home Audience 5 Phytoestrogens are a magic pill for menopause. Natural estrogens for women When are phytoesrogens useful?

Phytoestrogens are a magic pill for menopause. Natural estrogens for women When are phytoesrogens useful?

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.

“Cliogest”, 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.

A woman at any age wants to look beautiful, have elastic skin, strong hair and nails. A lack of estrogen is accompanied by poor health and serious health problems. Correcting the level of the hormone in the blood will help cope with these problems.

Natural estrogens for women: the effect of the hormone on the female body

The formation of secondary sexual characteristics, the correct distribution of subcutaneous fat, and the ability to realize reproductive function depend on the amount of estrogen. Lack of the hormone leads to various health problems: from ovarian dysfunction to infertility. Deterioration of skin condition, dryness and sagging of the epidermis, deterioration of thermoregulation, changes in blood pressure - symptoms that indicate a decrease in estradiol.

The benefits of natural ingredients before and after 50

At any age, a woman wants to maintain the firmness and elasticity of her skin and look young and beautiful. Phytoestrogens will help get rid of the symptoms of menopause.

Preparations with estrogen of plant origin for women will help restore hormonal balance and cope with a condition when the body refuses to independently produce the required amount of the hormone. Under the influence of natural components, elastin and collagen are produced, which are necessary to maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin, for a healthy color. During menopause, plant elements allow you to cope with the restructuring of the body associated with the decline of reproductive function, they compensate for the missing amount of hormone, and make it possible to eliminate the negative symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, fragility of bone tissue, increased sweating.

Such components do not cause pathological changes in tissues, do not provoke the development of tumors, and do not cause metabolic disorders, compared to some hormonal drugs.

Natural estrogens for women after 40 years of age: why do you need to make up for the deficiency?

Irritability, headaches, and the appearance of body hair reduce the quality of life. Herbal ingredients will help slow down the aging process.

It is possible to maintain internal health and well-being of the body during menopause with the help of phytoestrogens contained in herbs or foods. The hormone is involved in a large number of biological, physical and chemical processes:

stimulates the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which help fight the appearance of deep, senile wrinkles, allowing the skin to remain velvety, smooth and elastic;
is responsible for the duration of menstruation, its regularity, each phase has its own norm for the amount of estrogen, so how to take plant estrogens during menopause, you need to consult a doctor;
takes part in the process of mucus production in the vagina; to make sexual relations comfortable and enjoyable, you can use a natural source of the element;
helps reduce cholesterol, so there are no plaques on the walls of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow freely through the vessels;
maintain blood pressure, eliminating surges characteristic of menopause.

Herbal analogues are a correction method that has long been used in gynecology, however, each of the drugs may have certain contraindications, so before taking it you should definitely consult a gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Phytoestrogens - natural estrogens for women after 40

Some doctors consider herbs to be an excellent alternative to hormone replacement therapy. A large list of plants has the necessary elements, useful substances, which in their structure are similar to female ones, those that pharmacologists offer in a large list of tablets. They are used for cooking and brewed for drinking. They operate on the principle of accumulation.

Flax seed belongs to the group of lignans. It is ground and added to the diet, in a small amount of liquid, along with honey in porridge. However, the dose should not exceed more than 2 tablespoons per day. Some herbal estrogen tablets for women use black cohosh rhizomes, which act on brain receptors involved in thermoregulation. Some drugs are made based on soybean and yam extracts, and red clover (in combination with other substances) is comparable in effectiveness to synthetic drugs.

Plant-derived estrogens for women

Eating certain foods will help restore hormonal levels, improve your condition, and eliminate the first signs of menopause.

Synthetic and artificial drugs in tablets have a more tangible and therapeutic effect on the body than plant estrogen for women. Phytoestrogens act much longer, so if the fluctuations in the hormone are insignificant, you can replenish it with the help of products with a natural component. Estrogen is found in:

legumes - you can eat peas, lentils, beans, soybeans, chickpeas as ingredients for first and main courses, salads and snacks; they bring a feeling of satiety; soy contains isoflavone, which helps stabilize the synthesis of female hormones;
fruits and vegetables - carrots, beets, asparagus, dates, pomegranate, green apple are a real storehouse of useful elements; meat components also contain the hormone, but in smaller quantities;
components containing selenium - seaweed, oysters, mackerel, pumpkin and walnuts help maintain hormonal levels.

It will take time to restore estradiol levels through nutrition. If symptoms are severe, HRT will be needed.

When is it safe to use?

Preparations with estrogen for women of plant origin are especially useful during menopause. However, before taking them, it is necessary to take a hormone test, which will confirm a failure or disorder, a decrease in a component or its excess. After this, you need to visit a doctor. He will create an individual scheme for the use of a specific phytohormone. You can make an appointment with a gynecologist or endocrinologist by clicking on the link.

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It is extremely important for women to know everything about their health - especially for initial self-diagnosis. This rapid test will allow you to better listen to the state of your body and not miss important signals in order to understand whether you need to see a specialist and make an appointment.

Having crossed the forty-year mark, not many women are ready for menopause. Irritability, headaches, increased sweating, the appearance of body hair - all these menopausal symptoms cause discomfort and negatively affect the quality of life.

All these processes occur due to changes in a woman’s hormonal levels. Safe herbal remedies - phytohormones for menopause - will help remove unpleasant symptoms and slow down the aging process.

Even ancient healers noticed the healing power of plants. Some representatives of the flora contain substances similar in their action to female hormones. Thanks to these properties, unique products have emerged that have a gentle effect on a woman’s body during menopause. They are called phytohormones.

Phytohormones are products of plant origin, obtained from extracts of plants, fruits, etc. Phytoestrogens serve as an alternative to synthetic hormone therapy.

Many women are afraid of prescribing hormonal therapy, which is important for replenishing hormonal levels. Phytohormones for women have a more gentle effect, remove unwanted symptoms, do not cause rejection by the body, improve the condition of the skin and hair, and have a positive effect on the psychological state.

What is menopause

Menopause is a physiological state of a woman associated with the decline of ovarian function upon the onset of menopause, accompanied by changes in the hormonal levels of the female body.

Symptoms of menopause:

frequent mood swings, irritability, tearfulness;
absence of menstruation;
headache;
hair loss, brittle nails;
the appearance of unwanted body hair;
metabolic disorders, weight gain;
increased sweating, frequent hot flashes;
deterioration of skin condition;
insomnia.

Menopausal syndrome most often occurs in women aged 45-50 years. Nowadays menopause has become younger and some people begin to suffer after 40 years. There is no need to self-medicate, ask friends for advice, first of all you need to contact a gynecologist.

The doctor will select individual, competent treatment depending on your condition.

Sources of phytohormones

Phytoestrogens are found in large quantities in plants, legumes, cereals, etc. Clover and soybeans contain the largest amount of plant estrogens. Having information about which foods contain benefits for the female body, it is possible to begin the fight against menopause by creating the right diet.

Beans, peas, lentils, flax, sunflowers, soybeans are part of the list of foods useful for women after 40 years. Eating foods is usually not enough; hormonal therapy is required.

Phytohormones for women will become indispensable in the treatment of menopause. In addition to the fact that they effectively combat the main manifestations of menopause, they additionally have a preventive effect against breast cancer.

Another advantage is the absence of side effects. The only exception is individual intolerance to any of the components. In this case, a qualified gynecologist will help you choose another phytohormone that will be ideal for you.

How to use herbal remedies

The therapeutic effect of phytohormones does not occur immediately; these agents have a cumulative effect. The first signs of improvement begin a couple of weeks after starting treatment. The effect of photo products is not as pronounced and rapid as that of synthetic hormones.

Hormone replacement therapy has a number of side effects. In addition, when a woman has a history of diseases that are absolute contraindications to the use of hormones, taking phytohormones will be a life-saving solution.

Japanese researchers argue that maintaining women's health must begin in advance by including foods containing plant estrogens in the daily diet: fish, seafood, soybeans, flaxseed and vegetable oils, rice, lentils, etc.

After 40 years, you can start using photo products after consulting with your doctor, who will select the correct dosage of the drug. With an increased content of phytohormones in the body, it leads to dyspeptic disorders: nausea, vomiting against the background of headache, as well as scanty discharge from the female genitalia.

When taking phytohormones, it should be taken into account that some factors can significantly reduce the absorption of drugs:

smoking does not allow phytoestrogens to be fully absorbed;
consumption of alcoholic beverages;
insufficient dietary fiber intake.

Indications for use

Phytohormones for women should be used strictly according to indications:

If menstruation has stopped before the age of 45. This is considered premature termination, which can lead to hormonal imbalance.
The woman had an irregular menstrual cycle long before menopause.
When the ovaries are removed, a complete hormonal change occurs in the body.
After chemotherapy to restore the body.
Various heart pathologies, circulatory disorders.
A woman who has diabetes.
High blood pressure.
The first signs of osteoporosis: fatigue, morning cramps in the legs, etc.

Effect of drugs

Phytohormones can be purchased at the pharmacy. They are available in the form of dietary supplements; you do not need a prescription to purchase them. It is better not to self-medicate, but to follow the recommendations of the treating doctor.

When using the drugs, your sleep will improve, you will be in a good mood, your blood pressure will normalize, sweating will decrease, and your body will become generally stronger.

In pharmacy chains you can purchase the following drugs based on soy, clover, red brush and other herbs. The list of the most popular is Qi-Klim, Menopause, Estrovel, etc.

Lists of phytohormones

Clymandion. The basis of the product is extract from black cohosh root. It has a good calming effect, fights irritability and sleep disturbances. The effect becomes noticeable after 7 days of use. Climandion effectively relieves the symptoms of menopause.

Remens. An effective remedy for restoring a woman’s hormonal levels during menopause. Intense headaches go away, sweat production is regulated, and cardiovascular activity is normalized.

Feminal. Based on an extract of clover - one of the most effective and popular plants containing phytoestrogen. Acts like female sex hormones. Hot flashes are quite rare, the symptoms of menopause are smoothed out, and the condition of the skin and nails improves.

Incolim. Herbal preparation based on soybeans. Effective against the symptoms of menopausal syndrome, eliminates insomnia, gives vigor and efficiency.

Climaxan. Ingredients: extract from apis and black cohosh. First of all, this drug affects the normalization of the psychological state. Eliminates irritability, frequent mood swings, insomnia, migraine attacks. Another feature of it is that it is prescribed for those with a tendency to allergic reactions.

With all the variety of herbal medicines, despite the same indications, they have an individual effect on each patient. Therefore, it would be correct if the treating gynecologist prescribes the drug and its dosage.

Plants with phytoestrogens

For negative symptoms, in addition to medications, it is possible to use herbal infusions. To prepare, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of chopped dry herb with a glass of boiling water. Let the decoction steep for 15 minutes and use it as tea. For greater effect, herbs are added to the bath.

List of the most effective medicinal herbs:

red brush – rhodiola, is most effective for normalizing hormonal imbalances;
mint has a calming effect;
cohosh – regulates metabolic processes, improves the condition of the cardiovascular system;
clover – contains some of the most powerful phytoestrogens;
motherwort – has a pronounced calming effect;
sage – has a tonic effect;
rosemary – improves blood circulation, has a positive effect on skin and nails;
hops – effectively calms the nervous system.

Phytohormones in cosmetology

The unique properties of plants are not only available in tablets; there are phytohormones in creams. To keep your skin and nails in excellent condition, the same medicinal herbs are suitable, but in a more convenient form of release.

The cream is simply enough to apply to the face, neck, hands and begins directly with topical application. If you use the whole complex, the effect will be much stronger. A side effect can only be an allergic reaction to one of the components.

Beware, phytohormones!

Herbal medicines are the priority of choice in the treatment of menopausal syndrome in women. They are safe, have a gentle effect on the body, completely smooth out the symptoms of menopause, and improve the general condition of the body.

But there is one thing! You need to be very careful when dosing herbal remedies. What was medicine will become real poison if the dosage is chosen incorrectly.

Therefore, it is correct to consult a doctor before taking phytohormones.

Be always young and healthy!

Women, paying a lot of attention to their health and appearance, invariably reach an age when physiology makes itself felt. Crossing the threshold of forty or fifty years, there comes a feeling of certain changes in the body: the skin is already drier, wrinkles are spreading across the face, the body begins to forget about its former harmony. The use of phytoestrogens will help cope with the problems of menopause.

From the article you will learn about the benefits of phytoestrogens for women over 40, medications, containing these substances and how they differ.

Phytoestrogens - a natural non-hormonal remedy for menopause

Phytoestrogens are substances contained in plant fibers. Their structure is similar to the hormones produced by the female body - natural estrogens. A decrease in the body's production of these hormones is one of the main signs of the onset of menopause.

Due to their natural origin and structural features, phytoestrogens are often used as a natural simulator of female estrogens. Their use helps normalize hormonal levels during the period of greatest disturbances - before the onset of menopause and throughout the entire menopause.

The effect of phytoestrogens is as follows: when entering the body, these substances affect the cells of the skin, muscles and various tissues according to the same principle as the natural hormone. As a result, these cells feel “young” and improve their functioning.

Of course, it will not be possible to completely stop menopause and resume the usual functioning of the body, but it is still possible to minimize its manifestations.

Preparations containing phytoestrogens

These substances are found in the tissues of many plants. But among them there are leader plants.

The most reliable and productive sources of phytoestrogens include cohosh, soybeans and pueraria.

The listed plants have already been well studied; on their basis, a whole range of containing phytoestrogens preparations for women after 50. They differ both in composition, results, and in price.

Isoflavones in the composition play a major role in the effectiveness of such products. This type of phytoestrogens has an effect equivalent to the effect of the production of estradiol, the most important natural estrogen.

Therefore, doctors often prescribe medications containing these substances.

Let's look at the most popular medications that help bring the functioning of a woman's reproductive body back to normal.

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.