Soy FAQ | Isoflavones | How much is enough?
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a plant found in the buttercup family. It is also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, and squawroot. Black cohosh is a root that has estrogenic properties; it supplies estrogenic sterols which are the beginnings for steroid hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testerone. It was used to treat menopausal symptoms by Native Americans and colonists. It works possesses relaxant properties which may affect uterine contractions so that heavy bleeding is decreased. This herb may also contain substances that act as pain relievers and sedatives. Black cohosh’s estrogenic activities can cause a lower FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels which may decrease hotflashes and improve the lining of the vagina. Dr. Susan Love on Black Cohosh According to Dr. Love in her book Dr. Susan Love’s Hormone Book the following are potential side effects of black cohosh: • Headaches • Dizziness • Visual disturbances • NauseaDr.
“Can red clover help me with my perimenopause symptoms?” ssklogo.jpg (3943 bytes)Red clover, a member of the legume family, is rich in phytoestrogens compounds that function like estrogen in the body) , plant estrogens, and is one of the few plants that contain all 4 types of isoflavones . It’s also high in bioflavonoids. Because of all of these characteristics it is thought to help in alleviating a number of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms linked to estrogen levels. (also see: “Learning to Love Soy”) Red clover, because it’s so high in phytoestrogens, can help balance fluctuating estrogen levels- boosting them when low and blocking stronger estrogens when they’re higher. There is speculation that the large amounts of isoflavones in red clover may also help to prevent cancer. Red clover has been made into a pill form with the brand name Promensil.
