What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are substances that certain plants produce and are chemically similar to the human hormone estrogen. Phytoestrogens, the plant-based estrogens, are several times less potent than normal human estrogen yet some scientific studies have shown beneficial effects. Phytoestrogens are available in several supplements. The most common include black cohosh, dong quai and soy.
Phytoestrogen uses
Phytoestrogens have been used to treat the signs and changes of menopause, including hot
flashes, vaginal dryness, dry skin, osteoporosis, depression, mood swings, fatigue, and sleep
problems.
Medical research has not proven that phytoestrogens are effective in treating menopause or any
medical condition. Nor have studies directly compared phytoestrogens with prescription therapy.
Because phytoestrogens are less potent and their benefits are less clearly defined than
prescription estrogens, they are not typically the first choice for hormone replacement
therapy.
Potential drug interactions with phytoestrogen
Women taking birth control pills, estrogen therapy, azathioprine (Imuran®), cyclosporine (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), or blood pressure medicines should not take the phytoestrogen black cohosh. Dong quai may interact with anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin (Coumadin®) and daily aspirin therapy.
Soy may prevent the thyroid medicine levothyroxine (Synthroid®) from being absorbed into the body. If you are taking
levothyroxine and soy, it's best to separate your levothyroxine dose from any soy supplements
by at least two hours. You should talk to your doctor if you are taking iron supplements or warfarin (Coumadin®). Concentrated phytoestrogen supplements may interfere with the
use of tamoxifen (Nolvadex®), so please make sure you tell your doctor if you are taking
this medication.
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