The vast array of over 380,000 plant species provides boundless solutions to a range of symptoms. Among these natural treasures, phytoestrogens stand out, particularly beneficial for women experiencing the transitional phase of menopause.
These natural compounds, discovered in specific plants, closely resemble the body's own estrogen. Through interactions with estrogen receptors, phytoestrogens can mimic estrogen, much like a key fits perfectly into its designated lock (Sirotkin, Alexander V., et al., 2014). With the decline of natural estrogen levels during menopause, phytoestrogens can offer a hormonal alternative.
The human body contains numerous estrogen receptors; therefore, a deficiency in estrogen can manifest in a myriad of symptoms. These receptors are located in the brain, genito-urinary structures, skin, hair, bones, and heart, which can give rise to issues like brain fog, mood fluctuations, anxiety, sleep disturbances, vaginal atrophy, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, increased infections, osteoporosis, and muscle loss. Phytoestrogens present a natural means to replenish estrogen and alleviate these symptoms, offering protection to organs such as the heart, blood vessels, bones, uterus, vagina, and bladder.
Research highlights their therapeutic potential. Studies reveal that phytoestrogens can significantly reduce the occurrence of hot flushes in menopausal women without severe side-effects (Chen, M., et al. 2015). Additional research points to their efficacy in mitigating urogenital symptoms related to menopause, with improvements observed in markers of vaginal health, such as tissue maturation and cellular transformation (Abdi, F., et al., 2021).
Several traditional herbs assist women during menopause. Black cohosh is one such popular herbal remedy. In 2020, a double-blind study evaluated black cohosh plant extract's impact on menopausal symptoms, revealing that the extract alleviated symptoms and reduced anxiety in participants (Castelo-Branco, C., et al. 2020).
With estrogen playing a pivotal role in bone remodeling, decreasing levels increase susceptibility to reduced bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen prevalent in red clover, have been identified in clinical studies as crucial in combating bone loss due to estrogen deficiency (Lambert, M. N., et al. 2017). Another phytoestrogen, kudzu exhibits estrogen-like effects on vaginal tissue, reducing symptoms like vaginal dryness and rejuvenating postmenopausal vaginal epithelium (Manonai, J., et al., 2007).
Interestingly, a natural component of beer, hops contain 8-prenylnaringenin, a potent phytoestrogen. It's beneficial for alleviating menopausal vasomotor symptoms and has sedative qualities that can aid sleep and reduce anxiety.There is an age old herb used for menopause and woman's health, called Dong Quai, abundant in phytoestrogens, is renowned in traditional Chinese medicine as a solution for female reproductive challenges and menopause. Often termed the 'female ginseng', it harmonizes female hormones. Vitex, or Chaste Tree Berry, offers a unique mechanism. This herb affects the female reproductive system by adjusting hormone levels via the brain's control center. A placebo-controlled study found Vitex agnus-castus extract to be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms (Naseri, R., et al., 2019).
In summary, herbalism connects us deeply to nature's reservoir. As women undergo the transformative phase of menopause, phytoestrogens provide a source of support and relief. Our Menopause Tincture combines these herbs, offering a comprehensive natural approach to this life transition.
References:
- Sirotkin, Alexander V., et al. (2014). Phytoestrogens and their effects. European Journal of Pharmacology.
- Chen, M., et al. (2015). Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis and systematic review, 18(2), 260–269.
- Abdi, F., et al. (2021). Effects of phytoestrogens on urogenital symptoms in postmenopausal women. Journal of Menopausal Medicine.
- Castelo-Branco, C., et al. (2020). Review & meta-analysis: Isopropanolic Black cohosh extract iCR for menopausal symptoms – an update on the evidence. Climacteric, 24(2), 109-119.
- Lambert, M. N., et al. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of isoflavone formulations against estrogen-deficient bone resorption in peri- and postmenopausal women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106(3), 801-811.
- Manonai, J., et al. (2007). Effect of Pueraria mirifica on vaginal health. Menopause, 14(5), 919–924.
- Naseri, R., et al. (2019). Comparison of Vitex agnus-castus extracts with placebo in reducing menopausal symptoms: A randomized double-blind study. Korean Journal of Family Medicine, 40(6), 362-367.