A phtyoestrogen is an organic plant source that mimics the female hormone estrogen. Taking supplements to replace estrogen depleted during menopause is often the herbal alternative to hormone replacement therapy. Replacing lost estrogen during menopause is said to improve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances and risk of osteoporosis. Women experiencing symptoms of menopause should first consult with a health professional before attempting to diagnose or self-medicate any condition.
Red Clover
Red clover, or Trifolium pratense, is a plant native to Europe and Asia. In nature, it has been a grazing food for cattle. Medicinally, red clover has been purported to cure cancer, purify the blood and treat respiratory problems. Today, the isoflavones in red clover are marketed as a means to end hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. While Northern Arizona Health suggests that red clover may help stave off osteoporosis, evidence is still lacking as to whether it will alleviate the other symptoms. Side effects of red clover list by the University of Maryland Medical Center include headache, nausea and rash. Red clover should not be taken with other estrogens, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, tamoxifen or medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Actaea racemosa, is an herb native to North America. The Native Americans prized black cohosh for its ability to treat many gynecological disorders. American Family Physician states that early studies on black cohosh suggested that it worked by creating an estrogenic effect by decreasing availability of luteinizing hormones. However, more recent studies on luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin and black cohosh prove inconclusive in determining the exact mechanism of action. For up to six months, black cohosh can be used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, which include sleep disturbances and hot flashes. Side effects include dizziness, headaches, giddiness and gastrointestinal upset. Black cohosh should not be taken with tamoxifen.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, is a vine native to North America, India and Asia. It is traditionally used to treat rheumatic conditions, asthma, gastrointestinal disorders and problem urination. According to the American Cancer Society, wild yam is purported to alleviate menopausal symptoms due to chemical diosgenin activity thought to convert to progesterone, a hormone that decreases during menopause. The evidence from clinical trials thus far does not substantiate these claims. Side effects from wild yam include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It should not be taken with hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Wild yam can also create hypoglycemia and should not be taken with diabetes medications.
Genistein
Genistein is a chemical found in soy products. Soy has been revered for centuries in Asian cuisines and only recently has there been an increasing number of supplements touting its benefits to ease the suffering of women in menopause. Similar to the other phytoestrogen supplements, Genistein it believed to work by binding to estrogen receptors and reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sleep problems. New York University's Langone Medical Center states that while Genistein could improve conditions, it may also depreciate them. This is due to the dual-action of Genistein on estrogen receptors that could result in actually partly blocking the benefits and possibly increasing the risk for certain forms of cancer. In defense of Genistein, there is evidence that it may help reduce hot flashes, risk for skin cancer, prevent osteoporosis and heart disease risk in women. Side effects of Genistein include the possibility of impaired immunity and gastrointestinal upset. If mixed with red clover or black cohosh, those side effects and warnings would apply.
