Observations placeholder
The pros and cons of plant estrogens for menopause
Identifier
017881
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
This paper is spoiled somewhat by the assertion that phytoestrogens are 'supplements' when the whole point is that you take them via a balanced diet.
It makes it all the more sad when we view their very first sentence 'an increase in the use of natural alternatives'. Still, the paper is very positive.
A description of the experience
J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2014 Jan;139:225-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.12.004. Epub 2012 Dec 25.
The pros and cons of plant estrogens for menopause.
Bedell S1, Nachtigall M, Naftolin F.
- 1Interdisciplinary Program in Menopausal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York 10016, United States.
Abstract
Concerns pertaining to the risk of estrogen exposure through HRT have prompted an increase in the use of natural alternatives.
Phytoestrogens may provide postmenopausal women with a practical alternative and many women have already begun to utilize phytoestrogen supplements.
However, research regarding the efficacy of phytoestrogens as a hormone therapy alternative has been previously pessimistic or questionable at best.
This review scrutinizes the most current research regarding the efficacy of three types of phytoestrogens, isoflavones, lignans and coumestans, and their specific effect on the reduction of climacteric symptoms, specifically vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, insomnia and osteoporosis.
A discussion of the research pertaining to the relative safety of each phytoestrogen in terms of breast and endometrial health is also included.
Overall, current research demonstrates that phytoestrogens are effective in reducing the intensity of hot flushes, and some phytoestrogen combinations result in a decreased frequency.
Certain phytoestrogens have also been shown to decrease vaginal atrophy, improve sleep and cognition, and positively affect bone health.
Even though initial research was generally unconvincing, the more recent evidence reviewed here is rather positive. In terms of safety and reports of adverse reactions, trials have not shown an increase in breast cancer risk or increase in endometrial hyperplasia following phytoestrogen use, but trials explicitly designed to find neoplasia have not been reported. Moreover, unlike hormone therapy, lignans may not increase clotting risk in postmenopausal women, thus supplements may serve as a treatment option for patients who have contraindications to hormone therapy.
Phytoestrogens may provide a safe and partially effective alternative to HT. However, because research regarding phytoestrogens is relatively new, pharmaco-vigilence is still required, as these products are not yet FDA-approved. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Phytoestrogens'.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Coumestan; HRT alternatives; Isoflavone; Lignan; Phytoestrogen efficacy
PMID: 23270754
The source of the experience
PubMedConcepts, symbols and science items
Concepts
Symbols
Science Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
Estrogen imbalanceHRT
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis treatments
Sleep deprivation, insomnia and mental exhaustion
Suppressions
Eating for healthPhytoestrogens