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Estrogen Replacement Therapy vs. Phytoestrogens for Menopause

Because of the lack of evidence and conflicting research results, many scientists now believe that the benefits of phytoestrogens have been overstated. Currently, estrogen replacement therapy is still the go-to treatment option for women with hot flashes and menopause symptoms. ERT has been shown time and time again to be effective at reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause. This form of hormone therapy has also been well studied for decades. As such, many health care providers recommend using estrogen replacement therapy for your menopause symptoms unless there is a reason you can’t, such as a history of breast cancer, liver disease, or having a high risk for blood…

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 Plant Phytoestrogens: Should you have them for your Menopause Symptoms?

The rise of phytoestrogens in the discussion about menopause symptom relief come from studies reporting that one of these isoflavones, called Genistein, has a positive effect on reducing hot flushes and improving cardiac health in post-menopause. This is why isoflavones have increasingly appeared on the shelves of pharmacies and health supplement shops targeting women in mid-life.

Articles of Interest

Phytoestrogens

They do, however, behave differently to female oestrogen and this depends on the oestrogen's environment (eg, whether a woman is in her reproductive years and has higher oestrogen, or is postmenopausal with lower oestrogen), how they bind to the oestrogen receptor and particularly to which oestrogen receptor they bind to.

Phytoestrogens in postmenopausal indications: A theoretical perspective

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived hormone-like diphenolic compounds of dietary origin. These compounds are weakly estrogenic and could play a role in the prevention of other estrogen-related conditions, namely, cardiovascular diseases, menopausal symptoms, postmenopausal osteoporosis, neuroprotective effects, and hormone-dependent cancers (breast and endometrium cancer).

Role of Phytoestrogen in Menopausal Women With Depressive Symptoms: A Consecutive Case Series Study

Overall, our findings indicate a considerable decrease in depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women following the use of phytoestrogens over a six-month period, suggesting that phytoestrogens could be used as an effective and reliable choice in order to manage and control post-menopausal depression.

Soy Pills Fail To Counter Menopause Effects Like Bone Loss

Soy pills for the hot flashes and bone loss menopausal women may endure seemed like a great idea – a cheap way of getting the benefit of estrogen without the risks. But alas, a new study concludes they don't work.

The pros and cons of plant estrogens for menopause

Concerns pertaining to the risk of estrogen exposure through HT have prompted an increase in the use of natural alternatives. Phytoestrogens may provide postmenopausal women with a practical alternative and many women have already begun to utilize phytoestrogen supplements. However, research regarding the efficacy of phytoestrogens as a hormone therapy alternative has been previously pessimistic or questionable at best.