Red clover blossom is a medicinal herb that contains compounds that act like the female hormone estrogen in the body. For this reason, it is often used to treat the symptoms of menopause, but there is no solid scientific proof that it works for this purpose. Its hormonal properties also mean that red clover blossom may not be safe for some people, and it does carry other risks, as well. Talk to your doctor before using red clover blossom.
Hormonal Issues
Because it acts like estrogen, women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this herb, as it may be dangerous. Some cancers, including breast, ovarian and uterine cancers, may be fueled by the estrogen-like properties of red clover blossom. If you have a history of these cancers, you should avoid red clover blossom, according to the American Cancer Society. Red clover blossom may also aggravate other hormone-sensitive conditions, including uterine fibroids and endometriosis. If you have a protein S deficiency, a genetic condition that increases the risk of blood clots, the estrogen-like properties of red clover blossom may worsen your condition and increase your risk of clots. Because of its hormonal properties, red clover blossom may also interfere with drugs that affect estrogen, including birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy and the cancer drug tamoxifen. If you are taking these drugs, do not take red clover blossom without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.
Bleeding Problems
Red clover blossom may increase the risk of serious bleeding problems. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking a blood thinner like warfarin, do not take red clover blossom unless you have consulted your doctor first. If you need surgery, stop taking red clover blossom at least two weeks before your operation as it may cause bleeding problems during the procedure. Make sure to warn your surgeon that you were taking the supplement. If you have a protein S deficiency, a genetic condition that increases the risk of blood clots, the estrogen-like properties of red clover blossom may worsen your condition and increase your risk of clots.
Interactions
Red clover may impair the body's ability to process many common drugs that are broken down by the liver. If you are on any medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking red clover blossom. Some common drugs that may be affected by red clover blossom include heartburn medications like omeprazole, anti-anxiety medications like diazepam, painkillers like ibuprofen, cholesterol-lowering drugs like lovastatin and allergy medications like fexofenadine.
Side Effects
Red clover causes few serious side effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They include headache, nausea, muscle aches, vaginal bleeding and rash. If you are allergic to clover, avoid red clover supplements, as they may cause a reaction. Some people use red clover topically to treat sores, burns and other skin conditions, but there is not enough evidence to know if this causes side effects or other risks, according to MedlinePlus.
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