How Do Phytoestrogens Combat The Symptoms of Menopause?
Black Cohosh Ginkgo Biloba Dong Quai Ginseng Red Clover Soy Vitex Macafem
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh grows in the woods of eastern North America
Ginkgo Biloba
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is often referred to as "the female ginseng"
Ginseng
The Chinese word "rénshén" means "man root" in English
Red Clover
Originates from Asia, parts of Northern Africa, and Central Europe
Soy
Traditionally used in the Orient as a source of protein and medicine
Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is also called chaste tree
Macafem
Originates from the Andean mountains of Perú

How Do Phytoestrogens Combat The Symptoms of Menopause?

With hormone replacement therapy controversy on the rise, an increasing number of women are looking for alternative therapies to combat their menopausal symptoms. Among the most popular alternatives are herbal remedies; particularly phytoestrogenic herbs such as Dong quai, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, soy and Red clover.

But how do these wonder herbs work to fight off your symptoms? Keep reading below to learn about the properties of phytoestrogenic herbs for menopause.

What’s Inside Counts: The Chemical Compositions of Phytoestrogens

How Do Phytoestrogens Combat The Symptoms of Menopause?Phytoestrogens are chemical compounds found in plants that mimic the effects of estrogen when introduced to the body. While phytoestrogens appear in most plants, only a select few have a high enough concentration of phytoestrogenic compounds to make a noticeable difference on the symptoms of menopause.

These herbs work their magic by binding to estrogen receptors, which help balance the body’s natural estrogen levels. When estrogen levels peak, phytoestrogens block these naturally-occurring estrogens relieving symptoms caused by hormone imbalance.

How Can I Get My Daily Dosage of Phytoestrogens?

Many of the foods you already eat and enjoy contain small amounts of phytoestrogenic compounds which are grouped into five main classes of estrogens, isoflavones, flavanols, flavones, flavanones and ligans. Below you will find examples of food sources that contain these phytoestrogenic compounds:

• Isoflavones: soy beans, tempeh, tofu, soy milk.
• Flavanols: onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine, green tea.
• Flavones: apples, green tea.
• Flavanones: citrus peels.
• Lignans: flaxseed or flax flour, lentils, small amounts in garlic, squash, asparagus.

Most experts agree that more concentrated amounts of phytoestrogens are needed to truly relieve the symptoms of menopause and women looking for a stronger dosage can purchase phytoestrogenic herbs. Most of these herbs are available in a variety of forms, from capsules and teas to moisturizers and topical creams.

Some phytoestrogenic herbs linked with fighting menopausal symptoms include:

How Do Phytoestrogens Combat The Symptoms of Menopause? • Dong quai.
• Ginkgo biloba.
• Red clover.
• Ginseng.
• Soy.

Recommendation

While most experts agree that phytoestrogens are a much safer alternative to hormone therapy in treating menopausal symptoms, little research has been done by the medical community to identify the long-term benefits and side effects of these herbs. You should always consult with your doctor before introducing herbs for menopause into your lifestyle. Click here to read more about phytoestrogenic herbs.

Main Sections
Macafem
Is an Andean plant regarded as one of the best treatments for menopause symptoms because of it boosts the endocrine system.
Dong Quai
Is an Asian plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat gynecological problems, blood disorders, and as a sedative.
Ginkgo Biloba
Is a popular and ancient Chinese herbal remedy used to improve circulation, mental performance, and menopause symptoms.
Ginseng
Is a root widely used by Chinese, Koreans and Native Americans as a preventative treatment and to increase vitality.
Soy
Is a healthy, low-fat source of protein and is used as treat menopause because of its high amount of phytoestrogens.
Red Clover
Is a variety of Clover with a high nutritional value and it's widely used as an immune-booster and menopause relief, but it has some side effects.
Black Cohosh
Is a phytoestrogenic herb from eastern North America and it is used as a supplement to treat several illnesses, including menopause symptoms.
Vitex
Used since roman times to help women with hormonal imbalances, but pregnant women should avoid it.
Which herb should women try? Today women are looking for relief from their menopause symptoms with herbs. Phytoestrogenic herbs and non-estrogenic herbs are good in relieving menopause symptoms, but recent studies show that non-estrogenic herbs have no side effects because they help the body to produce its own hormones instead of introducing hormones like the phytoestrogenic ones. Learn more about non-estrogenic herbs for menopause.
How Do Phytoestrogens Combat The Symptoms of Menopause?