UMMC. Teas, liquid tinctures and extracts, tablets and capsules are available on the consumer market. Red clover may also be an ingredient in topical ointments.
Largest Study
The July 2003 issue of the "Journal of American Medical Association" reported the findings of a large study on red clover conducted by researchers at the University of California's Department of Medicine in San Francisco. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effects of red clover extract, specifically two products, Promensil and Rimostil, among 252 women between 45 and 60 years of age. Promensil initially appeared to reduce the number of hot flashes compared to the other groups; however, after 12 weeks, the reduction in number of hot flashes in all groups was similar. Researchers concluded, "Although the study provides some evidence for a biological effect of Promensil, neither supplement had a clinically important effect on hot flashes or other symptoms of menopause."
Side Effects
No serious adverse reactions have been associated with red clover, says the UMMC. Side effects may include nausea, headache and rash. The UMMC states that animals that consume large quantities of red clover have become infertile.
Cautions
Avoid using red clover if you're pregnant or nursing, advises the UMMC. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds those with breast or ovarian cancer or endometriosis to the list of populations who should avoid red clover. Red clover may increase the estrogen effects of hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives, and may interfere with tamoxifen and blood thinners, including herbs and supplements that have the same effect, such as ginger, garlic, vitamin E and gingko.
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that based on what we currently know about red clover, there's no reason to believe it's safer than hormone replacement therapy, as no long-term clinical trials have been conducted on the herb. Talk to your health care provider before using red clover or any other alternative or complementary treatment for menopause.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine: Red Clover
- AARP Magazine/Dr. Andrew Weil: The Burning Truth About Menopause Treatments
- Study: Phytoestrogen supplements for the treatment of hot flashes
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Red Clover
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