Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating an estrogen deficiency. Phytoestrogens are a group of plant substances that have a similar biological effect as estrogen on your body. Because the chemical structure of phytoestrogens is similar to estradiol, a type of estrogen, they posses the ability to cause estrogenic effects. Before taking herbs to help treat your estrogen deficiency, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as Cimicefuga racemosa, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your estrogen deficiency. It is a member of the buttercup family, which is native to North America. The underground stems and roots of the plant have been used to help treat numerous health conditions, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms associated with menopause. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that black cohosh is a phytoestrogen that helps treat low-estrogen conditions. Black cohosh has been used to treat premenstrual syndrome, delayed menstruation and postpartum uterine soreness. Meet with your doctor before taking black cohosh to discuss proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions.
Red Clover
Red clover is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your estrogen deficiency. Also known as Trifolium pratense, red clover is a perennial herb that grows in meadows throughout Europe, Asia and North America. It is a member of the legume family, has a sweet taste and cooling tendencies. The flowers of the plant are used medicinally to help treat symptoms associated with menopause and estrogen deficiency. According to Tilgner, red clover is a phytoestrogen that contains isoflavones, which might decrease menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes, due to their estrogen-like effects. Tilgner cautions that this herb should be avoided if you are pregnant. Consult your physician about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions before taking red clover to help treat your estrogen deficiency.
Hops
Hops, also known as Humulus lupulus, is an herb that may be effective in treating your estrogen deficiency. It is an herbal medicine that has been used to treat many health complaints, including menopause and estrogen deficiency. Hops is a member of the hemp family, has a bitter taste and possesses cooling tendencies. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," hops is a mild sedative that contains considerable amounts of phytoestrogens that have an estrogen-like effects on your body. Hops, notes Smith, has been used to help treat hot flashes, anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness. If you have a hormone-sensitive cancer, you should avoid taking this herb, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Before taking hops to help treat your estrogen deficiency, talk with your physician about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
