You’ve probably heard quite a lot about phytoestrogens. For women looking for alternatives to HRT, phytoestrogen therapy has been gaining popularity.

Phytogestrens have been called ‘natural miracle agents’ which prevent cancer, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis. What are they?

Please note : The term “natural” has no special medical significance. When “natural” is used on a dietary supplement product labeling, its purpose is for marketing only.

What are phytoestrogens? They are plant compounds which are similar in chemical makeup to the female hormone estrogen, on a much lower scale and with much lower potency. They act upon the estrogen receptor sites in your body.

Phytoestrogens are found in the seeds, stems, roots or flowers of plants, serving as natural fungicides and acting as part of the plant’s defence mechanism against micro-organisms.

The interest in phytoestrogens has developed with epidemiological evidence that diets rich in these compounds have led women in Japan and Asia to have a much lower incidence of “Western diseases” such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancers of breast, colon, and womb.

We are told that women in these countries don’t experience the discomfort of sudden sweats, hot flushes and mood swings either. Whether this, if actually true, means we can get the same protection by boosting our diets with phytoestrogens is another matter.

There are three types of phytoestrogens and their dietary sources include:

• Isoflavones - The food that is richest by far in phytoestrogens is soybeans. Herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai and beans such as lima and lentil.
• Lignans - (enterolactone and enterodiol) found in oilseeds like flaxseed and linseed, cereal bran, fruit, vegetables and grains.
• Coumestans - good sources include sprouting seeds such as alfalfa.

However, there is no proof that any food supplement will ease menopausal discomfort.

The herbs ginseng and false unicorn are also said to ease menopause symptoms by acting at estrogen receptor sites. Also, herbs such as liquorice and sarsaparilla are often used to stimulate and boost the adrenal glands, which have now become the main manufacturers of estrogen.

To sum up

• Moderate amounts of foods containing phytoestrogens can be included in the diet. Available evidence concerning phytoestrogens and health is conflicting and incomplete.
• Please consult a registered naturopath or herbalist if you prefer to use alternative therapies and always inform your physician.

Many herbal preparations can have serious side effects or potentially dangerous interactions with anesthesia or other medications. If you take medicines that involve regular blood level monitoring or any medicines known to increase the risk of allergic reactions, don’t take herbal medications without first consulting your physician.

If you have had breast cancer and want to take herbal therapy, get a safety clearance from your cancer specialist first, and if you’re having surgery with general anesthesia, stop taking all herbal preparations a full six weeks before the date of surgery.

Alternative therapy imeans practices used instead of standard treatments - an either-or situation. These same practices can also be used in conjunction with standard treatments, in which case they would then be complementary practices. Always inform your doctor if you use alternative therapies especially if you’re taking other medications or having a dental or surgical procedure.

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