Are There Creams or Other Products that Contain Phytoestrogens?
Faced with the myriad symptoms of declining estrogen during menopause, many women are turning to phytoestrogens for relief. Similar in chemical structure to estrogen, the plant compounds are thought to mimic female hormones in the body, possibly reducing hot flashes, fatigue, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms brought on by lower estrogen levels.
But what are the best products to buy when seeking phytoestrogens? And how can you be positively sure that they work? Keep reading for some tips on creams and other products rich in phytoestrogens.
Soy Products
In many ways, soy has become nearly as ubiquitous as corn in recent years, and luckily for menopausal women, the plant contains phytoestrogens. A trip to the grocery store will reveal soy products for nearly every craving. Consider replacing milk with soy milk, or meat with a soy based substitute. You’ll effectively be addressing two causes of estrogen decline at once: hormonal imbalance and poor diet. As a leaner source of protein than meat, eating soy can help you to shed some pounds and take control of your menopausal symptoms.
Flaxseed
Though it is less common and familiar than soy, flaxseed contains more phytoestrogens. Do some research on flax and consider what foods containing the plant you could insert into your diet. Products containing flax can include bread, crackers, energy bars, pasta, oils and cereals.
Phytoestrogen Cream
Though little is known about the effectiveness of creams containing phytoestrogens, the products are available at most health product retailers. Consider a trial period of the phytoestrogenic cream product of your choice and measure its effectiveness. It is worth noting, however, that creams contain lower amounts of phytoestrogens than directly ingested products.
Phytoestrogenic Herbs
Other sources of phytoestrogens can be found in herbal remedies. These supplements can contain some of the highest concentration of phytoestrogens and are easy to consume - most come in capsule or tea form. Herbs containing phytoestrogens include:
. Black Cohosh
. Ginseng
. Red Clover
. Dong Quai
All can be found in health stores where herbal supplements are sold.
Choosing the Menopausal Treatment that is Right for You
Though many women have reported beneficial effects of phytoestrogen, their true effectiveness is not known. Be sure to combine a healthy diet and exercise routine with any alternative treatments. Lifestyle changes have a measurable effect on relieving menopausal symptoms, where other treatments often do not. Click the following link for more information about phytoestrogens.
