PHYTOESTROGEN HERBS FOR MENOPAUSE

PHYTOESTROGENIC HERBS FOR MENOPAUSE - INTRODUCTION

Phytoestrogen is a weak plant hormone that mimics and supplements the action of human estrogen. Phytoestrogen was discovered relatively recently, and researchers are still exploring the nutritional role of this substance in such diverse metabolic functions as the regulation of cholesterol, and post-menopausal bone density maintenance. Phytoestrogen also seems to increase risk for some types of cancer, although it is not clear if this is due to the phytoestrogen alone or lifestyle choices in general.

PHYTOESTROGENIC HERBS FOR MENOPAUSE - CHARACTERISTICS

Phytoestrogen is classified as a flavonoid, like isoflavones, which are found in are found in soy and red clover (a popular herb for menopause). Isoflavones have been thoroughly researched, and studies show that they are powerful substances with several health benefits. These biochemicals have structural similarities to the human hormone estradiol and mycoestrogens produced by fungi.

Increased exposure to hormones like phytoestrogen, such as those given to women during menopause, increases risk for breast cancer. Many believe that the hormone-like chemicals increasingly found in food and water also contribute to increased risk for cancer.

PHYTOESTROGENIC HERBS FOR MENOPAUSE - BEFORE USING

Virtually all edible plants, including grains, beans, nuts, seeds, seed oils, berries, fruits, vegetables, and roots, contain phytoestrogen. Scientists have found that women with high consumption of phytoestrogen were four times less likely to develop breast cancer than women with low phytoestrogen intake.

These findings seem to indicate that the more phytoestrogen, the better, but this is only true if the phytoestrogen is consumed by eating plants. However, taking isolated phytoestrogen as a concentrated pill is far more dangerous than consuming it as food.

To benefit from phytoestrogen, keep in mind:

1. Isolated phytoestrogen is not as safe as phytoestrogen naturally found in herbs.
2. Phytoestrogen may have different effects on women without ovaries.
3. Plants contain many types of phytoestrogen, as well as vitamins and minerals that help the body to safely convert and use phytoestrogen. In general, foods and herbs rich in phytoestrogen show anti-cancer abilities. Isolated isoflavone, however, has the opposite effect, and seems to encourage the growth of breast cancer cells.
4. Most of the warnings about phytoestrogenic herbs center on their proven ability to thicken the uterine wall, which could encourage cancer, just like hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

PHYTOESTROGENIC HERBS FOR MENOPAUSE - CONCERNS

Phytoestrogenic herbs are very effective for treating menopause symptoms, and are reasonably priced compared to HRT. However, use of phytoestrogenic herbs for menopause has been questioned because, by artificially adding hormones to the organism, these herbs can trigger side effects and serious health problems like breast cancer.

However, there are other alternative herbs for menopause which are as effective as phytoestrogenic herbs, but free from side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs for menopause, for example, are a great alternative for treating menopause symptoms.

What herb should women try during menopause? Today more and more women turn to herbs for relieving menopause symptom. Phytoestrogenic herbs and non estrogenic herbs are effective at relieving menopause symptoms, but recent studies show that non estrogenic herbs have zero side effects. Unlike phytoestrogenic herbs, they stimulate the body’s own hormonal production instead of introducing external hormones into the body.
    Click here to learn more about non estrogenic herbs for menopause.