What Are The Benefits Of Herbal Estrogen?

As a woman nears the end of her reproductive cycle, her body's output of estrogen and progesterone fluctuates in preparation for the end of fertility. Perimenopause leads up to a woman's final menstrual period, and menopause clinically begins one year after her last period. Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, includes taking synthetic estrogen to bolster reduced natural estrogen in the body. An alternative remedy is to take herbal estrogens, although doctors disagree on the benefits of these compounds. The FDA does not oversee herbal remedies, so there is no guarantee of effectiveness. Visit with your doctor before taking herbal estrogens.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Traditional hormone replacement therapy balances a woman's hormones, but there is a risk of side effects from taking the synthetic drugs. Side effects may include, but are not limited to, increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and blood clotting. For this reason, some women choose to take herbal remedies that may be beneficial in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Herbal Estrogens

Phytoestrogen herbs contain isoflavonoids, or lignans, that may produce an estrogenic effect on the body. According to Leslie Braun, author of "Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidenced-based Guide," these plant-based preparations may offer relief without the side effects of HRT. In her list of phytoestrogens, Braun includes astragalus, black cohosh, chasteberry, damiana, dong quai, flaxseed oil, ginseng, hops, licorice root, red clover, sage, soy and wild yam.

Potential Benefits

Phytoestrogens may ease some mild menopausal symptoms, but since they create an estrogenic effect, they may also carry the same risk of side effects as synthetic estrogen. Preparations that contain herbal estrogens include capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas and topical ointments that absorb through the skin. Clinical studies verifying beneficial results and the safety of these products are lacking.

Considerations

Although herbs are not conventional medicines, they may have real effects on the body. Because herbal remedies lack comprehensive research, the safety of these products is unknown. Quality may vary from one manufacturer to the next, and herbs may be tainted with traces of pesticides or other chemicals. The decision to use herbal estrogen products is a decision between a woman and her physician. Do not treat attempt to treat any medical condition with herbal remedies, unless directed to do so by your doctor.