Menopause
101
What About Phytoestrogens?
Adapted by Tracee Cornforth
Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like materials found in cereals, vegetables, legumes (beans), and some herbs. They may work in the body like a weak form of estrogen. Some may lower cholesterol levels. Soy, wild yams, and herbs such as black cohosh, dong quai, and valerian root have been suggested to relieve the symptoms of menopause. If you decide to eat a lot more foods with phytoestrogens, be sure to tell your doctor. Any food or over-the-counter product that you use for its drug-like effects could interact with other prescribed drugs or cause an overdose.
The effectiveness of these "natural" estrogens has not been proved. Some plant estrogens are under study now. Scientists want to know whether they can have the same helpful effects as the estrogen doctors now prescribe. Also, just as important, are they safe? Do they have the same risks as estrogen or different ones? Unlike prescription drugs, herbal medicines are not supervised by the FDA. They do not have to be proven safe or effective. In addition, their strength may vary between batches or manufacturers.
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Adapted from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging
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