Phytoestrogens for menopause

[Creator]

Phytoestrogens give menopause relief

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring molecules found in plants which have a weak estrogen-like effect in the body. They're less than a thousandth the strength of the estrogens in a woman's body.

In Japan, where the diet is rich in soya bean products, women usually have very high phytoestrogen intake in their diet. This has been linked to the finding that menopausal problems are uncommon in Japan (there isn't even a word for the menopause in Japanese).

Natural sources

Food containing phytoestrogens includes:

* pulses (especially chickpeas and lentils)
* soya beans
* cereals and grasses
* legumes
* red clover
* pomegranade
* linseed
* fennel

Claims for phytoestrogens

Scientists are trying to find out whether phytoestrogen intake may be linked to the lower levels of breast cancer, bowel cancer, prostate cancer and heart disease seen in some countries where intake is high.

Early reports suggest a beneficial effect on the fats and cholesterol in the blood when women take certain phytoestrogens, which may translate into some protection from heart disease.

In studies of menopausal women following a phytoestrogen-rich diet for at least six weeks, there was a significant decrease in symptoms of the menopause.

There's also very early research suggesting possible benefits to bones (in preventing the bone loss that usually occurs with the menopause), as well as possible protection against bowel cancer and prostate cancer.

[Summer]

Wow, this is really good news. I am going to keep this in mind for when my time comes. Hopefully I have another decade to go before I hit menopause, as I am not looking forward to it. Can't you find these phytoestrogens in pill form yet? That would be really handy if you could.

[Creator]

Yes you can get capsules with red clover, soya lecithin and hops in the health food store or online. There are also ready made "menopause" formulas in capsule form. Soy Milk is available in the grocery store as is beans and lentils. Way safer than the estrogen treatment (Premarin) that doctors provide which can cause breast cancer.

[Summer]

Alright, thanks for letting me know Creator! I will keep that in mind for future reference. ;D

[Summer]

Now that I'm in peri-menopause, I have been looking into this subject a bit more. Since breast cancer runs in my family, I'm not sure if I want to eat a lot of soy. If I choose to do this, I will make sure that it is organic soy, as I have heard the way they process soy here in the US is full of toxins, as usual.

The more I read up about what the Food and Drug Administration allows we US Citizens to eat, the more I am beginning to believe those who make the decisions in that administration are either not too intelligent, or don't give a darned about us, as they obviously can afford to eat only organic food! Sheesh! It's completely horrifying what horrible chemicals the US believes are 'fine" for all of us who can't afford to eat organic to ingest! It's NO WONDER I have memory problems and aneurysms in my poor brain at the age of 45. Something HAS to change over here, or the life expectancy is going to drop dramatically real soon.