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Phytoestrogens for women after 40. Phytoestrogens: drugs for old age? Plant estrogens during menopause

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 cohosh root extract, twig, 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:

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:

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

Some of these herbs are:

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.

For most European women, the first signs of menopause appear quite early - after 40-43 years. It would seem that at this time a woman is experiencing the peak of her own activity, but no, nature confidently takes its toll. Fortunately, medicine does not stand still, and modern doctors successfully use hormone replacement therapy. If classic progesterone and estrogen do not suit you in any respect, try using phytoestrogens during menopause.

Phytoestrogens are not hormones. These are herbal preparations endowed with the best properties of estrogens and have exactly the same effect on the female body. In terms of their effectiveness, phytoestrogens are in no way inferior to synthetic drugs. Moreover, they have several very significant advantages:

have no side effects;
prevent the development of hormone-dependent tumors, while many artificial hormones provoke their growth;
the similarity of phytoestrogens with female sex hormones is maximum, although the strength of their effect on the body is several hundred times less;
serve as the best prevention of problems with the cardiovascular system - they prevent the formation of blood clots, thin the blood and increase its fluidity;
normalize fat metabolism;
treat depression and improve a woman’s emotional state - by reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, improving sleep quality and normalizing blood pressure;
prevent the development of osteoporosis - improve the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, and also prevent them from being washed out of bone tissue;
During menopause, phytoestrogens strengthen the immune system and are famous for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties, thanks to which a weakened female body retains the ability to fight diseases.

Due to the large number of beneficial properties, phytoestrogens are added to many dietary supplements and medications for the correction of menopausal disorders.

True, these substances have several, not so much disadvantages, but very important nuances. The fact is that phytoestrogens are effective only for mild to moderate menopause. But with severe menopause, these drugs will be absolutely useless.

Where are plant phytoestrogens found?

Phytoestrogens for women come in four types:

Lignans.
Kumestans.
Isoflavones.
Flavones.

All these substances can be obtained from food and various plants.

Leaders among fruits:

dates;
apples;
grenades;
red grapes;
almost all berries.

Leaders among vegetables:

Leaders among herbs and plants:

alfalfa;
Red clover;
all grains (rice, oats and others);
hop;
ginseng;
flax (seeds);
grain crops, in particular corn and sprouted wheat grains;
malt.

legumes, especially lentils;
nuts;
eggs;
green tea;
beer;
red wine;
"Bourbon";
vegetable oils – sunflower, palm, soybean, coconut, olive;
juices of medicinal plants - arnica, calendula, chamomile, shepherd's purse, plantain.

During menopause, special emphasis should be placed on these foods, but there is no need to forcefully eat them.

"Pharmacy" phytostrogens for the treatment of menopause

Despite the fact that phytoestrogens (drugs) are sold in pharmacies without a medical prescription, you cannot take them at your own discretion. Not a single woman knows what microelements and vitamins her body needs. The slightest disturbance in this balance can lead to thickening of the walls of the uterus (endometrium) and the further development of a cancerous tumor. If you feel a change in your health, immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe the necessary tests and prescribe the correct treatment.

Many medicines have been created based on plant phytoestrogens. Here is a list of the most common:

These drugs are devoid of any side effects and are often used not only to treat menopause, but also to delay it. In this case, you need to drink them after reaching the age of forty.

Cosmetics containing phytoestrogens

Menopause leaves a big imprint on a woman's appearance. Do you want to stay young as long as possible? Start using creams and masks based on phytoestrogens. These cosmetics help fight seborrhea, baldness, pigmentation and photoaging of the skin. They also help restore the epidermis after peeling.

Dear women, menopause is not a death sentence, because life goes on, no matter what. Accept your new condition and do everything you can to alleviate it.

Have you ever heard of phytoestrogens? Every woman who is passionate about her own appearance has probably come across this name in the compositions of anti-aging creams and various dietary supplements aimed at eliminating the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Looking at such a wide spectrum of action, many representatives of the fair sex have a question - what are phytoestrogens and what natural products contain them. Let's talk about everything in order.

The effect of estrogens on the female body

To understand the effect of phytoestrogens on the female body, first of all, you need to know about the function of female sex hormones. It is no secret that the main hormones for the fairer sex are estrogens, namely estradiol, estrone and estriol.

While the girl is fresh and young, estradiol maintains the elegance of her figure, grace and blooming appearance of her skin. However, with age, when the female body approaches menopause, and the ovaries cease to perform their main function, the synthesis of this hormone slows down significantly, giving a dominant position to another hormone - estrone. However, the actions of these hormones are completely different! While a woman has a normal monthly cycle, the synthesized estrone is converted into estradiol, which means that the woman does not experience health problems. She is full of strength, she has a beautiful figure and gorgeous skin, strong bones and excellent immunity. But as soon as menopause approaches, and the balance of hormones shifts towards estrone, everything changes dramatically, not for the better.

Estrone does not protect the female body from future changes. On the contrary, it has a negative impact on the condition of the fair sex: it weakens bone tissue, increases blood pressure, disrupts the hair structure, worsens the condition of the skin and does not have the best effect on a woman’s mental state. In addition, estrone inhibits metabolic processes, causing excess body weight gain. But what’s even more dangerous is that high levels of this hormone can cause cancer, causing uterine cancer or breast cancer.

From all of the above, a simple and understandable conclusion can be drawn. As long as the ovaries are actively producing estradiol, the woman feels well and does not experience problems with excess weight. But as soon as the endocrine glands stop synthesizing these necessary substances, and they are replaced by estrone, which is synthesized not only by the ovaries, but also by adipose tissue, the woman begins to gain weight and experience serious health problems.

The value of phytoestrogens for the female body

This is where the time comes to talk about phytoestrogens. These natural non-steroidal compounds, which are present in some plants, are very similar in structure to estradiol, which means they can have similar effects when ingested. True, unlike natural female hormones, the effect of phytoestrogens is 500–1000 times weaker. But this in no way detracts from their benefits for the female body, especially during menopause. If you ensure regular replenishment of these non-steroidal substances in the body, the concentration of phytoestrogens increases significantly, which will help avoid severe symptoms of menopause.

To understand all the benefits of phytoestrogens for women, here are some interesting facts.

1. First of all, let's say that plants need phytoestrogens in order to protect stems, leaves and fruits from aging, as well as to prevent the negative effects of sunlight on them. In this regard, eating foods with phytoestrogens slows down the aging process and, most importantly, “turns on” mechanisms that allow you to remain slim and fit even in adulthood.

2. The penetration of the substances in question into the body allows you to slow down the formation of pigmentation on the skin, and therefore remove the first signs of aging. In addition, phytoestrogens enhance collagen synthesis in the skin, perfectly nourishing the epidermis and retaining moisture in it. Thus, by ensuring the intake of these non-steroidal compounds into the body, your skin will remain young for a long time, and you will not worry about the appearance of aging wrinkles.

3. After forty years, it becomes very difficult to fight excess weight. However, if you ensure an uninterrupted supply of phytoestrogens to the body, you don’t have to worry about your figure. And even if you need to take measures to lose weight, losing excess weight will be much easier than without the support of these substances that are important for a woman. Remember, the condition of your figure directly depends on estradiol deficiency!

4. By regularly consuming foods with phytoestrogens, a woman gains much-needed protection from ultraviolet rays, which means she reduces the likelihood of developing breast cancer and other cancers.

5. Phytoestrogens are not hormones, which means you shouldn’t worry that consuming foods with these substances can cause hormonal imbalance. Such substances are very similar to hormones in their structure, due to which they manage to influence estrogen receptors. All this confirms the safety of phytoestrogens entering the body.

6. For estrogen-like effects to occur, the substances in question must be exposed to intestinal bacteria. This suggests that you can benefit from consuming phytoestrogens only if the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly, while dysbiosis and various chronic stomach diseases significantly weaken this effect on the body.

7. In the USA and European countries, medicine strongly recommends that women who have crossed the 40-year mark eat foods rich in phytoestrogens. With regular intake of these biologically active substances, they act as a substitute for female hormones, due to which the aging process slows down by 3 times! The bottom line is that phytoestrogens activate receptors in the heart, muscles, skin and other organs that are influenced by estradiol, which means that even after the level of female sex hormones in the blood decreases, the body continues to work in “youth mode”.

8. Regular consumption of foods with phytoestrogens makes menopause easier for women. Numerous surveys of the fairer sex confirm that under the influence of these hormone-like substances, hot flashes disappear in women, sweating and irritability go away, sleep improves and mood improves. Moreover, the positive effect of such therapy can be noticed after just a month of constant intake of suitable products.

9. It’s worth saying a few words about estrogen receptors. Today, two types are known: α-receptors, which are localized in the female genital organs, and β-receptors, which are present in all organs. The special effect of phytoestrogens on β-receptors helps prevent the development of such serious diseases as pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and malignant neoplasms.

10. No less interesting is the connection between phytoestrogens and α-receptors. This connection interferes with the contact of estriol with receptors, which is of great benefit in the fight against PMS, mastopathy, hormonal-dependent and malignant tumors.

11. It is important to say that phytoestrogens are powerful antioxidants, which means they can prevent cell malignancy and the development of oncology. The antitumor activity of these substances is confirmed by statistics. The number of female cancer patients in Japan is 10 times lower than in Europe and the USA, and all because for many years the health care of the Land of the Rising Sun has recommended adding foods with phytoestrogens to women’s diets.

12. It should be mentioned that the substances discussed in this article act as antiandrogens, which means they reduce the effect of so-called “male” hormones on the body. That is, they prevent the appearance of acne and prevent the development of hirsutism - male pattern hair growth.

13. An important feature of phytoestrogens is that these substances remove cholesterol from the blood, thereby preventing vascular diseases, in particular atherosclerosis and heart problems. In addition, these non-steroidal substances perfectly thin the blood, which means they prevent the formation of blood clots and the development of varicose veins.

14. Phytoestrogens prevent the absorption of glucose by the intestinal walls, which is useful not only for obese people, but also for people suffering from diabetes.

Products containing phytoestrogens

To replenish the body with these active substances, you need to diversify your diet with broccoli and asparagus, sprouted wheat, spinach and flax seeds, soybeans, beans, lentils and peas. They are found in garlic and parsley, grapes and red wine. And also in nuts and seeds, whole grains - wheat, rye and oats, in spices such as turmeric and ginger, fruits - cherries, raspberries and apricots, etc.

Among the medicinal herbs, the most phytoestrogens contain boron uterus and linden blossom, oregano and licorice, mistletoe and St. John's wort, ginseng and alfalfa, raspberry leaves and chamomile flowers.

It remains only to recall that the rejuvenating effect of phytoestrogens and the ability of these substances to have a beneficial effect on organs and tissues begins with a daily dose of 50 mg. I wish you health and longevity!

Phytoestrogens are special plant substances that are similar in chemical structure to estrogens. Estrogens are sex hormones that have a strong feminizing effect.

Phytoestrogens comprise a whole group of chemical substances such as flavones, isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. These substances are neither plant hormones nor estrogens, but in the human body can cause effects similar to sex hormones.

Isoflavones- natural components found in some foods and herbs, such as soybeans, clover. These substances belong to phytoestrogens. Isoflavones are part of the human diet and have metabolic and anticarcinogenic properties.

Mechanism of action

In their structure, phytoestrogens are similar to estradiol. Due to this, they can act as both estrogens and antiestrogens. These substances were discovered in 1926, but until the 1950s their effects remained unexplored. For the first time, it was noticed that sheep that graze on pastures rich in clover (a plant with a lot of phytoestrogens) have reduced fertility.

The main mechanism of action of phytoestrogens is binding to estrogen receptors, which exist in two types: alpha and beta. Many plant estrogens have a much greater affinity for beta receptors. The effect of phytoestrogens on the body is approximately 500-1000 times weaker than the effect of human hormones.

The main structural elements of the plant hormone molecule, which explain its high affinity for estrogen, are:

phenol ring;
an isoflavone ring that mimics the estrogen ring at the site of contact with the receptor;
low molecular weight of the compound, similar to female sex hormones;
the distance between the two hydroxyl groups of the isoflavone core, which is similar to estradiol.

In addition to the feminizing effect, phytohormones can also have an antiestrogenic effect. In a healthy woman with normal hormonal levels, plant-derived estrogens compete with her personal hormones. They occupy those receptors that could use natural hormones.

Products containing phytoestrogens

According to a study by L.W. Thompson and B.A. Booker published in 2006, nuts and oilseeds top the list of foods that contain phytoestrogens. Following them are soy products, cereals and bran bread, legumes, meat and other food crops. The largest amount of isoflavone is found in soy and other legumes. Lignan phytoestrogens in foods are found in flax seeds, nuts, fruits (citrus fruits, cherries, apples) and vegetables (broccoli, spinach, garlic and parsley).

The best studied phytoestrogens are those found in soy: the isoflavone substances daidzein and genistein. These substances are present in the plant in the form of glycosides. Thanks to the action of bacteria in the human intestine, the compound breaks down into pieces. Not all breakdown products cause a cellular estrogenic response; the main contribution to the hormonal action of soy is made by equol (a modified product of daidzein).

To enlarge the bust, it has long been recommended to eat cabbage. All its types (cauliflower, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli) contain large amounts of phytoestrogens, which can increase hormonal levels.

Dairy products also contain natural estrogens. Blue cheeses contain a large amount of these substances, which is due to the action of a special fungus.

Any seeds and nuts also contain a large amount of phytoestrogens. Phytosterols, which have hormonal activity, are found in wheat germ, olive and palm oils, as well as coconut oil. Dried fruits such as dried apricots, prunes and dates also increase estrogen.

People eat not only foods with phytoestrogens, but also drinks with these hormones. Red wine contains resveratrol, which exhibits high antioxidant activity. Pycnogerol is obtained from grape skins and seeds. The hop cones from which beer is made contain 8-prenylnaringenin, which is 10 times more active than other phytoestrogens.

Table

Comparative amounts of phytoestrogens in food sources (µg/g)

1 µg = 0.000001 g

Sources	Amount of mcg per 100 g of product
Flax seed	379380 mcg
Soya beans	103920 mcg
Soy yogurt	10275 mcg
Sesame seed	8008.1 mcg
Flax bread	7540 mcg
Soy milk	2957.2 mcg
Hummus	993 mcg
Garlic	603.6 mcg
Dried apricots	444.5 mcg
Pistachios	382.5 mcg
Dates	329.5 mcg
Sunflower seeds	216 mcg
Chestnuts	210.2 mcg
Olive oil	180.7 mcg
Almond	131.1 mcg
Cashew	121.9 mcg
Green bean	105.8 mcg
Peanut	34.5 mcg
Onion	32 mcg
blueberries	17.5 mcg
Corn	9 mcg
Coffee	6.3 mcg
Watermelon	2.9 mcg
Cow's milk	1.2 mcg

Table isoflavones

Food sources of isoflavones (µg/g)

Food group	Total isoflavones	Daijouin	Genistein	Glycetin
Soybeans	1176-4215	365-1355	640-2676	171-184
Roasted soybeans	2661	941	1426	294
Soy flour	2014	412	1453	149
Protein isolate	621-987	89-191	373-640	159-156
Tofu	532	238	245	49
Soy hot dog	236	55	129	52
Soy bacon	144	26	83	35
Cheddar cheese	43-197	0-83	4-62	39-52
Mozzarella cheese	123	24	62	52
Tofu yogurt	282	103	162	17
Soy drink	28	7	21	-

Herbs with plant estrogens

Red clover. Phytoestrogens from clover flowers and grass contain isovlavone and coumestane compounds. There are no studies yet that would show that this plant can be safely used to prevent menopausal disorders.

Licorice. The roots of this plant contain an isoflavone called glabridin. In small doses it stimulates the proliferation of cancer cells, and in high doses it suppresses them.

Alfalfa. Estrogens in alfalfa herbs are represented by coumestrol and a small amount of formononetin. Like red clover heads, this grass can cause reproductive problems in sheep. The effect of this plant on people is also not well understood.

Linen. This herb contains large quantities of female phytohormones of the lignan group. In the intestines of the human body, herbal estrogens are converted into enterodiol and enterolactone.

Effect of phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens in small doses have the same biological effect as endogenous hormones. Their effect on the body largely depends on the gender and age of the person who consumes products with phytoestrogens.

Impact on young women

Plant hormones can act in the opposite way. This is due to the concentration of female sex hormones in the blood and the sensitivity of their receptors.

If a woman has normal estrogen levels, then plant hormones will act as antiestrogens. The higher their concentration, the more pronounced this effect. Therefore, phytoestrogens in tablets do not always have a positive effect on the female body. In the clinic, there are certain indications for these drugs, such as the treatment of premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation.

The effect of phytoestrogens on breast cancer remains controversial. Some studies (D. Ingram et al., 1997) have shown that these substances have a protective effect, while other experiments (M. L. De Lemos, study 2001) describe that phytoestrogens stimulate the growth of cancer cells in women with breast cancer. .

Impact on men

A 2010 study by D. M. Hamilton-Reeves et al found that adding isoflavones or soy products to foods did not change testosterone concentrations in men. There were also no changes in sperm morphology, concentration, number or motility. The effect of phytoestrogens on the development of testicular cancer remains controversial and remains unproven.

The influence of children and adolescents

It was believed that plant estrogens had a very strong feminizing effect on young boys, especially during the neonatal period and puberty. Therefore, it was recommended that boys and women during pregnancy not abuse products that contain estrogens. But research by R.D. Merritt and H.B. Hanks, which was published in 2004, proved the opposite. A review of the literature concluded that feeding soy formula to infants did not cause further problems. There were no abnormalities in sexual development, behavior, or immune system functioning.

Plant estrogens during menopause

After 50 years, a woman may experience a number of disorders, including irritability, lethargy, fatigue, depressed mood, hot flashes, palpitations and other symptoms. One of the modern trends in the treatment of menopausal disorders is hormone replacement therapy.

Since taking hormonal drugs during menopause sometimes leads to the appearance of serious side symptoms, women often abandon these drugs and resort to the help of phytoestrogens. Medicines containing isoflavone phytoestrogens (for example, Menoril, Klimaxan, Remens, Klimadinon) are mainly used.

Since during menopause there is a pronounced decrease in the concentration of hormones, plant substances do not act as antiestrogens, that is, their use is relatively safe for women after 40 years of age.

Phytohormones can potentially have the following beneficial effects:

reduce the severity of menopause and act as a mild form of hormone replacement therapy;
reduce blood cholesterol and blood pressure;
reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis;
may reduce the risk of breast, colon, prostate and skin cancers.

Data Published by E. Lethaby et al in 2013, plant estrogens for women after 40 - 50 years of age do not significantly alleviate menopausal symptoms. At the same time, it is additionally necessary to conduct a study of the effects of genicistein, whose influence has not been fully elucidated.

Phytoestrogens in foods and medicinal herbs are used for various hormonal disorders in gynecology. Their uncontrolled administration can lead to the fact that they behave not like normal female hormones, but like antiestrogens. The potential of phytohormones has not yet been exhausted and may be revealed in the near future.

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.