Phytoestrogens benefit for menopause, hot flashes
Phytoestrogens are non-steroidal plant molecules whose structure differs from gonadal hormones, but with an estrogen-type bioactivity: they are capable of interacting with estrogen receptors, showing both agonist and antagonist methods of action. The beneficial effects of various classes of phytoestrogens present in nature are now known, but the main isoflavone present in soy, genistein, appears to be particularly effective. Interest in this substance is concentrated in particular on its therapeutic role in menopause. A diet rich in isoflavones is associated with a reduced incidence of vasomotor episodes; the average supplement of genistein is approximately 50 mg/day. After supplementing the diet with phytoestrogens, studies show a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL fraction. This is accompanied by an increase in bone mineral density after taking 90 mg of isoflavones for 6 months. Isoflavones may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The data examined confirm the excellent clinical efficacy of supplementing the diet with soy extracts, particularly genistein which is indicated to alleviate both the short-term symptoms of menopause and the long-term effects, although the latter finding requires further substantiation.


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High intake of phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women appears to be associated with a favorable metabolic cardiovascular risk profile. A Western diet rich in tofu and other soy products may help protect older women from heart disease. Dietary phytoestrogen Intake Is associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk.

Some of the well-known phytoestrogens include genistein, daidzen, coumestrol and zearalenone . There are many plants that have phytoestrogens, for instance hops.

Phytoestrogens and Menopause - Do phytoestrogens help reduce the severity or frequency of hot flashes?

In a study conducted at the University La Sapienza in Rome, Italy, postmenopausal women were given phytoestrogen tablets containing 60 milligrams of isoflavones for 6 months and compared to women who received placebo pills. The women receiving the phytoestrogens did better on measures of mental performance and mood. When asked which treatment they preferred, 49 women favored the phytoestrogen pill, 9 favored placebo, and 18 had no preference. The researchers say, "The current findings suggest a possible role for phytoestrogens in relieving the psychological disturbances often associated with the complex symptomatology of menopause."
   Another study continues to raise cautions about the long term use of estrogen. Women who took estrogen-only pills for at least 15 years had a higher risk of developing breast cancer, according to a study of nearly 29,000 nurses. But no increased danger was found among those who took the hormone for less than 10 years.
   Comments: There has been controversy regarding the role of phytoestrogens in the treatment of symptoms of menopause for quite some time. If you plan to take phytoestrognes, try a lower dose first before moving on to higher amounts. You may consider at first using half the dose used by the researchers and take a day or two off a week. If you are using estrogen, use as low a dose as possible for as short a time as possible.
 

Effects of the phytoestrogen genistein on hot flushes, endometrium, and vaginal epithelium in postmenopausal women: a 1-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
 Menopause. 2007 Jul-Aug. Department of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
To evaluate in a 12-month, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study whether pure administration of the phytoestrogen genistein (54 mg/d) might reduce the number and severity of hot flushes in postmenopausal women with no adverse effect on the endometrium. The phytoestrogen genistein was shown to be effective on vasomotor symptoms without an adverse effect on endometrium.

Hormone replacement therapy and menopause
Recent studies indicate that long term replacement with Premarin (horse derived estrogens) and synthetic progesterone increases the risk for heart disease, cancer, blood clots and gallbladder disease. 

What is the opinion of the medical establishment?
The field of hormone or herbal therapy during or after menopause is very complicated and there is no consensus within the medical community regarding the best option for long term therapy. The medical community seems to be shifting its viewpoint on hormone replacement. It appears that most traditional doctors now prefer using low doses of hormones for a brief period of time to treat menopausal symptoms, but prefer not to continue hormone replacement therapy indefinitely as in the past.

Phytoestrogen questions
Q. What is the phytoestrogen contenct of pomegranate pill by Club Natural?
   A. The phytoestrogen content of pomegranate is not something that is routinely tested.