Phytoestrogenic Herbs and Menopause

Herbs containing phytoestrogens are becoming an increasingly popular treatment for menopausal symptoms. Women looking to find safe and effective ways to alleviate the various symptoms of menopause are now considering natural alternatives to man-made hormone therapies.

Phytoestrogenic Herbs for Menopausal Women

Phytoestrogenic herbs are those that contain phytoestrogens, a type of plant hormone similar to estrogen. Several plants contain phytoestrogens, but only a select few contain high enough levels to have an effect on humans.

In addition to phytoestrogens, some plants also contain other compounds (like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals) that can alter a woman's hormone levels and relieve menopausal symptoms.

Menopausal symptoms occur between the ages of 40 to 50, when the number of eggs in the ovaries starts to diminish. Menopause marks the end of a women's reproductive life and at this time estrogen levels, which regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, waver significantly. A number of uncomfortable and uncontrollable menopause symptoms occur as a result.

Common menopause symptoms which can be relieved by estrogenic herbs for menopause include:
. Hot Flashes
. Headaches
. Night Sweats
. Mood Swings

Phytoestrogenic herbs work by providing the body with the plant form of the estrogen hormone. Some doctors recommend phytoestrogenic herbs as an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), because they work in very similar ways, but pose less of a risk than man-made hormones.

As every woman goes through menopause, the natural answer to what can be a difficult and uncomfortable time could be phytoestrogen. Menopause symptoms are difficult to treat and unfortunately, due to a lack of research into phytoestrogenic herbs, even their safety cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional before starting a course of supplements.