I first talked about phytoestrogens in my article, stop the menopause madness. I get asked whether phytoestrogens help us or harm us a LOT! Unfortunately, the answer is not always so simple. This is why…… In our bodies, all hormones are generally unusable until they bind to what’s known as a receptor site. You can think of these hormones as ‘keys’ and you can think of the receptor sites as locks. A key doesn’t have much of a purpose until it comes into contact with it’s lock. When we’re talking about different estrogens, a phyto/or plant based estrogen ‘key’ has to compete with naturally produced, or synthetic oestrogen ‘key’ (generally taken by prescription). Which one finds the lock I hear you ask? Well, this has something to do with a little something called affinity. You can think of affinity as a kind of attraction between the lock and the key. The oestrogen we produce in our own bodies and synthetic, or pharmaceutical oestrogen have a much higher affinity, or attraction to the locks than phyto/or plant based oestrogens. How much more? The oestrogen we produce naturally, and/or synthetic oestrogen is between 1000 to 10,000 times more attracted to it’s lock than a phytoestrogen. This is where phytoestrogens are much weaker than the oestrogen we produce naturally and the oestrogen we may take synthetically. This means that if a phytoestrogen does win the war for the lock, the effect it has on your body can be 100 to 1000 times less than naturally produced or synthetic oestrogen.

What governs whether a phytoestrogen or the synthetic oestrogen will find the lock?

This depends on how much estrogen you have circulating in your body. If you have little or no estrogen in your body, then taking a phytoestrogen gives a high chance that it will find the lock. Alternatively, if you already have a lot of circulating estrogen, then there’s a low chance that it will find the lock. This is because a weak phytoestrogen will need to compete with a much stronger human or synthetic oestrogen. Make sense? Therefore, in women who have transitioned from perimenopause to menopause, and their oestrogen levels are very low; phytoestrogens may prove beneficial to balance levels. Perimenopausal women generally have much higher circulating levels of oestrogen in their systems, however their oestrogen levels fluctuate widely from very high to very low. Again, phytoestrogens may prove beneficial to balance levels. Please note; You should avoid all phytoestrogens if you have any oestrogenic-related health problems such as breast and endometrial cancers.

How do I know how much oestrogen is in my body?

I’m so glad you asked. I’m a big fan of testing. Why would you just guess with something as important as your hormonal health? Unbalanced hormones can not only upset your daily life but increase your risk for certain diseases, including cancer. A standard blood test to measure circulating oestrogens is easy enough to order through your healthcare practitioner. However, a standard blood test won’t tell you if the oestrogen is healthy or potentially harmful. Plus, a standard blood test won’t tell you whether you are safely excreting oestrogen out of the body, or if you are recirculating it – which can be very harmful to health. To gain the best insight into your hormonal health, a naturopath can suggest a hormone panel that includes; Estradiol (E2), Estrone (E1), Estriol (E3), Progesterone, Testosterone, Androstenedione, DHEA, Cortisol, Melatonin, Secretory IgA, 2OH E2, 4OH E2, 2OH E1, 4OH E1, 16OH E1  Some of these analytes you may have heard of, some of them, perhaps not. Without giving too much of a chemistry lesson, these analytes will give you a comprehensive overview of hormones you have in reserve now, as well as give information on whether the oestrogens are helpful or harmful.

GR8 Health Phytoestrogen Rich Supplements and Menopause Support

Wild Yam 

In cases of women with very low oestrogen, Wild Yam may alleviate symptoms including hot flashes, dry skin/hair, night sweats, symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Red Clover

Red clover is considered one of the richest sources of isoflavones/phytoestrogens, therefore may be one of the most powerful ways to alleviate symptoms of menopause.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a herb used to treat perimenopause and menopause symptoms, In particular, these symptoms include hot flashes, moodiness, vaginal dryness, and excessive sweating.

Herbs of Gold Menopause Relief 

Herbs of Gold Menopause Relief is uniquely formulated to assist day and night relief of menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability and mood disturbances.

Martin & Pleasance Harmony Menopause Max

Specially formulated with a blend of Chinese and Western herbs plus vitamins to support women during the stages of menopause as well as provide nourishment for the whole body. This cooling, calming and balancing remedy helps to relieve hot flushes, night sweats and other related symptoms.

Ethical Nutrients Menopause and Hot Flush Fix

Combines herbs used in traditional Chinese and Western herbal medicine for the relief of perimenopause and menopausal symptoms including, hot flushes, night sweats, stress, anxiety, disturbed sleep, insomnia and irregular periods. Provides complete hormonal support.

Fusion Menopause Free 

Traditionally used to help manage hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, dry skin, nervous tension, headaches, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain. Specially formulated according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine to have cooling properties and relieve symptoms characterised by heat and dryness while also helping to balance Yin-female energy and Yang-male energy.