Robyn Landis
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 Blood levels of phytoestrogens are 10 to 40 times higher in Japanese women than in their Western counterparts, and Japanese women don't complain about hot flashes.17
Again, as with much of natural medicine, getting out of the American one-pill dosage mind-set takes some doing. To get enough soy to make a difference, you will probably want to try it in many different forms. I use seasoned soy in many grain dishes; we have it cubed in scrambled egg whites for breakfast, in burritos, rice stir-fries, and on pasta. We also use soy cheese, and soy milk on cereal. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Rose, "Dietary Fiber, phytoestrogens, and Breast Cancer," Nutrition 8 (1992): 47-51.
HERBS/PLANT EXTRACTS
A study looked at the effects of remifemin, an extract of Cimicifuga racemosa, on the LH and FSH secretion of menopausal women. Levels of LH, but not FSH, were found to be reduced significantly in patients who received the extract. Subsequent animal experiments within the same study supported these results.
E. M. Duker et al., "Effects of Extracts from Cimicifuga Racemosa on Gonadotropin Release in Menopausal Women and Ovariectomized Rats," Planta. Med., 57, no. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Foods rich in phytoestrogens include soy, rye, chickpeas, clover, and flaxseeds. Either kind of treatment usually takes several months to work.
BENEFICIAL HERBS
HERB
FORM AND DOSAGE
COMMENTS
Aloe
Gel. Apply to the vagina at night.
Relieves vaginal dryness.
Black cohosh
Tablets. Take 500-1,000 mg daily.
Increases vaginal lubrication; relieves headaches and muscle pain; stops irregular bleeding.
Blue cohosh1
Tablets or capsules. Take 250 mg 3 times daily.
Relieves hot flashes.
Calendula
Cream. Apply as directed on the label.
Relieves vaginal itching.
Damiana2
Tincture. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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 Because of the balancing action of phytoestrogens on estrogen effects, it is common to find the same plant or food recommended for conditions of estrogen excess (such as premenstrual syndrome) as well as conditions of estrogen deficiency (such as menopause and menstrual abnormalities). Many of these foods and herbs have been termed uterine tonics.
Soy An especially important dietary recommendation for the relief of hot flashes and atrophic vaginitis, and the prevention of breast cancer, is to increase the consumption of soy foods. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| This phytoestrogen can be detected in beer, but the levels in beer are low and should not pose any cause for concern, although the phytoestrogens in hops can cause fat to be deposited into the classic "beer-belly" pattern. Dieters seeking to reduce the waistline should avoid both beer and medicinal application of hops.
Chronic consumption of hops may increase the potency of anesthetics used in surgery. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Much of their effect is thought to be a result of phytoestrogens in the plants and the plants' ability to improve blood flow to the female organs. The botanicals work to nourish and tone the female glandular and organ system rather than exert a drug-like effect. This nonspecific mode of action makes many botanicals useful in a broad range of female conditions.
The four most useful herbs in the treatment of hot flashes are: dong quai (Angelica sinensis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus), and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| These phytoestrogens bind to hormone receptors in the uterus, breast, and other parts of the body. As a result, black cohosh is reported to lessen hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, dizziness, depressed mood, and other hormone-related symptoms. This makes the herb useful as a substitute for estrogen replacement therapy, especially when compared with synthetic hormone replacement therapies. |
| Some researchers even think the phytoestrogens might prevent tumor growth by keeping the body's own estrogen from stimulating breast cells.
Black cohosh compounds likewise regulate estrogen production before menopause, and are especially useful for treating blurred vision and migraine associated with PMS. It has antispasmodic properties that may lessen menstrual discomforts. Black cohosh may increase the blood flow to the uterus, reducing the intensity of particularly painful cramps.
• Fibroids (uterine myomas). |
Dr. Gary Null
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| Menopausal women report relief and rejuvenation from Ayurvedic formulas using herbal phytoestrogens and phytoproges-terones. Ayurveda believes that balance is the key to perfect health. It basically determines which body/mind type a person is and, based on that system, helps people choose the type of foods they should eat and the type of exercise best for them. For more information, read Perfect Health and Ageless Body, Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra.
REFLEXOLOGY
In the chapter 22, on pre-menstrual syndrome, Laura Norman outlines reproductive system reflex points. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Diet
Increase the amount of phytoestrogens in the diet by consuming more soy foods, fennel, celery, parsley, high-lignan flaxseed oil, nuts, and seeds.
Nutritional Supplements
• Vitamin E: 800 IU per day until symptoms have improved, then 400 IU per day
J
• Hesperidin: 900 mg per day
• Vitamin C: 1,200 mg per day
• Gamma-oryzanol: 300 mg per day
Botanical Medicines
All dosages are three times per day. |
| Because of the balancing action of phytoestrogens on estrogen effects (see Soy Foods, earlier in this chapter, for a description), it is common to find the same plant recommended for conditions of estrogen excess (like PMS) as well as conditions of estrogen deficiency (like menopause, menstrual abnormalities). Many of these herbs have been termed "uterine tonics" because they work to nourish and tone the female glandular and organ system rather than exert a drug-like effect. This nonspecific mode of action makes many herbs useful in treating a broad range of female conditions, including PMS. |
| Much of this protection is due to the isoflavonoids genis-tein and daidzein, the phytoestrogens of soy.2526 In addition to acting on estrogen receptors, these compounds inhibit 5-alpha-re-ductase. Obviously, this action could have beneficial effects in the treatment of BPH.
Drugs and Pesticides
The diet should be as free as possible of pesticides and other contaminants, since many of these compounds (e.g., dioxin, polyhalo-genated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene, and dibenzofurans) increase 5-alpha-reduction of steroids. |
D. Lindsey Berkson
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 Both alpha and beta are required for normal functioning in the ovaries. phytoestrogens, for example, bind much more to er beta receptors than to er alpha receptors, and more research will unveil further differences. Both receptors occur together in the brain, liver, bones, and testes. Most tissues have both types of estrogen receptors, but usually one or the other type predominates. They can exist in the same tissues but in different cells and in different ratios at different times. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Phytoestrogens increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, or "good") cholesterol and, unlike some estrogen replacement therapies used to treat menopause, can lower triglyceride (blood fat) levels that are elevated after excessive consumption of milk fats. Soy is also a rich source of the amino acid arginine, which keeps blood cells from sticking to the inside of artery walls and forming clots. Soy may be especially helpful in controlling atherosclerosis for women who have diabetes. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 Foods rich in phytoestrogens include alfalfa, apples, barley, carrots, cherries, chick peas, garlic, green beans, oats, peas, potatoes, rice, rye, wheat, and, especially, yams.
Natural progesterone—Body creams containing Mexican yam root are a nonprescription source for a natural, nontoxic, progesterone. These over-the-counter progesterone creams can relieve mild menopausal symptoms for many women. In addition, progesterone creams may, like estrogen, protect against osteoporosis. In fact, recent studies demonstrate that progesterone can halt the loss of bone at least as well as estrogen. |
Laurie Deutsch Mozian, M.S., R.D.
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 Sometimes they are called phytoestrogens. The other notable feature of flaxseeds is their high content of the omega-3 fatty acids, which are also found in fish. Flaxseeds also contain flavonoids, coumaric acid, and phenolic phytochemicals.
The benefits of flaxseed can be made available upon grinding the flaxseed into meal or flour. The flax flour can then be used in recipes as a substitute for 10 percent of the total wheat flour content without negatively altering the taste of the recipe. The flax flour will provide a nutty flavor to the product. |
| Phytoestrogen (FIGH-to-ES-tro-jin). phytoestrogens are estrogenlike compounds found in plants. Their intake leads to the production of estrogenlike substances, which can bind to estrogen receptors on cells and affect the way the genetic material expresses itself. Since estrogen exists only in the animal world, these compounds are not technically estrogens, but because of their chemical structure, they have the ability to act as weak estrogens.
Isoflavones, which are found largely in legumes and soy products, lead to the production of equol in some humans. |
| In this way, phytoestrogens may act as inhibitors of hormone-dependent cancers (breast, cervical, and endometrial), which are fueled by estrogen.
Isoflavones also have the ability to inhibit cancers that are not hormone dependent through another mechanism. The isoflavone genistein acts specifically as an inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine kinase appears to activate the growth of tumor cells and encourages the aggregation of blood platelets, which leads to blockages in the cardiovascular system. |
| They are among the few fruits that contains phytoestrogens, although in a relatively small amount. If you peel away the skin of the pomegranate, you will see that it contains many tiny whole seeds that are packed in clusters and compartmentalized between membranes. The seeds are actually tiny whole fruits, which actually contain estrone (a phytoestrogen). Preparing a pomegranate can be tricky. The yellow-white membrane that separates the fruit into clusters is bitter, which makes juicing the pomegranate in the conventional fashion impractical. |
| Stephen Barnes, a well-known cancer researcher, "Early life exposure to phytoestrogens has lifelong effects. The cells that lead to cancer are laid down during the teen years, but until those cells form a tumor, you don't have cancer."
Isoflavones and Diabetes
The isoflavone genistein works as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Tyrosine kinase is an enzyme that acts as an intracellular messenger, and the message it carries appears to contribute to the premature development of cardiovascular disease—a complication of diabetes. |
John Robbins
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 Soy beverages, unlike cow's milk, provide substantial amounts of substances known as "phytoestrogens" (genestein, daidzen, and so on), which lower both heart disease and cancer risk.
• Men who consume one to two servings of soy milk per day are 70 percent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who don't.40
The dairy industry has fought long and hard to keep soy beverages from being included in the milk group in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. |
Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg
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 The primary sources of excess estrogen are an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), birth control pills, estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), excessive intake of phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens), and exposure to or ingestion of pesticides (environmental estrogens.)
All forms of estrogen are toxic to the body if not adequately balanced by progesterone.88 Women with estrogen dominance are more prone to estrogen toxicity conditions such as cyclic seizures, migraines, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), and fluid retention. |
Ruth Winter
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 Whole grains contain naturally occurring phytoestrogens, which have been linked to decreased risk of hormone-related diseases such as breast cancer. Oats were discovered to lower cholesterol in 1963. They are also a good source of selenium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, and copper. Cheerios, a breakfast cereal, has been permitted to make the claim that they help to reduce cholesterol by the American Heart Association and the FDA. Presumably, other oat cereals will also be able to make the claim.
OAT BRAN • The broken coat of oats, Avena sativa. See Oats and Oat Flour. |
Jean Carper
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 The soybean's phytoestrogens counteract cancer-promoting estrogen much the same way tamoxifen does, at least in animals, says Dr. Barnes. He put some animals on a high soybean diet, others on a regular diet, and then subjected all to cancer-causing agents. Rats fed soybeans had from 40 percent to 65 percent fewer breast cancers. Dr. Barnes and colleagues have isolated what they believe to be the soybean's most active anticancer agent, genistein. It also prevents breast tumors in animals. Dr. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| All forms of ginseng are rich in phytoestrogens, which can help to relieve menopausal symptoms. (In rare cases, ginseng can stimulate the uterine lining causing menstrual-type bleeding, in a manner similar to real estrogen. If you experience any irregular bleeding during menopause, be sure to contact your physician or natural healer and let her know that you are using ginseng.)
Dong quai—For centuries, Chinese women have used dong quai for a wide range of female gynecological complaints. Modern researchers confirm its usefulness against acute symptoms of menopause caused by hormonal changes. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 It should also be noted that acute symptoms are frequently avoided by Asian women because their diets contain ample quantities of soy products, which are high in phytoestrogens and phytoesterols. In addition, Asians benefit from the widespread use of medicinal herbs.
What Women Experience
The menopausal process usually begins with variations in the menstrual cycle. The time between cycles often becomes irregular, and sometimes periods are skipped. Although menopause is usually accompanied by reduced menstrual flow, some women report heavy, irregular bleeding. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Recent studies have found that some bioflavonoids are antiviral and can strengthen capillaries (tiny blood vessels), which if weakened, can promote bruising and internal hemorrhaging.
• phytoestrogens. Hormonelike compounds found in plants that are similar to the estrogen produced by the the body, but with some very Important differences. Like real estrogen, plant estrogens bind to estrogen receptors in cells, thereby preventing real estrogen from binding to these cells. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1Michael T. Murray, ND
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| It appears that phytoestrogens have an inhibitory effect on many enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones. The effect on enzymes is further discussed below.
Mechanism of action of soy isoflavones
Soy's inhibition of cancer cell growth does not seem to be entirely estrogen-dependent.58 There are many proposed mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of isoflavones. |
The Editors of Prevention Magazine Health Books
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 It also contains approximately 35 milligrams of phytoestrogens, a reasonable goal to shoot for, says Dr. Woods.
Japanese women eat from 2'/2 to 3Vi ounces of tofu per day, says Dr. Woods.
"If you are having hot flashes and night sweats and don't want to take hormones, I certainly think it would be worthwhile to try it. It can't hurt," says Dr. Woods. "Legumes, vegetables and soy foods are safe, nutritious and good for you, whether you're having hot flashes or not. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Soybeans and soy products such as tofu, miso, and jy-based soups are rich in phytoestrogens, a hormonelike substance that mimics estrogen in humans. Since bone cells have estrogen recep tors, it is probable that the plant estrogens in soy may bind to thesi receptors and act like natural estrogen.
Personal Advice
Weight-bearing exercise such as walking, tennis, dancing, low-impact aerobics, and specific exercises to strengthen and support your back, are recommended. Overall, it is important to reduce the intake of substances known to contribute to calcium loss. |
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