Menopause and plant estrogens

Menopause is a natural stage of every woman’s life, which is often accompanied by many unpleasant symptoms. One of the popular ways to alleviate menopausal symptoms is the use of plant estrogens, called phytoestrogens. In this article, we will learn what happens in a woman’s body during menopause, what phytoestrogens are and how they work, what are the main sources of phytoestrogens, and what are the best practices in their use.

What happens in a woman’s body during menopause?

Menopause is a natural process that usually occurs in women after the age of 45. This is the time when the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, which leads to many changes in a woman’s body. The most common symptoms of menopause are hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood swings, dry skin and mucous membranes, and decreased bone density. These symptoms are the result of a reduction in the amount of estrogen in the body.

What are phytoestrogens and how do they work?

Phytoestrogens are natural substances found in plants that act similarly to estrogens in the human body. They have the ability to bind to estrogen receptors in the body, which may alleviate some menopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens can be divided into three main groups: isoflavones, lignans and coumestans. Each of these groups has a different effect and occurs in different types of plants.

Soy and soy isoflavones

Soy is one of the richest sources of phytoestrogens, especially isoflavones. Soy isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are powerful phytoestrogens that may help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Soy products such as tofu, soy milk and tempeh are popular sources of isoflavones and are often included in the menopause diet.

Non-soy sources of plant hormones

In addition to soy, there are other plant sources of phytoestrogens. For example, flax seeds are rich in lignans, which may also help relieve menopausal symptoms. Other plants, such as red clovers, contain coumestans, which also have phytoestrogenic properties. By adding these plants to your diet, you can increase the amount of phytoestrogens you consume daily.

Your suggestions

If you are going through menopause and are considering using phytoestrogens, it is worth consulting your doctor or dietitian. They can help you select appropriate sources of phytoestrogens and determine the appropriate dose. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle to improve your overall health during menopause.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about menopause and plant estrogens, we recommend reading the following articles:

“The impact of phytoestrogens on the health of women during menopause” – an article discussing various sources of phytoestrogens and their impact on the body of women during menopause.

“The role of diet in alleviating menopause symptoms” – an article describing what foods can help alleviate menopausal symptoms and maintain a healthy diet.

“Phytoestrogens and breast cancer” – an article analyzing the relationship between phytoestrogen consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer in menopausal women.

It is worth learning about various aspects of menopause and phytoestrogens in order to make informed decisions about your health during this period of life.