On March 2, 2004, the National Institutes of Health terminated part of the landmark Women's Health Initiative due to concerns about increased risks for stroke, heart disease, breast cancer and blood clots in subjects who took hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. These concerns prompted more women to seek herbal remedies for hormonal problems, even though such remedies are not approved in the United States for treating such conditions.
Soy for PMS and Menopause
Duane Townsend, M.D., author of "A Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women," supports the use of plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens, for dealing with the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. In particular, he touts the beneficial properties of soy, which contains two important isoflavones called genistein and daidzein. Townsend contends that these phytoestrogens displace your own, more potent estrogens from cellular receptors, alleviating a condition called "estrogen dominance" and decreasing the symptoms of PMS. In a similar fashion, genistein and daidzein exert a mild estrogenic effect in menopausal women whose own estrogen levels are falling. Soy is not approved in the United States for treating hormonal conditions.
Red Clover Contains Four Isoflavones
Townsend reports that red clover is the source of at least four isoflavones that could help to balance your hormone levels. This plant contains lower levels of genistein and daidzein than soy, but it also produces biochanin and formentin, which are converted to genistein and daidzein. A 1999 study in "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" demonstrated red clover's ability to improve arterial pliability in women, a property which could play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Red clover is frequently used in formulas for PMS and menopause, but it is not approved for treating any condition. Townsend recommends taking two 500 mg capsules 3 times daily.
Kudzu Root Is a Source of Phytoestrogens
Kudzu, a fast-growing, climbing vine that is considered invasive in many areas, is a rich source of isoflavones, according to Townsend. The plant's phytoestrogens are concentrated in its roots, which are part of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. A daily dosage of 10 to 15 g of kudzu root is recommended, and only pure and standardized products should be used. Kudzu root has not been approved in the United States for treating any condition.
Other Popular Hormone Balancers
Black cohosh, chaste berry and other herbal remedies are purported to balance hormone levels and alleviate such conditions as PMS and menopause. Townsend believes most of these preparations are ineffective at best, and some, such as black cohosh, may cause liver damage if taken for long periods of time or in large doses. While such plants may exert physiologic effects, they are not true phytoestrogens. Townsend contends that wild yam, which contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin, is too weak on its own to alter hormone levels in the human body, although it is used to produce effective "natural" progesterone creams. None of these agents is approved in the United States for treating hormone disorders.
Considerations
Controversy still surrounds the use of plant-based molecules for treating hormonal conditions. Many scientists believe phytoestrogens have not been proven to be effective or that they could increase your risk for breast or other cancers. If you choose to use herbs for hormonal conditions, use only pure, standardized products and follow the manufacturer's directions. Dosages vary from one product to another. If you have an underlying medical condition, consult with your physician before using any herbal product.
References
- NIH News: NIH Asks Participants in Women's Health Initiative Estrogen-Alone Study to Stop Study Pills, Begin Follow-up Phase; March 2, 2004
- "A Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women"; Duane Townsend, M.D., Rita Elkins, M.H.; 2003
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Isoflavones from Red Clover Improve Systemic Arterial Compliance but Not Plasma Lipids in Menopausal Women; P.J. Nestel, et al.; 1999
