home All hormones Natural estrogens for women. Phytoestrogens for women: a review of the best drugs and herbs Natural estrogens in herbs

Natural estrogens for women. Phytoestrogens for women: a review of the best drugs and herbs Natural estrogens in herbs

At the age of 40–45 years, a woman’s body undergoes rapid changes. It seems that just a month ago everything was fine, and suddenly fat folds appeared on the sides and under the arms.

In fact, no one will be able to avoid this fate, not even athletes who have devoted their entire adult lives to sports. Fat begins to be unevenly redistributed throughout the body due to a number of factors.

Age fat

The health, and especially the beauty of a woman, directly depends on the concentration of sex hormones. Of these, the leading role is played by estrogens, which are commonly called the main female hormones.

The production of these hormones decreases significantly after 40 years and practically stops after 50 years with the onset of menopause. It is at this age that most women begin to consult various specialists about high blood pressure, joint pain and problems with excess weight.

This is explained simply. The female body, preparing for menopause, adapts to it, and hormonal changes redistribute subcutaneous fat with an increase in its amount. This increase in fat is required by the body, since when the production of sex hormones (estrogen) by the ovaries decreases, adipose tissue takes over this function.

How to compensate for estrogen deficiency

There are drugs designed to increase estrogen levels in women, but quite often this problem can be solved without the use of any synthetic drugs, just saturate your diet products containing phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogens are components of plant origin, similar in their functions to estrogens, which are produced naturally in the female body. Although phytoestrogens are not a product of the human endocrine system, they act on the same cellular receptors as human estrogens.

Consumption of products containing phytoestrogens allows women to reduce the symptoms characteristic of the postmenopausal period.

FOODS RICH IN PHYTOESTROGENS

The intake of phytohormones should be agreed with a doctor after a blood test for hormones. If this is not done and you take the medications on your own for a long time, you can achieve persistent hormonal imbalance and related problems.

How to lose weight by 20 kg per month

With age, absolutely everything changes in appearance, regardless of body constitution. However, those who play sports and pay enough attention to healthy eating have a better chance of looking fit in old age.

Do you want quick results? Then arm yourself with the ideas from our article. And don’t forget to consult your doctor before going on a diet, because health is more important than beauty.

You can lose up to 10 kg of excess weight in two weeks thanks to the diet of actress Maria Poroshina. But this is only possible if a person has a fair amount of willpower, since it is very difficult to last two weeks on such a diet.

MARIA POROSHINA'S DIET MENU

First day of the first week
On the first day of the diet, your menu should include 5 boiled potatoes and 3 boiled eggs.
Second day
Your diet will be represented by one glass of kefir and 100 grams of cottage cheese.
The third day
Kefir (500 ml), 1 liter of fruit juice and 2 apples.
Fourth day
A serving of boiled chicken or beef (400 g) and an unlimited amount of tea without sugar.
Fifth day
During the day you need to eat either pears or apples (half a kilogram).
Sixth day
3 boiled potatoes and 1.5 cups of kefir or yogurt.
Seventh day
Only kefir (500 ml).
First day of the second week
The diet should consist of only boiled beef (250 g).
Second day
Vegetable salad and boiled beef (150 g).
The third day
2 apples, 2 slices of bran bread, a portion of boiled beef or chicken (200 g).
Fourth day
2 eggs, boiled beef (150 grams), and 150 g of rye bread.
Fifth day
3 boiled potatoes, 700 g apples and kefir (500 ml).
Sixth day
2 eggs, 2 fresh cucumbers, boiled chicken (300 g) and an unlimited amount of tea without sugar.
Seventh day
2 boiled potatoes and 2 apples.

Losing as much weight as you dreamed of is only half the battle. Another half of the battle is keeping the weight off. Maria Poroshina recommends that at the end of the diet you should not allow fried and fatty foods into your diet, and also stay away from simple carbohydrates. It is better to eliminate late meals forever and have your last meal before six in the evening.

According to modern clinical guidelines, menopausal disorders are the basis for prescribing estrogen replacement therapy. This tactic is aimed not only at correcting the uncomfortable psycho-vegetative disorders of early menopause. Taking estrogen is also a prevention of late metabolic complications of the postmenopausal period.

But many women refuse to use hormonal drugs or have certain contraindications for their use. In this case, drugs containing phytoestrogens are used.

What are phytoestrogens?

The term is used in relation to non-hormonal substances of plant origin, which in the human body can have an estrogen-like effect. But they still have a different, non-steroidal structure and cannot fully imitate the effects of natural hormones. And in some situations, their effect is completely antiestrogenic. Therefore, this name is not entirely correct, but continues to be actively used in everyday life and in official medicine.

This group of biologically active compounds is heterogeneous in structure. It includes quite a lot of substances that are somewhat similar to the 17-beta-estradiol molecule. The most common of them are:

isoflavones (daidzein, biochanin A, genistein, formononetin and more than 500 substances);
coumestans (the most significant is coumestrol);
lignans;
non-steroidal (triterpenoid) and steroid-like (steroidal) saponins;
phytosterols;
resorcylic acid lactones.

Phytoestrogens were isolated from plants in 1926. But they began to be actively and widely used in medicine only in the last 15-20 years. Previously, they were obtained from homemade decoctions and infusions. This made dosing difficult and was accompanied by a fairly high risk of side effects due to excess consumption. Currently, dietary supplements with standardized doses are used for therapeutic purposes, which makes the result of therapy more predictable.

Operating principle

The biological effects of estrogens entering a woman’s body are caused by several mechanisms. Traditionally, the main one is considered to be reversible binding to receptors located in estrogen-sensitive tissues. The targets for estrogen and its plant “simulator” are the ovaries, endometrium, mammary glands, glandular structures of the cervix, vagina, urethra and vulva, and bone tissue. According to the feedback principle, the hypothalamic-pituitary system is also involved.

But the reactions that arise in response are still not complete and sufficient to completely imitate the action of endogenous (own, internal) ones. After all, the potency of these hormone-like substances is only about 2% of physiological hormones. Therefore, taking herbal remedies is not true hormone replacement therapy. But with their help, you can still somewhat mitigate the symptoms of menopausal estrogen deficiency.

Estrogen-like action is not the only mechanism of action of phytoestrogens. They also have other effects:

Competitive, fairly strong binding to estrogen receptors. And this leads to inhibition of the proliferation of target cells, which is caused by endoestrogens. This mechanism is especially relevant in the premenopausal period, since thanks to it it is possible to reduce the risk of developing mammary glands.
Stimulation of the synthesis in the liver of a special globulin SHBG - a carrier protein that binds sex hormones. This leads to a decrease in their concentration in the blood, which serves to prevent the development of premenopausal tumors and other hormone-dependent pathological conditions in women.

Thus, we cannot talk only about the replacement effect of phytoestrogens. They also have an anti-estrogenic effect, the severity of which depends on the level of a woman’s own endogenous estrogens in the body. This point should be taken into account when prescribing a therapeutic course and its start date.

When is it advisable to take phytoestrogens during menopause?

Mitigation of psychovegetative manifestations: hot flashes, sweating, sudden mood swings, neurosis-like reactions, sleep disturbances.
Prevention of osteoporosis, which reduces the risk of developing pathological fractures of the femoral neck and vertebrae.
Reducing the likelihood of the formation of hormone-dependent tumors affecting the glandular tissue of the mammary glands, endometrium and myometrium of the uterus.
Reducing the risk of developing severe systemic atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular complications (angiogenic and cardioprotective effects). This is due to the beneficial effect on the blood lipid profile. But it should be understood that taking phytoestrogens alone cannot minimize the likelihood of stroke and heart attack in a woman. Prevention of these conditions requires an integrated approach. It usually includes following dietary recommendations, taking additional medications, adjusting weight, and maintaining reasonable physical activity.
Improving the condition of the skin and its appendages (hair, nails), reducing the rate of development of age-related changes in them. This is the so-called anti-aging effect of phytoestrogens. Against the background of their regular use, the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis is somewhat enhanced, which helps to improve skin tone. The formation of characteristic age-related pigmentation (age spots) also slows down.
Improving the condition of the mucous membrane of the vulvovaginal area. Phytoestrogenic therapy somewhat activates the work of glandular cells, which slows down the development of atrophic colpitis during menopause. At the same time, the woman’s feeling of vaginal dryness decreases and the quality of sexual life increases.
Relief of urinary incontinence associated with menopause.

The complex action of phytoestrogens makes it possible to soften the brightest and most uncomfortable symptoms and at the same time minimize the risks of long-term consequences of postmenopausal estrogen deficiency.

When should treatment begin?

Therapy can be started at any stage of the climacteric syndrome. Most often, they are prescribed when a woman develops uncomfortable psycho-vegetative symptoms in premenopause, when menstruation has not yet completely stopped.

For preventive purposes, phytoestrogens are prescribed already when the first signs of decline in the function of the reproductive system appear - at approximately the age of 40-45 years. Such an early start of therapy allows their anti-aging effect to fully manifest itself, makes the course of menopause more comfortable, and significantly reduces the risks of cardiovascular and oncological diseases in postmenopause. But a later start of therapy is also acceptable.

The course of treatment should be long. You should not expect a quick onset of effect and complete elimination of symptoms. Phytoestrogens are not emergency drugs for vegetative crises, but agents that work for the future. And the full effect of taking them can be expected with daily, long-term systematic use.

It should not be forgotten that the effectiveness of the treatment depends on a number of factors. The most important of them is the composition and activity of intestinal microflora. The fact is that bacteria living in the large intestine partially metabolize phytoestrogens, converting them into a more active and absorbable form. For example, isoflavones are converted into equol under the influence of intestinal microflora.

Therefore, it is recommended to maintain the normal composition of the microflora during this period. To do this, it is advisable to use fermented milk and fiber-rich products, which are natural prebiotics and probiotics. You should avoid unauthorized use of antibiotics, which negatively affect the composition and number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

When are phytoestrogens not used?

Contraindications for menopause are as follows:

diagnosed or suspected;
cystomas of the uterus and appendages;
liver pathology with clinically significant deviations in the biochemical parameters of this organ;
severe, decompensated and progressive brain diseases;
allergic reactions to any of the components of the herbal medicine or to the plant itself.

Failure to comply with contraindications can cause rapid progression of underlying diseases and increase the cancer risk of existing tumors. Therefore, the treatment regimen must be agreed with your doctor.

Natural Sources of Phytoestrogens

The list of possible natural sources is quite wide. They are found in many plants that are edible or medicinal.

A large number of phytoestrogens are found in clover, licorice, alfalfa, red brush, wild yam, hawthorn, nettle, black cohosh, sage, and yarrow.

Food sources include:

soy is the most studied source of isoflavones and coumestans;
other legumes, however, the level of active substances in them is lower than in soybeans;
nuts are a source of lignans;
flax and sesame seeds;
fruits, the most phytoestrogens are found in cherries, citrus fruits and apples;
vegetables and food herbs: broccoli, spinach, garlic, parsley, cabbage, celery;
oils, the most useful: olive, coconut, wheat germ;
dairy products and cheeses.

But these food products are still not able to provide a level of hormone-like substances sufficient for the prevention and correction of menopausal symptoms. And their bioavailability is not high enough. For example, for the average woman in the European part of Russia, the food source covers only about 2% of the required amount of phytoestrogens. This figure is significantly higher in eastern countries, where many soybean products are traditionally consumed. But even there, women in menopause can be additionally prescribed medications containing phytoestrogens.

What drugs can be used?

The list of drugs is very wide. They are available in the form of aqueous and alcoholic solutions for oral administration, tablets, capsules, homeopathic granules, cosmetic and vaginal creams.

The most well-known drugs include Qi-klim, Klimadinon, Estrovel, Remens, Klimaxan, Menoril, Fimail, Klimaton, Ovestin, Divina. They contain active substances of different structure, origin and concentration.

The selection of the drug, its dosage and dosage regimen for menopause must be done under the supervision of a doctor. After all, irrationally conducted therapy using phytoestrogens can aggravate hormonal imbalance by enabling the antiestrogenic effect of these substances. And this is fraught with an increased risk of developing tumors and the appearance of other hormone-dependent conditions.

When young, few people think about age. Many people think that the 40-year mark will not come soon. Therefore, not everyone thinks about their future health. After 40, all women experience a special period in the body during which production sharply decreases.

It is this hormone that is responsible for women’s health, affects sexual function and skin condition.

Estrogen deficiency in the female body leads to various consequences. Among them may be:

To maintain a stable level of hormones in a woman’s body, a whole set of hormones is used. Hormone therapy allows older women to regain a sense of youth, as well as normalize their health and avoid serious diseases.

Necessary conditions to start taking hormones

Hormonal therapy for women after forty should not be prescribed independently. Specialist consultation is required. To prescribe hormones, the following conditions are required:

a mandatory visit to a gynecologist to identify disruptions in the hormonal system;
conducting a complete blood test;
examination of the genital organs for the presence of tumors;
examination of the cervix for the presence of tumor markers and to study its microflora;
carrying out tests for malfunctions in the thyroid gland;
performing liver tests;
visiting a mammologist to examine the condition of the mammary glands;
conducting a blood test specifically for hormones.

If there are no contraindications to starting therapy, the doctor can advise which hormones should be taken.

Cases when hormone therapy is inadmissible

It is important to point out cases when it is better for women over 40 to abstain from taking hormones. These are the following cases:

presence of liver problems, cancer, high risk of internal bleeding, thrombosis in blood vessels;
age over 60 years, when treatment with hormones can lead to complications;
intolerance to hormone-based drugs;
More than 10 years have passed since the onset of menopause.

In these cases, hormone therapy can be harmful to women's health. You should consult your doctor in advance regarding taking hormonal medications.

Types of hormone therapy drugs in tablet form

Hormone therapy drugs can be produced in the form of suppositories, ointments, patches, subcutaneous implants and tablets. Special attention should be paid to the latest and most common form of hormonal drugs - tablets.

There are two main female hormones in tablets for use at 40 years of age:

estrogen;
progesterone.

Estrogen is multifunctional. This is the main female hormone that improves the condition of the heart, blood vessels, blood, brain, and bones. It is responsible for sexual desire and skin condition. Participates in the activities of all major organs of the female body.

Progesterone acts on the uterus, preventing it from growing too much. It is also responsible for the production of breast milk and participates in the pregnancy process.

Review of popular hormonal drugs

There are 7 most popular and effective medications in the form of tablets recommended for women over 40 years of age: These include:

Livial is recommended for women suffering from high blood pressure. It is also recommended by doctors for the prevention of osteoporosis. The drug has its own dosage interval - 5 years. After this, it is important to take a six-month break. Prohibited for use during pregnancy.

"Estrofem" has a good effect on the heart and is a reliable preventive hormonal remedy for cardiovascular diseases. Contains estrogen produced from plants. The product should not be used by women with stomach and kidney problems.

"Klimonorm" is more often prescribed to women who have undergone surgery to remove the uterus or ovaries. It has its contraindications for women with stomach ulcers, jaundice or diabetes. Women taking this hormone should remember that it is not a contraceptive.

Kliogest, like Livial, is recommended to be taken as a preventive measure for osteoporosis and high blood pressure. But this medicine has many side effects. They are expressed in the form of colic in the liver, headaches and bleeding in the internal organs.

"Femoston" is a universal hormone in tablets. The drug can be used by both women and men to treat the prostate. In women, the product strengthens bone tissue and blood vessels well, but has a negative effect on the stomach and intestines. This medicine should only be taken under the constant supervision of a doctor.

Trisequence contains two hormones at once. In addition to estrogen, it contains the hormone progesterone. The drug relieves pain during menopause well. May cause vaginal itching and swelling of the legs. Highly not recommended for women with malignant tumors. Do not use for internal bleeding.

"Proginova" is prescribed as a drug that replenishes the blood in women. One of the symptoms is the appearance of itching on the skin. The remedy is often prescribed to women with removed appendages.

Taking phytoestrogens as part of hormone therapy

It is known that some plant species are capable of producing hormones. Such plants include black cohosh. It contains phytoestrogens, which are beneficial for women over 45 years of age. The hormonal drug “Qi-Klim” was created based on black cohosh. It is available in both tablet and ointment form.

The phytoestrogens included in this drug have the following effects:

smooth out the manifestations of menopause;
reduce inflammation;
relieve pain during menopause;
improve skin condition;
increase sexual desire;
reduce the process of wrinkles and age spots on the skin.

Phytoestrogens act as an estrogen substitute. In this case, hormone therapy will be safer than taking strong drugs. "Qi-Klim" is a relatively safe remedy. Side effects may include allergies and digestive problems. Most often, the product acts as a supplement. Not recommended for use by women with malignant tumors.

Taking birth control pills that contain hormones

After 40, a woman’s sex life does not stop. But there are factors that affect its quality. Menopause and hormonal changes can cause disturbances in sexual desire, which can result in various diseases.

Do not forget that even in adulthood a woman can become pregnant. Childbirth at this age is fraught with numerous complications, so not every representative of the fairer sex will decide to become pregnant. To avoid unplanned pregnancy, women are advised to take birth control pills that contain hormones.

Any contraceptive hormonal therapy has its contraindications:

migraine;
high pressure;
problems with the circulatory system (for example, varicose veins);
Chronic tonsillitis;
excess weight;
diabetes;
oncological diseases.

The most effective drugs are in tablet form. They have a high percentage of effectiveness. Most often the following drugs are available for sale:

"Silest";
"Regulon";

“Silest” affects the egg and reduces its functioning, and also makes the walls of the uterus soft.

"Regulon" acts as a good prevention of the appearance of uterine fibroids in women. This hormonal contraceptive normalizes menstrual cycles.

"Jess" has few side effects and is even used to treat gynecological diseases. It removes water well from the female body, relieving swelling. There is an additional drug called Jess Plus.

Marvelon operates multifunctionally. In addition to the contraceptive effect, it also helps improve skin condition. Additionally reduces body hair growth.

Additional contraceptive drugs include:

“Triziston”, which restrains sperm due to the secretion of mucus in the vagina;
“Janine”, which changes the composition of the uterine mucosa during the process of ovulation;
"Triquilar", which makes ovulation difficult;
“Novinet”, which maintains a stable background of hormones in a woman;
"Femoden", regulating menstruation and fighting anemia.

The gynecologist must decide which hormonal contraceptive pills a particular woman should take. Self-prescription of hormonal drugs is unacceptable due to the risk of complications. Any over 40 years of age are prescribed taking into account the personal characteristics of the patient.

Features of taking hormones

Any need to be drunk in doses and in a timely manner. The approximate period for taking most hormones is 3 weeks. Then there is a pause for the period of menstruation (about 7 days). At this time, it is necessary to monitor your health. If you experience pain in the head or discharge, it is recommended to immediately stop taking hormonal pills.

For women who have frequent sexual activity, it is important to remember that the simultaneous use of hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics significantly reduces the effectiveness of the former. In such cases, a protected act using condoms and various lubricants and vaginal gels is necessary.

Hormonal drugs that fight menopause and cancer

In addition to the above-mentioned means of hormonal therapy, it is permissible to take such drugs in tablets, which fight not only the manifestations of menopause, but also serve as the prevention of cancer in women. Such means include:

"Chlortrianizene", taken in the treatment of breast cancer;
"Microfollin", correcting the menstrual cycle;
“Vagifem”, which relieves pain during menopause;
"Estrofeminal", which acts as an analgesic during menopause.

It is important that women take these medications with precise dosage and pauses between doses during menopause.

Phytoestrogens are present in some representatives of the flora and are a plant analogue of the female sex hormone estrogen. They do not act as plant hormones, but are simply present in it in a certain amount and are responsible for growth, development, protection from ultraviolet rays and fungal diseases.

Hormones and phytoestrogens

Hormones play a big role in maintaining a healthy reproductive system in women. Thanks to estrogen, the most important processes occur: conception and bearing a child. In addition, the function of the heart, blood vessels and skeletal system is normalized. It is believed that with a sufficient level of this substance, the skin is elastic, smooth, non-greasy, and the bones are strong enough. With age, this balance is disrupted.

Science is trying to find ways to compensate for this deficiency using natural means.

This issue has not yet been studied enough and opinions are quite contradictory, but there is a certain list of foods and herbs that contain phytoestrogens, whose composition resembles natural estradiol, as well as drugs created on their basis.

Due to their structure and similarity to estradiol, phytoestrogens in women can cause both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. Once in the body with food or in the form of a medicinal decoction, when the hormone content is low, phytoestrogens increase its level. If it is already elevated, then phytoestrogens try to suppress it, clearing space for themselves.

Types of phytoestrogens

All phytoestrogens are divided into 3 groups:

Isoflavonoids;
Lignans;
Kumestans.

It is believed that for women over 40 years of age, phytoestrogens or medications containing them are most beneficial in relieving the symptoms of impending menopause.

Beneficial features

They have the following properties:

help in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, regulate fat metabolism, protect blood vessels from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, maintain normal blood clotting and reduce the risk of blood clots;
promote better absorption of calcium and phosphorus, reduce their leaching from bones, thereby strengthening bone tissue;
during menopause, relieve hot flashes, normalize blood pressure, to improve well-being and get rid of depression;
strengthen the immune system, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Foods with phytoestrogens

In nature, the most phytoestrogens are found in soy, and although their antitumor effect has not yet been sufficiently studied, there is evidence that eating it reduces the risk of developing breast, colon, and skin cancer. High levels of these natural estrogen analogues are observed:

in legumes;
milk and dairy products;
cereals (wheat, barley, oats), especially in their sprouts;
vegetables (carrots, asparagus, parsley, celery, garlic, some types of cabbage);
in vegetable oils.
The fruits and flowers of hawthorn contain flavonoids that strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation and regulate blood pressure.

Legumes and grains, vegetables and vegetable oils are rich in phytoestrogens and are available to any woman

Accordingly, phytoestrogens, for women after 40 years of age and after the attenuation of ovarian function, when concentrated in a certain amount, play the role of replenishing, although not fully, the lack of estrogen during this period of life.

Herbs with phytoestrogens

Herbs containing phytoestrogens can also be used for medicinal purposes for women of any age:

boron uterus and red brush have a positive effect on the function of childbirth;
yarrow strengthens blood vessels and stimulates menstruation;
shepherd's purse stops bleeding;
the ordinary cuff normalizes the cycle;
sage infusion optimizes menstrual periods and reduces sweat production;
elecampane to normalize irregular and painful periods;
rosemary infusion improves blood circulation and normalizes the monthly cyclical process.

There is also a sufficient list of plants with a high concentration of a natural analogue of the hormone:

red clover, alfalfa;
flax seeds;
hop;
licorice root, red grapes.

Using some of these plants, biological supplements containing phytoestrogens are created. Drugs from this series are used by women over 40 years of age to overcome the symptoms of menopause, cope with this problem with minimal damage to health, improve their mood and, if possible, return their life to its previous course as much as possible.

Medicines for women after 40

Let's look at the main drugs containing natural hormones available for use.

Inoclim

The drug inoklim was created from soybeans, it is produced in capsules and is a dietary supplement, which, according to the instructions for use, helps cope with the symptoms of menopause during menopause, and also eliminates vaginal dryness at this time. Another drug from this series, Doppelhertz active menopause, with a similar mechanism of action.

Feminal

In addition to soybeans, red clover, specially grown for this purpose in Switzerland, is used to make such natural substitutes. Thanks to its phytoestrogens, the drug Feminal has been synthesized for women over 40. It is available in capsules of 30 pieces per package. The course of treatment takes on average 3 months. Daily intake is recommended at 1 pill per day, thereby replenishing the daily requirement for estradiol.

The advantages of this additive over its analogues are as follows:

due to its complex composition, it has a more pronounced therapeutic effect;
close to natural female estrogen;
well tolerated and can be used for a long time (up to 2-3 years);
effectiveness has been proven in clinical trials.

Klimadinon

Klimadinone is no less popular; it is obtained from the rhizome of black cohosh. Plant materials are not collected in the wild to avoid the appearance of genetically modified samples, but are cultivated in certain places, using good seed material. This drug reduces sweating, smoothes out mood swings, which helps a woman experience age-related hormonal changes less painfully. Remens and klimaktoplan, also obtained from black cohosh, have similar properties.

Some ladies are concerned about dryness and sagging skin, especially on the hands, during the decline of sexual function. They begin to purchase all kinds of ointments and creams with phytohormones, succumbing to provocative advertising or listening to the advice of friends or acquaintances.

But experts warn that preparations with phytoestrogens for women after 40 years of age only bring benefits when they enter the stomach. These substances do not penetrate the body through the skin.

Natural or synthetic hormones?

Preparations with phytoestrogens are sometimes used by gynecologists in women who cannot take synthetic analogues for a number of reasons. In this case, women over 40 years of age can mitigate the symptoms of future menopause without medications and dietary supplements using the following recommendations:

reconsider your lifestyle;
find time for proper rest;
Do gymnastics to the best of your ability, even if it’s just morning exercises;
balance your diet in advance.

conclusions

Based on the individuality of each organism, you should not get too carried away with preparations with phytoestrogens, dietary supplements, or include in your diet a large number of foods rich in phytoestrogens, or decoctions of similar herbs. Before you begin to treat symptoms of menopause, consult your doctor. Let him understand your condition and draw up an adequate regimen for taking the necessary medications so that they have a positive effect.

Estrogens are sex hormones produced by a woman's ovaries. This process is continuous. It begins during puberty and lasts until menopause. That is, estrogens are produced throughout the entire period of a woman’s reproductive age. These hormones have an active effect not only on the reproductive system, but also on the entire body as a whole. Such roundness and softness of female forms, attractive to the opposite sex, depends on the level of estrogen; it is they that influence the formation and distribution of fat cells in the body according to the female type. Hormones are also responsible for calcium absorption, bone growth, and even heart rate. Therefore, a deficiency of estrogen in the body has a detrimental effect on overall health. This is especially true for women after menopause; during this period, the production of such hormones in the body practically stops. In this case, plant-based phytoestrogens will come to the rescue.

What are phytoestrogens?

These are phytohormones that are produced in plants and regulate their growth and development. Of course, such substances cannot completely replace natural estrogens, but they can significantly improve well-being in various cases. During menopause, phytoestrogens are especially useful for women; such substances prevent the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system and prevent the leaching of calcium from bones. Under the influence of phytoestrogens, skin aging slows down, metabolic processes in the dermis are normalized, and increased dryness and wrinkling are prevented.

Phytoestrogens in food

Which foods contain the most phytoestrogens? When talking about these substances, soy and soy products are most often mentioned. Today, soy is the number one phytoestrogen known to science. Maybe this explains the wonderful appearance of Japanese and Chinese women? And that is why in these countries the level of cardiovascular diseases is significantly lower than in Europe? Its nutritional value is similar to the protein we get from milk and meat. But, unlike these products, soy contains virtually no cholesterol. In addition, it improves memory and concentration. However, you should know that in some cases the consumption of soy is contraindicated, namely in case of endocrinological diseases, genitourinary ailments, and pregnancy.

Beans, lentils, beans, peas - all these are also foods rich in phytoestrogens.

Since ancient times, it has been known about the beneficial properties of flax seed, which is an excellent source of not only essential fatty acids, but also active phytoestrogens. An extract from flax seeds is used in pharmaceuticals in preparations for women that help soften and eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Cereals are plant phytoestrogens, wheat is especially prominent among them. Oats, lentils, and millet also contain phytohormones. In addition, bran is very useful.

Seeds and nuts are also an additional source of these substances; in addition, these products are rich in protein and essential amino acids.

Dairy products are an invaluable source of phytohormones. Herbivores eat plants and therefore produce milk rich in phytoestrogens. Also useful substances are contained in sour cream and cottage cheese. But most of them are found in hard cheeses. This is explained by the fact that, firstly, this dairy product is made from natural milk, and secondly, many types of cheese contain so-called cheese mold, and these fungi themselves are a source of phytoestrogens.

Plant phytoestrogens

Almost all plants contain phytoestrogens in one form or another.

Red clover

Alfalfa

The plant contains the phytoestrogens formononetin and coumestrol. Scientists have not yet fully figured out what effect these substances have on humans.

Linen

Its seeds are a source of lignans, which, penetrating the intestines, are converted into enterolactone and enterodiol. The action of these elements is similar to the action of isoflavones.

Liquorice root

The plant contains glabridin. Today, scientists are studying its effect on cancer cells. It is known that in low concentrations this substance stimulates cancer growth, and in large quantities glabridin suppresses it.

Red grapes

The plant contains resverantol, which is a phytoestrogen and plays the role of an antioxidant.

Hop

Contains the substance 8-prenylnaringenin - a highly active phytoestrogen. Women whose work involves harvesting or processing hops often experience menstrual irregularities.

and hog queen

These are also phytoestrogens plants that have a powerful effect on a woman’s reproductive function.

Black currant and raspberry leaves

In addition to large amounts of vitamin C, they contain flavonoids. Once fermented, the leaves of these plants can be used as an alternative to black tea.

Yarrow herb

The plant contains phytosterol. stimulate menstruation and strengthen blood vessels.

Shepherd's Purse

A decoction of this herb helps stop bleeding.

Common cuff

The composition contains phytosterol. The plant tones and normalizes the menstrual cycle.

Sage

An infusion of the plant helps regulate menstruation and reduce sweating during menopause.

What medications contain phytoestrogens?

The preparations must contain a sufficiently large amount of phytoestrogens for the result to be noticeable. Regarding the choice of medication, it is advisable to consult a specialist. All medications of this kind contain phytoestrogens of plant origin, the most effective of which are the following:

Beer makes men feminine

This alcoholic drink contains phytoestrogens of plant origin. Moreover, their quantity is almost the same as in soy protein. However, beer by its nature is harmful to the body, so there is no talk of any benefit here.

Most men who regularly drink this drink have bulging bellies and fat deposits. The reason for this is phytoestrogen, which acts in the same way as the female sex hormone.

The natural increase in fat deposits in women is intended by nature; this is associated with bearing a baby, so that in any situation he and the mother have enough nutrients. In a man, the hormone testosterone should predominate, then his body will not be round, but muscular and sculpted. Women should also not abuse this drink, as it can cause other health problems. Regular kvass, which contains malt, is also rich in phytoestrogens, can be a useful replacement for beer.

The effect of phytoestrogens on the body

According to most scientists, phytoestrogens are extremely beneficial for women. They are needed for:

prevention of cardiovascular diseases (isoflavones regulate fat metabolism);

prevention of osteoporosis (phytoestrogens promote the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which reduces the likelihood of bone fractures);

normalization of the psycho-emotional state (the frequency and intensity of hot flashes is reduced, blood pressure is normalized, due to which sleep improves over time);

strengthening the immune system (phytoestrogens have antiviral and antimicrobial effects, which protects the woman’s body from infection);

preventing cancer (regularly including soy in your diet can reduce the risk of developing tumors of the mammary glands, skin, and colon).

You should know that in the presence of a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the activation of isoflavones in the intestine slows down, phytoestrogens in this case will not be effective. The same situation is observed with a deficiency of fiber and a predominance of fatty foods in the diet.

The effect of these substances on the human body is still being studied today. At the moment, scientists agree that there is no reason to be afraid of phytoestrogens in food. But phytoestrogens should be taken with caution. And only after consultation with your doctor.