This month we talk in detail about menopause: what is early menopause, who is at risk and is it possible to help the body in this difficult period, what hormones to take in order to . One of the advice of experts was the intake of phytoestrogens. What it is, what it contains, how to take it – we decided to study this issue in more detail.
Phytoestrogens are represented by three main classes:
- 1) isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, glabridin, biocanin A, formononetin, resveratrol, pycnogenol) – found in legumes (soybeans, beans, lentils), red clover, licorice, red grapes, hops, cimicifuge, vitex, dioscorea;
- 2) lignins (enterolactone, enterodiol) – found in flax seeds, cereals (rye, rice), nuts, fruits (citrus fruits, apples, cherries) and vegetables (spinach, carrots, broccoli, garlic, parsley);
- 3) coumestans (coumestrol) – found in red clover, alfalfa.
The most powerful of them are isoflavones, that is, representatives of the first class. Phytoestrogens can improve well-being with autonomic manifestations of menopausal syndrome: they reduce the number and severity of hot flashes, smooth out emotional instability, and improve sleep. They also have a positive effect on improving the blood supply to the pelvic organs, which contributes to the prevention and treatment of urogenital disorders (dry mucous membranes, recurrent cystitis).
However, the effect of phytoestrogens is much less pronounced compared to hormonal drugs. If we take the effect that estradiol has as 100, then the power of phytoestrogens will be 0.001–0.002 (depending on the type of substance). This explains why you should not rely on them in the desire to solve the metabolic problems caused by the onset of menopause.
Phytoestrogens have negligible effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Information about the prevention of osteoporosis with their help is considered unreliable. Nevertheless, all phytoestrogens are antioxidants – they prevent the harmful effects of free radicals; have an oncoprotective effect – they interact with estrogen beta receptors, due to which they do not cause cell proliferation, they can be used for gynecological diseases manifested in unhealthy cell growth (uterine fibroids, mastopathy, endometriosis, malignant tumors in history).
Thus, one of the most effective methods of non-hormonal therapy is just the intake of plant extracts or synthetic preparations containing isoflavones (ginestein, daidzein) – phytoestrogens of the first group. Their positive qualities have been sufficiently studied, negative effects have not been identified. Phytoestrogens help not only in the fight against the manifestations of menopausal syndrome, with painful PMS, but also with hormone deficiencies in women. Especially at an age in which menopause took place a very long time ago, but for some reason they did not take hormone therapy. The time for MHT has been hopelessly lost, the window of opportunity has closed, and hormonal drugs are not only ineffective, but are no longer indicated for prescription. Phytoestrogens in this case will be especially useful.
Here are other herbal supplements that can help during menopause:
- shatavari – a plant that is widely used in Ayurveda, contains phytoestrogens and has a positive effect on libido;
- lecithin – phospholipids contained in large quantities in egg yolk, sunflower and soy; supplements contain vegetable lecithin;
- coenzyme Q10 – an antioxidant produced by the body itself, and plays an important role in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphoric acid – a universal source of energy;
- ginkgo biloba – preparations based on this plant are used for the prevention and treatment of mental disorders: problems with memory, attention, confusion, depression, etc.;
- curcumin – polyphenol, which is part of the root of turmeric and has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
And if you, along with phytoestrogens and other herbal supplements, begin to take omega-3-PUFAs, collagen, magnesium and vitamin D, then the manifestations of menopausal syndrome will noticeably decrease.