Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is used to support menopause primarily due to its content of phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein, which are plant compounds structurally similar to human estrogen. These phytoestrogens are believed to exert mild estrogen-like effects in the body, potentially helping to alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of red clover isoflavones for menopausal symptoms. The overall quality of the evidence is moderate to low, with some studies showing a mild reduction in hot flashes and improvements in other menopausal symptoms, while others report no significant benefit compared to placebo. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews, such as those published in Menopause and Climacteric, generally conclude that red clover may offer a small, statistically significant improvement in hot flash frequency, but the clinical relevance is debated. Safety profiles are generally favorable, with few adverse effects reported in short-term studies.

In summary, while red clover is widely used and there is a plausible biological rationale for its use, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and not robust. It is considered an option for women seeking non-hormonal alternatives, but expectations regarding efficacy should be modest.

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