Phytoestrogens for women: a review of the best drugs and herbs. Phytoestrogens - a magic pill for menopause Phytoestrogens for women over 40 drugs
The question of the effectiveness of phytoestrogens in maintaining normal hormone levels in women after 40 years of age still remains open. Manufacturers of drugs containing phytoestrogen promise to slow down the aging process of skin and hair, prevent cardiovascular diseases, pathologies of the musculoskeletal system and senile disorders of the nervous system.
The female body cannot function normally if there is a deficiency of the sex hormone estrogen.
He is responsible for:
The condition of a woman’s entire body depends on estrogen levels. When the concentration of the hormone decreases, the aging process begins: the condition of the hair and skin worsens, and problems begin in the reproductive system.
Phytoestrogen is a non-steroidal substance of natural origin. You can get it from food or in the form of medicines. Phytoestrogens include two groups of chemical compounds: isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones have been the most studied. Their structure and mechanism of action are similar to estradiol and estrone (the main estrogens).
How do phytoestrogens work?
Phytoestrogens act as estrogens and antiestrogens, suppressing the development of cancer. Phytoestrogen preparations interact with those cell surface receptors with which estrogen itself works.
Phytoestrogen does not have such a strong effect on the body; it is 1000 times weaker. When estrogen levels are reduced, its natural counterpart binds to free cell receptors. If the level is high, phytoestrogens begin to fight for space on the cell membrane. As a result of this displacement, an androgenic effect is achieved.
Why do women need phytoestrogens after 40-50 years?
At the age of 35-37 years, a woman’s reproductive system begins to age, its biological functions fade, and the ability to conceive decreases.
During menopause, the following symptoms appear:
Such symptoms may last for a long time.
Other signs of menopause gradually appear:
- dry skin and wrinkles;
- hair loss;
- disruption of the genitourinary system;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- development of osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease.
Phytoestrogens for women over 40, the preparations of which are offered by modern medicine, make it possible to correct these manifestations of menopausal syndrome at an early stage.
Patients with low estrogen levels are prescribed hormone therapy. This treatment method allows you to mitigate the symptoms of menopause and prevent the development of serious diseases. But taking hormones has side effects, and many women fear for their health. In such cases, they are prescribed phytoestrogens.
Indications for use
Most often, phytoestrogens therapy is prescribed in the following cases:
Contraindications
Phytoestrogens for women over 40, preparations for maintaining normal hormonal levels, not only have a positive effect on the body, they also have a number of contraindications:
- The presence of estrogen-dependent diseases, for example, uterine fibroids or endometriosis. These diseases often develop after 45 years of age.
- Normal levels of hormones in the body. As a result of competition between native estrogen and that coming from outside, hypoestrogenism develops, which manifests itself in the form of symptoms of menopausal syndrome.
- Chronic diseases during exacerbation (especially hepatitis).
Side effects
Phytoestrogens for women over 40 (preparations and products containing this natural compound are weaker than estrogens) may not have the expected effect on the body. In this case, the woman is prescribed hormones.
There have been few long-term studies of phytoestrogens for side effects. It was found that phytoestrogens do not cause harmful reactions to health.
The following side effects may occur as a result of taking this substance:
Negative reactions can occur if medications are taken incorrectly. It is necessary to strictly follow the dosage and regimen of taking the medicine. You should not take products with phytoestrogens for a long time. If side effects occur, another drug is selected or the dosage is changed.
Which plants contain phytoestrogens?
| Name | Phytoestrogens in the composition | Effect on the body |
| Hog uterus (orthilia unilateral) | Flavonoids |
|
| Licorice (root) | Isoflavone glabridin |
|
| Ginger (root) | Isoflavones |
|
| Turmeric | Curcumin |
|
| Chamomile (flowers) | Bioflavonoids: apigenin, luteolin, quercetin |
|
| Shepherd's Purse | Flavonoids |
|
| Raspberry (leaves) | Flavonoids, folic acid |
|
| Evening primrose | Flavonoids |
|
| Red brush | Flavonoids, phytohormones |
|
| Red clover | Isoflavonoids and coumestans – formononetin, biochanin-A, coumestrol |
|
| Alfalfa | Cumestrol and formononetin |
|
| Flax seeds | Lignans that are transformed into enterodiol and enterolactone |
|
| Red grapes | Resverantol |
|
| Hop | 8-prenylnaringenin |
|
| Yarrow | Phytosterol |
|
| Burdock | Phytosterol |
|
| Common cuff | Phytosterol |
|
| Sage | Flavonoids |
|
| Sagebrush | Flavones |
|
| Elecampane | Phytosterol derivatives |
|
| Rosemary | Flavones |
|
Recipes for folk remedies for women
Women after 40 years of age can already take phytoestrogen preparations in order to delay the onset of menopause. There are many folk recipes for maintaining normal hormone levels.
Eating 2 tbsp will help improve your well-being during menopause. flax seeds. The seeds are taken twice a day. They need to be washed down with enough water. The course of treatment should not last more than a month. After 7 days, hot flashes will subside, insomnia and nervousness will disappear. After 14 days, the final result of the treatment can be observed.
To alleviate the pathological symptoms of menopause and normalize hormonal levels You can use the following traditional medicine recipes:
| Plant | Recipe | Admission rules |
| Red brush | Decoction: 20 g of raw material is poured into 250 ml of water and cooked in a water bath for 15 minutes, stirring. Let it brew for an hour. The finished broth is divided into 4 equal parts. | Take before meals (30 minutes before) for 4 - 6 weeks. |
| Hog queen | Tincture: 2 tbsp. the herbs are poured with half a liter of vodka. Cover with a lid. Let it brew for 2 weeks in the dark. | Take drops from 30 to 40 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. |
| Licorice (licorice) | Decoction: take 1 tbsp. herbs. Pour 200 ml of boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes. Let it brew for no more than 2 hours. | Use strained decoction 1 tbsp each before meals 3 times a day. |
| Hops (cones) | Tincture: take 25 g of dried cones and pour in 1 liter of vodka. Let it brew for 7 days. Then filter and pour into a jar or bottle. | Take 1 tbsp. 2 times a day without reference to meals. The tincture is washed down with water (about 100 ml). Duration of treatment – 1 month. Repeated treatment is carried out after a month's break. |
| Calendula, anise, violet flower, licorice root, dill seeds | Tea: take 1 tbsp. each herb and pour 1 liter of hot water. Let it sit for about half an hour. Then filter. | Drink 1/3 of a glass of this tea 3 times a day before meals. This treatment can be carried out for no longer than 7 days. You should take a week break and repeat the course. |
| Shepherd's Purse | Infusion: pour 1 tbsp into a glass. raw materials and fill it with boiling water. Cool to room temperature. | Drink the infusion immediately after cooling. It is better to take it before bed once a day. |
| Red clover | Infusion: 2 tbsp. herbs are poured into 200 ml of boiling water. Place the container with the resulting liquid in a warm place for 2–4 hours. | Drink the infusion 3 times a day before meals. |
Klimadinon
Available in tablets and drops. The main component is black cohosh extract. It affects estrogen receptors. Therefore, Klimadinon is effective as an anti-menopausal agent. 
Due to the effect of the drug on estrogen levels, it should not be used in the presence of estrogen-dependent formations. Cost of tablets: 30 pieces - 519 rubles, 60 pieces - 560 rubles. Drops cost 473 rubles.
Qi-Klim
Available in the form of drops, tablets and creams for face and body. The main component is black cohosh extract. It improves estrogen levels in the body, therefore helping to reduce the pathological symptoms of menopause. Peppermint oil in the drops soothes and helps cope with nervousness. The drug is well tolerated, but it is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Cost of the medicine:
- drops – 320 rubles;
- tablets – 346 rubles;
- face cream – 298 rubles;
- body cream – 352 rubles.
Remens 
The medicine is available in the form of drops and tablets. The recipe is based on black cohosh. It is known as a remedy against the negative manifestations of menopause.
The effect of black cohosh is enhanced by Sanguinaria canadensis, which is a homeopathic remedy that helps with menopausal syndrome.
Cost of the drug: drops - 747 rubles, tablets - 187 rubles (12 pieces) and 546 rubles (36 tablets).
Klimaktoplan
The drug is produced in the form of tablets. The main active ingredients are black cohosh, sanguinaria and the homeopathic remedy sepia. This complex helps to cope with the pathological manifestations of menopause (hot flashes, nervousness, sweating).
The medicine is well tolerated and has no contraindications other than sensitivity to its components.
The price of the drug is 527 rubles.
Vital Woman
The product is presented in the form of tablets. It contains 25 valuable herbs. 
The most famous of them:
- turmeric;
- hibiscus;
- cinnamon;
- pine nuts;
- eucalyptus;
- barley.
This collection helps women find physical and mental balance during the period of hormonal changes in the body after 40 years, and promotes the regeneration of body cells. The price of the drug is 3096 rubles.
Menopausal Formula
The medicine is in the form of tablets and is made from extracts of maitaki, bugs and clover. It also contains black cohosh. The drug helps fight the unpleasant manifestations of menopausal syndrome.
Microelements and B vitamins help the normal functioning of the body at the cellular level. The supplement should not be taken if you have thyroid pathologies or are taking iodine-containing medications. Cost of dietary supplements: 30 pieces - 528 rubles, 60 pieces - 840 rubles.
Klimafemin
Available in tablet form. The isoflavone genistein acts as a phytoestrogen. It helps normalize estrogen levels in the body. The supplement Coenzyme Q 10 acts as a remedy against cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin E and grape seed extract are added as an antioxidant.
The use of such a remedy allows you to slow down the aging process of the body and ease the menopausal period in the life of women. It should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. The drug costs 360 rubles.
Bonisan
It is produced in the form of capsules and cream-gel for external use. Soy isoflavones act as phytoestrogens. Soy contains many plant analogues of estrogen and helps cope with the symptoms of menopause. 
The cream-gel also contains moisturizing components: hyaluronic acid and D-panthenol. The cream maintains normal vaginal microflora and prevents the development of infections. The medicine cannot be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Drug price:
- capsules – 373 rubles;
- cream-gel – 233 rubles.
Femiwell
The package contains tablets for day and night use. The daily tablets include extracts of red clover, angelica and black cohosh. They help reduce the frequency of hot flashes during menopause. They also calm and give energy.
The main substances in night tablets are extracts of wild yam, griffonia, sage and motherwort. The action of these tablets is aimed at improving sleep. This product costs 393 rubles.
Tribestan
The composition of these tablets is dominated by the dry herb extract of Tribulus terrestris. Thanks to this component, the drug improves the functioning of the genitourinary system, tones the body and normalizes cholesterol levels. 
Due to its hormonal nature, Tribestan should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women, as well as girls under 18 years of age. The manufacturer points out that patients with allergies to peanuts and soy should not be treated with this remedy. The tablets cost 1983 rubles (60 tablets) and 4706 rubles (180 tablets).
Climafit-911
The capsule contains many plant extracts:
- horsetail;
- hawthorn;
- valerian;
- Dioscorea;
- black cohosh.
All of these herbs help menopausal women cope with symptoms that impair their quality of life. Vitamin D3 helps calcium to be better absorbed in the body. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. The B complex of vitamins supports the body at the cellular level. The price of such a drug is 418 rubles.
Inoclim
The product is presented in the form of capsules. Soy extract in the composition of the medicine helps maintain normal estrogen levels during menopause. A complex of oils (sunflower and soybean) helps cells protect themselves from adverse conditions. 
This medicine can be bought for 948 rubles.
Feminal
The main component of these capsules is red clover dry extract. This plant is rich in phytoestrogens. The drug helps cope with the symptoms of menopause.
It should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as by girls under 16 years of age. Price: 665 rubles.
Doppelhertz active Menopause
Available in tablets. Soy isoflavones are the main component of the drug. They help normalize estrogen levels.
Vitamins supplement the composition of the medicine:
Folic acid helps the brain and nervous system function. Contraindications for use are pregnancy and lactation. The drug costs 456 rubles.
Estrovel
The capsules alleviate the pathological symptoms of menopause due to the soy isoflavones they contain. Vitamin E protects the body from the harmful effects of free radicals. 
The vitamin B6 component is essential for muscles and the heart. Folic acid helps the female body by supporting brain activity and normal functioning of the nervous system. The price of the medicine is 499 rubles.
Mastodinon
The drug is produced in two forms: drops and tablets. This is a homeopathic herbal medicine:
- vitex;
- cohosh;
- cyclamen;
- chilibuha;
- iris;
- tiger lily.
The medicine allows you to reduce prolactin levels, improve menstruation and prevent the development of fibrocystic mastopathy. In addition, the drug is prescribed to infertile women. It should not be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers, as well as girls under 12 years of age.
Cost of Mastodinon:
- drops 50 ml – 548 rubles;
- drops 100 ml – 854 rubles;
- tablets – 575 rubles.
Phytoestrogens in food
Phytoestrogens for women over 40, the drugs for which they are prescribed, are combined with the consumption of phytoestrogen-containing foods. 
Natural hormone replacements contain the following foods and drinks:
- soy (isoflavones daidzein and genistein);
- legumes (isoflavones);
- milk and its derivatives (phytoestrogens from the grass that the cow ate);
- coffee;
- sunflower and sunflower oil;
- cereals, coconut and olive oils (phytosterols);
- any cabbage, parsley, spinach, nuts, fruits (lignans);
- carrot;
- red wine (resveratrol);
- beer (8-prenylnaringenin).
Recipes with phytoestrogens
The following dishes can be prepared from foods that are beneficial for women during menopause:
- pea soup. Add half a glass of dry peas to boiling meat or chicken broth. Cook until the peas are ready. Add 2-3 diced potatoes. Fry 1 carrot and 1 onion. Add frying when potatoes are ready. Add salt and herbs to taste.
- Salad. In a plate, mix chopped ingredients: tomato, cucumber, lettuce, avocado, boiled chicken breast, pomegranate (seeds) and pickled mushrooms. Season with a mixture of oil and lemon juice.
- Rice with vegetables. Boil the rice. Fry the prepared vegetable mixture. Mix with rice.
When choosing drugs to alleviate menopause, women over 40 years of age prefer phytoestrogens. They do not have such a significant effect as hormonal drugs, but they also do not carry relatively serious risks. A wide range of drugs allows you to choose the right product based on your health condition.
Article format: Mila Friedan
Video about phytoestrogens
How to choose phytoestrogens:
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:
- 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.
Phytoestrogens for women over 40 are preparations of natural origin, which contain herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. Scientists have drawn attention to the fact that women in the East, South America, and Asia suffer less from the symptoms of menopause and endure this difficult stage of life quite calmly. The same cannot be said about the beautiful field of Europe and North America. The whole secret was in the diet - food of plant origin.
What can phytoestrogens do?
Numerous studies of past centuries have clarified the situation. Some herbs, fruits, and vegetables contain substances that are similar in action to female hormones. There is nothing in common in the structure, but they affect the cells of certain organs and stimulate the development of necessary hormones.
The imbalance begins to appear after 40 years. And by 45, the first signs of menopause appear. Hot flashes, emotional imbalance, weight gain. There is a metabolic disorder and a decrease in ovarian function. After a few years of menopause, urogenital problems, heart and vascular diseases, and osteoporosis appear. If you take care of your body long before the onset of menopause, you can avoid all this.
Phytohormones after 40 years are the best treatment option. The drugs strengthen the immune system, make the body stress-resistant, prevent hormonal fluctuations, support the functioning of internal organs and the reproductive system, and normalize metabolism.
Certain plants contain phytoestrogens. You can prepare a healing remedy from them yourself or buy it at a pharmacy. Such products are positioned as tinctures and dietary supplements.
Typically, homeopathic preparations include several plants containing phytoestrogens, which significantly increases their effectiveness.
Safe drugs - list of the best
You should pay attention to vitamin complexes and biological food additives. Among them, we can note:
Special preparations in tablets
Special preparations for women over 40 years old containing estrogen in tablets.
In addition to tablets, you can replenish your body with phytoestrogens through food. Similar substances are present in vegetables, fruits, and herbs:
Women over 40 need to adjust their diet, daily routine, physical and mental stress. It's time to start taking natural medications to maintain women's health and youth. Such medications have no contraindications, with the exception of individual intolerance and pregnancy. Manifests itself as an allergic reaction on the skin. Occasionally, nausea and stool disturbances are observed. After the break, you can repeat the course if necessary. By resorting to such therapy in a timely manner, you can avoid the unpleasant manifestations of menopause, alleviate your condition, and prolong sexual activity.
With the onset of menopause, many women experience unpleasant sensations: the body reacts negatively to hormonal imbalance. As ovarian function declines, estrogen levels decrease, painful hot flashes appear, sleep disturbances, irritability appear, belly fat accumulates, and the condition of hair and skin deteriorates.
To correct the imbalance due to insufficient estrogen production, the woman receives hormone replacement therapy. For mild to moderate symptoms, you can replace synthetic drugs with natural remedies. Phytohormones are found in many foods and plants. It is important to know the rules of therapy using natural estrogen analogues.
Indications for use
During menopause, the production of estrone and estriol decreases. Steroid hormone deficiency affects the nervous, reproductive, and cardiovascular systems. If the symptoms of menopause are moderate, you can do without synthetic hormones: it is enough to regularly receive herbal remedies that contain substances with hormone-like effects. Lignans, coumestans, flavones and isoflavones have a positive effect on the body's condition.
Doctors also advise women to take phytoestrogens during premenopause and after 45 years, as long as the functional ability of the ovaries is preserved. With the onset of menopause, menopause is inevitable, but you can smooth out negative symptoms and avoid a significant deficiency of sex hormones if you start taking preventive measures of natural compounds in time. Many women confirm the effectiveness of herbal remedies. Herbal decoctions, flax seeds, natural oils stabilize hormonal balance, replenish estrogen deficiency when ovarian function fades.
Symptoms of menopause:
- "tides". Specific manifestations of menopausal syndrome are difficult to confuse with symptoms of other pathologies. The attack lasts from 10-15 seconds to 5-7 minutes: the face turns sharply red, intense heat is felt in the upper body. In the final phase, sweat is released profusely and chills may appear. “Hot flashes” occur from once or twice every few days to five to seven times a day;
- surges in blood pressure. Disruption of metabolic processes and a decrease in the rate of food processing gradually leads to the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels and the development of arterial hypertension;
- osteoporosis Against the background of hypoestrogenism, the process of calcium absorption is disrupted. With calcium deficiency, bones become thinner, and you can get a fracture even with a slight bruise or after a fall;
- insufficient vaginal hydration. A decrease in secretion production provokes discomfort in the genital area: burning and itching appears. During sexual intercourse, injury to the mucous membrane, infection due to microcracks and increased tissue dryness are possible;
- fat deposition in specific “female” areas. With the onset of menopause, weight often increases by 5-6 kg for no apparent reason. A sign of hormonal imbalance is an increase in the layer of subcutaneous fatty tissue at the waist and abdomen;
- mood swings, Excessive nervousness, tearfulness, changes in character, and increased sensitivity to emotional stimuli often accompany the menopause. After 45-50 years, memory deteriorates, difficulties arise with remembering and processing new information, and psychomotor reactions slow down. These signs also indicate hormonal imbalance;
- thinning and dryness of the epidermis, brittle nails, deterioration of hair condition, thinning hair are external symptoms of estrogen deficiency. A lack of female hormones leads to the appearance of wrinkles, dry skin, and withering of the epidermis.
Beneficial properties of phytoestrogens
Action of phytoestrogens:
- irritability decreases;
- sleep improves;
- the frequency and strength of “hot flashes” decreases;
- drowsiness and apathy disappear;
- Breast engorgement and tenderness appear less frequently;
- weight stabilizes;
- metabolic processes occur more actively;
- blood pressure is normalized (in combination with antihypertensive drugs for continuous use);
- the condition of hair and skin improves.
On a note! Regular intake of healthy products and formulations based on plant materials has a positive effect on the body. The effect of natural remedies is more delicate than that of hormonal drugs. Many women note that after starting therapy with phytohormones, menopause is less pronounced.
When phytohormones are not beneficial
If herbal remedies are used incorrectly, or excessive consumption of certain foods and herbs, estrogen levels may become higher than normal. If a woman receives herbal medicines with hormone-like substances, then she should not intensively consume herbal decoctions with phytoestrogens.
Where they are found: contained in foods and plants
Products:
- garlic;
- wheat germ;
- coconut;
- broccoli;
- dairy products;
- legumes;
- barley.
Plants with phytohormones:
- calendula;
- cuff;
- blackberry;
- hop cones;
- alfalfa;
- White bloodroot;
- aloe;
- ginseng;
- mountain arnica;
- sage.
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Natural oils with phytohormones:
- avocado;
- black cumin;
- evening primrose;
- geraniums;
- flax;
- fennel;
- sage;
- anise
Proven traditional medicine recipes
Many natural remedies are used to normalize hormonal balance:
- decoction of sage leaves. For 2 tsp. natural raw materials, take 500 ml of boiling water. Infuse the composition with phytoestrogens for half an hour. Drink the infusion 2 days in advance, 3 doses per day. Directions for use: 20 minutes before meals, three times a day;
- decoction based on mantle. The medicinal plant is actively used as a main remedy and as part of herbal preparations. For 250 ml of boiling water, it is enough to take a teaspoon of finely chopped herbs. Infuse healthy tea for 30 minutes. Drink the strained product in 2 doses;
- infusion of hop cones. The proportions and method of preparation are the same as in the previous recipe. Drink a glass of infusion every day. The course of treatment is two weeks;
- a mixture of aloe and honey. An effective “elixir of youth”, a useful and inexpensive means for maintaining health. The composition exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, saturates the body with microelements, phytohormones, vitamins, and organic acids. You will need 1 tbsp. l. pulp of a fleshy leaf from a plant that is more than three years old and 2 tbsp. l. thin honey. Use the nutrient in three doses throughout the day. Course of therapy - 10 days;
- linseed oil. The best option is to receive a natural product every day, in the morning, always on an empty stomach. Dosage - teaspoon. The duration of therapy is 1 month, then a break for 10 days, then repeat the intake of the valuable oil. The flax seed product is a natural remedy, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by numerous studies. If the functioning of the digestive organs is disrupted, you can add oil with a pleasant, slightly bitter, specific taste to light salads or use the herbal remedy after meals;
- a decoction with a sedative effect. Mood swings, excessive nervousness, tearfulness are frequent “companions” of menopause. The herbal mixture contains phytoestrogens and components with a sedative effect. Combine a tablespoon of valerian root, motherwort herb, mint and blackberry leaves, chamomile flowers, and hop cones. For one day you will need a couple of tablespoons of the mixture and 0.5 liters of boiling water. Boil the herbal remedy for 5 minutes, cool, and filter the healthy tea. Drink 150 ml in three doses, always before meals;
- fenugreek and flax seeds. Natural products have a positive effect on the level of estrogen in the body. Take a teaspoon of seeds every day for one and a half months. You can grind the natural product and add it to salads. With this method of processing, much more valuable substances enter the body than when receiving whole seeds.
A few more effective remedies:
- alcohol tincture based on the roots of white cinquefoil. A proven remedy for normalizing hormonal levels. During menopause, the structure and functioning of the thyroid gland is often disrupted, which negatively affects the reproductive system. The tincture improves the condition of the problematic gland. It is not difficult to prepare the product: put the chopped root of the plant (1 part) into a bottle, pour in high-quality vodka (take 10 parts), put it in a cool place (necessarily without access to light) for 30 days. Strain the mixture and drink twice a day for a month. Before use, dilute 25 drops of tincture with still water (50 ml). After the first course, a break for a week;
- mint tea to reduce nervousness. A drink with a pleasant taste and aroma is useful for reducing irritability and improving sleep. During menopause, you need to take courses of herbal remedies with a sedative effect. It’s easy to prepare mint tea: put two medium mint leaves in a glass, pour in boiling water, cover with a saucer or metal lid. The healthy drink is ready after 15 minutes. You should not make tea that is too strong. If desired, you can add honey or a sweetener tablet. The healthy drink also relieves headaches caused by disturbances in psycho-emotional balance;
- decoction of blackberry leaves. Tea saturates the female body with phytohormones. Herbalists recommend drinking aromatic tea after 40 years in courses lasting 1 month, then a break for 60 days, then repeat taking the herbal remedy. It is useful to combine blackberry and currant leaves: take a tablespoon of each component, place it in a thermos, pour in a liter of boiling water. The aromatic tea is ready after 35-40 minutes. Filter the natural remedy, drink in 6 doses (3 for each day), optimally before meals, 20 minutes;
- mask with phytoestrogens for youthful skin. A good addition to taking natural ingredients. Some herbal remedies for external use are as effective as expensive masks and creams. Cosmetologists offer a simple and effective remedy with phytohormones. Steam flax seeds in 100 ml of boiling water (1 level teaspoon, spoon). Wait 30 minutes for the seeds to swell: the liquid will become oily. Use a cotton swab to apply the nourishing product to the face and neck; you can lubricate your hands. Wash off the composition after a quarter of an hour: the skin will be soft and velvety. Course - 15 masks, then a break for 10 days. The first results are noticeable after two or three procedures.
You should not wait until the symptoms of menopause appear in full force: to prevent and reduce the consequences of hormonal imbalance, you need to receive herbal remedies with natural estrogen analogues. All women over 40-45 years old should receive herbal teas, products with phytohormones, and natural oils in courses. Before starting herbal treatment, you should consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist.
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 antiestrogenic effect, the severity of which depends on the level of a woman’s own endogenous estrogens. 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 development of menopausal 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 cancer 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 drugs for emergency assistance during 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.
