The "female hormone mimics" that you are referring to in the soy (and other plants, such as red clover) are called "phytoestrogens" (plant-dervived estrogen).
The research has shown that plants rich in phytoestrogens may help relieve some symptoms of menopause, as well as symptoms of PMS.
However, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine (NCCAM), "it is uncertain whether this relief comes from phytoestrogens or from other compounds in the plant. Much remains to be learned about these plant products, including exactly how they work in the human body. Doctors caution that certain women need to be particularly careful about using phytoestrogens, especially:
* Women who have had or are at increased risk for diseases or conditions that are affected by hormones, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; endometriosis; or uterine fibroids
* Women who are taking drugs that increase estrogen levels in the body, such as birth control pills; MHT; or a type of cancer drug called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen."
There have been claims and reports of medicinal properties of herbal teas, including red currant leaves, but none have been consistently proven. This does not mean that the tea does not relieve symptoms, but that it is not yet quantifiable--meaning, some women need to drink an extraordinary amount of the tea (4 cups a day, every day, for example) in order to see results and alleviate symptoms, but the exact quantity and frequency is unknown for the "population at large".
Unfortunately, supplements are not regulated, and are not well-tested, so many claims are left to the consumer to decide what is best. My advice, if you are interested in trying a new supplement, is to speak with your doctor and pharmacist about any possible drug-interactions with current medications (and other supplements) you are taking.
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The "female hormone mimics" that you are referring to in the soy (and other plants, such as red clover) are called "phytoestrogens" (plant-dervived estrogen).
The research has shown that plants rich in phytoestrogens may help relieve some symptoms of menopause, as well as symptoms of PMS.
However, according to the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine (NCCAM), "it is uncertain whether this relief comes from phytoestrogens or from other compounds in the plant. Much remains to be learned about these plant products, including exactly how they work in the human body. Doctors caution that certain women need to be particularly careful about using phytoestrogens, especially:
* Women who have had or are at increased risk for diseases or conditions that are affected by hormones, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; endometriosis; or uterine fibroids
* Women who are taking drugs that increase estrogen levels in the body, such as birth control pills; MHT; or a type of cancer drug called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen."
There have been claims and reports of medicinal properties of herbal teas, including red currant leaves, but none have been consistently proven. This does not mean that the tea does not relieve symptoms, but that it is not yet quantifiable--meaning, some women need to drink an extraordinary amount of the tea (4 cups a day, every day, for example) in order to see results and alleviate symptoms, but the exact quantity and frequency is unknown for the "population at large".
Unfortunately, supplements are not regulated, and are not well-tested, so many claims are left to the consumer to decide what is best. My advice, if you are interested in trying a new supplement, is to speak with your doctor and pharmacist about any possible drug-interactions with current medications (and other supplements) you are taking.
July 7, 2009 - 1:05pmThis Comment
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