Natural Herbs That Stabilize Estrogen

Estrogen imbalance is the driving force behind menopausal symptoms, menstrual irregularities, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome and even breast cancer, according to Dr. Duane Townsend, author of "A Maverick of Medicine Speaks to Women." Attaining estrogen balance, says Townsend, will ameliorate the symptoms associated with menopause and PMS and possibly reduce your risk for osteoporosis and estrogen-related cancers.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are plant-based isoflavones which mimic the effects of estrogen in your body. These compounds compete with your own estrogen for the same cellular receptors, but they do not stimulate those receptors as strongly. This helps to alleviate a condition known as estrogen dominance in younger women, while it serves to partially replace the estrogen that is absent following menopause. Phytoestrogens are found in hundreds of plants, but Townsend contends that only a few are high quality sources of isoflavones.

Red Clover

Trifolium pretense, or red clover, contains 4 isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, biochanin and formentin. Although the evidence to support the use of red clover for menopausal or PMS symptoms is contradictory, red clover extracts may decrease total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Furthermore, a study published in the May 2008 issue of "Menopause International" demonstrated that red clover, at a dose of 40 mg daily, is safe for women of all ages, even when they have a family history of breast cancer.

Kudzu

Kudzu, or Pueraria lobata, is an invasive climbing vine belonging to the pea family. Townsend reports that kudzu root is a rich source of phytoestrogens, such as daidzein, genistein and puerarin. For two millennia, kudzu has been used to treat cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other conditions, and some of these uses are supported by scientific research, according to the April 2011 "Journal of Ethnopharmacology." Scientists at the University of Alabama report that kudzu exerts estrogen-balancing effects due to its genistein and daidzein content, and puerarin appears to promote bone growth and improve lipid profiles. Traditionally, doses of 9 to 15 grams daily have been used for various ailments.

Soy

Soy is probably the best-studied source of phytoestrogens. It is particularly high in genistein and daidzein, both of which have been shown to bind to estrogen receptors on your cells. Townsend states that over two thousand studies demonstrate genistein's ability to safely balance your estrogen levels. Therefore, soy may prove useful for conditions where either estrogen dominance or estrogen deficit is the principal culprit. Townsend recommends starting with soy preparations containing around 35 mg of genistein and 3 to 5 mg of daidzein, which mirrors soy's natural isoflavone content.

Considerations

Although a mounting body of scientific evidence attests to the benefits and safety of phytoestrogens, not all experts agree they are safe for individuals with estrogen-dependent cancers. Phytoestrogens have not been proven to prevent or cure breast cancer, prostate cancer or osteoporosis, nor are they universally accepted as remedies for PMS, menopause or other estrogen-related conditions. Ask your doctor if phytoestrogens are appropriate for you.