Evidence supporting the use of: Phytoestrogens
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds structurally similar to human estrogen, found in foods like soy, flaxseed, and red clover. Their use to support the female reproductive system is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence, particularly in relation to menopausal symptoms. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate that phytoestrogens (especially isoflavones from soy) can modestly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and other vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women, although results are variable and the effect size is generally small compared to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors, exerting weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects depending on endogenous hormone levels. This mechanism is the basis for their use in addressing hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause. Some studies have also explored their effects on bone health and menstrual regulation, but evidence in these areas is less consistent. Importantly, the safety profile of phytoestrogens is generally favorable in the doses consumed in most studies.
There is less robust evidence supporting phytoestrogen use for other female reproductive issues, such as fertility enhancement or premenstrual syndrome. Overall, while not as potent as pharmaceutical estrogens, phytoestrogens have garnered moderate scientific support for their role in supporting aspects of female reproductive health, especially during menopause.
More about Phytoestrogens
More about Female Reproductive System
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene27-deoxyactein
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Abuta
Agnuside
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
amino acids
anamu
anemarrhena asphodeloides
Anemone
Angelica
animal protein
anise
Anserina
Ashoka
ashwagandha
barbasco
basil
Belamcanda
bethroot
betony
bird\'s nest
black cohosh
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
bugbane
Caesalpinia crista
Calochortus
casticin
Ceylon leadwort
chaste tree
Chinese pond turtle
Chlorophytum
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
cramp bark
Crinum latifolium
Cynomorium
d-alpha tocopherol
daidzein
damiana
dandelion
date
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
diosgenin
dodder
dong quai
dong quai root
egg
eleuthero
equol (proprietary)
Erythrina
estrogen
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fatty acids
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
fo-ti
folate
folic acid
formononetin
furostanols
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
giant trillium
ginger
Ginsenosides
goat\'s rue
golden ragwort
goldenseal
guelder rose
herbal blend (proprietary)
hibiscus
HMR lignan
horny goat weed
Hypericum
Indian fagonia
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
inositol phosphate
isoflavones
jasmine
jujube
Kigelia africana
Labisia pumila
labrador tea
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus crispatus
Lactobacillus fermentum
Lactobacillus gasseri
Lactobacillus jensenii
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactobacillus salivarius
Lady's Mantle
Laminaria
Leptadenia
lignans
ligustilides
lingzhi
linoleic acid (LA)
lipids
Loranthus
maca
macaenes
macamides
mandrake
Marine lipid
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mugwort
Nettle
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
Pennyroyal
peony
Phytoestrogens
polyunsaturated fat
Puerain
Pulsatilla
raspberry
red clover
rose
rose oil
royal jelly
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
rue
Safed musli
saffron
selenium
Shataverins
shepherd's purse
Sichuan Lovage
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
Sparganium
spearmint leaf
squawvine
Szechuan lovage
Taxillus chinensis
trace minerals
tribulus
turmeric
Vervain
Viburnum
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitexicarpin
White Dead Nettle Flower
Wild yam
Wood betony
Yarrow
Yarrow
Other body systems supported by Phytoestrogens
BreastsEstrogen
Female Reproductive System
Ovaries
Prostate
Reproductive System
Skeletal System (Bones)
Skin
Uterus
Vagina