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

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.

Phytoestrogens are unique substances that help get rid of many problems associated with age-related changes. Regular consumption of products and preparations with them helps to improve the functioning of many systems in the female body, as well as improve appearance.

What are phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are complex substances of natural origin that act as substitutes for female sex hormones. In the process of interaction with estrogen receptors, the production of elastin, collagen, as well as the process of cellular renewal occurs, and the body does not even notice the substitution. The external effect of these substances is manifested in the gradual smoothing of wrinkles, increasing skin firmness and elasticity.

The benefits for the body are as follows:

  • improvement of the general condition of the body;
  • normalization of metabolic processes, including in the skin;
  • stabilization of cholesterol levels in the blood;
  • relief of hot flashes during menopause and relief from depression;
  • strengthening the immune system.

Harm is noticed if a woman does not have a deficiency of the hormone estrogen. However, this only applies to cases where drugs containing phytoestrogens are used.

No negative effects are observed from the products due to the insignificant amount of herbal component in them.

There are several classes of phytoestrogens that are found in different foods, herbs and mushrooms. These are acidic lactones of the resorcylic type, lignans, phytosterols, isoflavones, as well as saponins (steroidal and triterpenoid types) and coumestans. They are all similar in structure.

Phytoestrogens for women

In pharmacies you can find many drugs that contain phytoestrogens. They are available without prescriptions, but before taking them you must consult a specialist.

The most common highly effective products:

  • "Qi-klim"
  • "Feminal"
  • "VitalWoman" (dietary supplement),
  • "Estrovel"
  • "Cliogest"
  • "Green Care" (dietary supplement),
  • "Trisquence"
  • "Inoclim"
  • "Climaxan"
  • "Remens"
  • "Menopausal Formula" (dietary supplement),
  • "Klimadinon".

These drugs have minimized side effects, they are used to delay menopause and alleviate the condition, as well as to improve the condition of the skin and bust. Depending on your goals, you can purchase dietary supplements, capsules, drops, tablets, creams and vitamins.

Phytoestrogens during menopause

The main purpose of phytoestrogens is to improve the condition of a woman during menopause, as well as before and after it. During menopause, the level of estrogen decreases sharply, and for normal functioning the body needs to replenish its reserves. Plant hormones contained in medicines cope with this task.

During this difficult period, a woman must take a responsible approach to menu planning. Soybeans, herbs, some vegetables and oils fill the deficiency well.

To safely correct hormonal levels, improve mood and skin condition, it is recommended to consume daily dietary supplements, vitamins, and drink high-quality tablets containing black cohosh root extract, cohosh, soybean isoflavones, hops and clover: “Qi-klim”, “Remens”, “Feminal” and pl. etc.

Cosmetics with phytoestrogens

In European countries, cosmetics containing plant estrogens are widely used. These are face and body creams, peelings, masks. The most popular drugs are “Natura Bliss” (cream-gel for facial skin), “Pleyana” (lifting cream with natural ingredients), “Dehydroquerticin” (cream with a rejuvenating effect that protects against negative external influences). The “Qi-Clim” line is also popular, including products for the face and body, and “Qi-Clim Votoeffect” is an excellent alternative to well-known beauty injections.

For breast enlargement

Often capsules and creams with phytoestrogens are used to enlarge the bust. Many experts recommend such products to improve breast condition after rapid weight loss or after pregnancy and childbirth. The effectiveness of the drugs is due to the role of weak estrogens by the main components. It is worth noting that when you stop using the creams, their effect also ends.

Table of drugs containing phytoestrogens

In pharmacies you can buy many drugs in different release forms. All of them differ in their content of large amounts of phytoestrogens. Some of them are shown in the table:

Name of the drug Type of herbal substance that replaces estrogen Daily dose
Cedar power (with vitamins and proteins) Flax lignans
Remens (in drops) Phytoestrogens from black cohosh roots 5 ml
Doppelhertz (menopause active) Soy isoflavones
Klimafen Red clover isoflavones and coumestans
Qi-klim Black cohosh extract 20 mg
Feminal Clover isoflavones 40 mg
Klimadinon (tablets) Phytoestrogens of black cohosh 20 mg
Estrovel (capsules) Triterpiode saponins, black cohosh extract 30 mg
Inoclim (capsules) Soy isoflavones 100 mg
Klimaktoplan (tablets) Phytoestrogens of black cohosh 35 mg

Before using any drug, be sure to consult your doctor, since the wrong drug or its dosage can lead to negative consequences.

Phytoestrogens in Foods and Herbs

The products we use for cooking contain significant amounts of plant substitutes for the female hormone. Also, a large amount of them is present in natural cow's milk. But there will be no benefit from a packaged product. Rich in female hormones and beef.

If we consider the fruit and vegetable categories, we can distinguish the following representatives:

  • asparagus and garlic;
  • ginger and parsley;
  • apples and pomegranates;
  • cauliflower and broccoli;
  • cherries and grapes (red variety);
  • carrots and celery.

Some oils are also rich in this hormone, so they must be present in a woman’s daily diet.

Oils containing phytoestrogens include the following:

  • coconut;
  • olive;
  • wheat germ oil;
  • soy;
  • Palm;
  • linen;
  • sesame;
  • date

Plants are also rich in these substances. Their general strengthening and restorative effect is noted.

Some of these herbs are:

  • linden (flowers) and sage;
  • verbena and oregano;
  • mistletoe and licorice (shoots, roots);
  • red clover (heads) and damiana;
  • alfalfa and sweet clover;
  • Angelica and St. John's wort (leaves).

In addition, hormone substitutes are found in safe quantities in soy, some mushrooms, sunflower seeds, dates, legumes, rice, nuts, wheat and unripe corn.

Table of foods with phytoestrogens

Below is a table indicating the content of phytoestrogens per 100 g of different products. For convenience, all values ​​are converted to mg.

Name of high content product
isoflavones
Vegetable content
substances (in mg)
Flax seed 380
Milk 0,0012
Dried fruits (dates, dried apricots) From 0.3 to 0.5
Soy products (milk, yogurt, beans) From 3 to 104
Coffee 0,006
Sesame seed 8
Walnut almond 0,13
Bread with added bran Around 8
Bulb onions 0,03
Beans (sprouts) 0,5
Vegetable oils From 0.18 to 0.5

In moderate quantities and on the recommendation of a specialist, phytoestrogens can significantly improve health and help transform both internally and externally. With the correct selection of the drug and the preparation of a certain diet, the skin will be radiant and youthful, the mood will improve, and a thirst for life will appear.

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

  1. First day of the first week
    On the first day of the diet, your menu should include 5 boiled potatoes and 3 boiled eggs.
  2. Second day
    Your diet will be represented by one glass of kefir and 100 grams of cottage cheese.
  3. The third day
    Kefir (500 ml), 1 liter of fruit juice and 2 apples.
  4. Fourth day
    A serving of boiled chicken or beef (400 g) and an unlimited amount of tea without sugar.
  5. Fifth day
    During the day you need to eat either pears or apples (half a kilogram).
  6. Sixth day
    3 boiled potatoes and 1.5 cups of kefir or yogurt.
  7. Seventh day
    Only kefir (500 ml).
  8. First day of the second week
    The diet should consist of only boiled beef (250 g).
  9. Second day
    Vegetable salad and boiled beef (150 g).
  10. The third day
    2 apples, 2 slices of bran bread, a portion of boiled beef or chicken (200 g).
  11. Fourth day
    2 eggs, boiled beef (150 grams), and 150 g of rye bread.
  12. Fifth day
    3 boiled potatoes, 700 g apples and kefir (500 ml).
  13. Sixth day
    2 eggs, 2 fresh cucumbers, boiled chicken (300 g) and an unlimited amount of tea without sugar.
  14. 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.

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.

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 and 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.