NEUTRACEUTICALS
These comprise a class of alternative supplements that assist in maintaining health and in treating various symptoms. The major members are:
- Vitamins (A, B, C, D, E)
- Minerals (eg Calcium, Magnesium)
- Herbs (eg Garlic)
- Foods (eg Soya, Fibre)
 Phytoestrogens - Safe or..?
Phytoestrogens are plant based molecules, that mimic our body's own estrogen. These Phytoestrogens bind into the same receptors as our own estrogen, therefore they have estrogenic effects, such as the ability to regulate menstrual cycles, decrease hot flashes, decrease night sweats, improve sleep and decrease depression and anxiety.
However, these natural estrogens range from 1/100th to 1/1000th, the strength of our own estrogen (or the synthetic pharmaceutical estrogen). Thus they aren't strong enough to induce a period in a menopausal female.
Isoflavones, which are extracts from soy or red clover, are a clinically proven natural estrogens. Not only are isoflavones effective as an estrogen source, but they also decrease the risk of developing cancer, by inhibiting 2 enzymes that control how quickly a breast cell replicates, and the turning on of an oncogene (cancer cell).
These enzymes are DNA kinase and topo isomerase - the same enzymes that chemotherapy is directed at.
Herbs such as Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Wild Yam and Vitux, also have natural estrogenic and progestonic properties, and can be used to treat hormonally related imbalances.
Read an article by Dr. Elaine Chin on Managing Menopause the Natural Way.
HERBAL AND OTHER SOURCES OF SOME PHYTOHORMONES
SOURCE |
DESCRIPTION |
BLACK COHOSH
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Contains phytoestrogens.
Similar in action to estradiol-17ß. Appears useful in decreasing the vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats, of menopause. Some women note decreased menstrual cramps and it may help with mood swings and irritability. |
DONG QUAI
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Contains phytoestrogens.
Occupies estrogen sites in the body. However, its effects in decreasing the symptoms of menopause appear to be weak. |
GINSENG
|
Exerts estrogenic effects.
May be helpful with vaginal dryness and menstrual cramps. It has been used to improve one's energy level.
WARNING:
May increase high blood pressure. May cause insomnia and anxiety. |
WILD YAM
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Contains giosgenin.
This product helps the body to make its own progesterone. |
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
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Helps decrease the cramping, bloating and breast tenderness associated with PMS. Contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid. Assists in the body's production of certain prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE3). PGE1 and PGE3 counteract the "bad" prostaglandin, PGE2, which causes perimenopausal symptoms. |
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VITAMIN B6
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Helps decrease depression due to menopause.
Aids in replacement of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter. Low levels of serotonin, which may occur in menopausal patients taking HRT, can give rise to symptoms of depression. The amino acid tryptophan, in the presence of vitamin B6, may help to increase the production of serotonin. |
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ESTROGENIC ISOFLAVONES
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Foods high in phytoestrogens include soy-based products and legumes. The incidence of hot flashes is much lower in Asian women than in those who consume a westernized diet. An Asian diet has a high concentration of isoflavones. |
PROMENSIL:
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This is a new food supplement recently launched in the Canadian marketplace. It is a rich source of four isoflavones - genistein, daidzein, formononetin and biochanin - which have been extracted from red clover. These isoflavones possess significant biological estrogenic activity. One tablet of Promensil produces plasma isoflavone levels similar to those found in populations consuming high-isoflavone diets. Clinical studies done with Promensil showed that it significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Its safety profile is equivalent to that of placebo; hematological and biological parameters remained unchanged from baseline, no breakthrough bleeding or endometrial thickening was observed after 3 months of use, with no product-related weight gain. |
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Dr. Elaine Chin M.D. MBA - Medical Director
Health Center
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How
well are you aging? 
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