The oestrogen dilemma
As women age, their oestrogen levels decline, often causing hot flashes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy can relieve these symptoms by restoring oestrogen levels. However, this treatment also carries risks such as side effects and an increased chance of developing breast cancer.
​Oestrogen requires a NHS prescription and comes in various forms: tablets taken orally, patches, gels, and sprays applied to the skin. Some brand names of these oestrogen products include Elleste Solo, Bedol, Progynova and Zumenon tablets; Evorel, Estradot, Estraderm, Femseven and Progynovna patches; Oestrogel and Sandrena gel; and Lenzetto spray.
Every menopausal woman faces a frightening dilemma regarding oestrogen replacement therapy. Taking oestrogen can help manage hot flashes and discomfort, but it also thickens the uterine lining and increases the risk of uterine cancer. Women with a uterus must also take progestin to protect it, either as a separate pill or combined with oestrogen. Given these risks, many women consider alternative therapies to manage menopause symptoms instead of oestrogen.
Phytoestrogens, also known as dietary oestrogen, are naturally occurring plant compounds that mimic the oestrogen produced by the human body. Some women who want to avoid hormone replacement therapy can find dietary oestrogen alternatives in their kitchens. Eating foods containing phytoestrogens provides a mild, natural form of oestrogen replacement.
Flax seeds and soy products are rich sources of plant oestrogens that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Flax seeds are small, flat, brown seeds with a nutty taste. They can be eaten whole or ground into a meal to add to foods like breads, crumble topping, breakfast bars, cereals, and baked goods. Soy comes in many forms like milk, tempeh, tofu, and soybeans[CH1] . Consuming one to two servings of soy per day may help reduce hot flashes, sleep problems and other menopause symptoms.
When a woman eats plant-based foods that contain phytoestrogens, they may have a similar effect to oestrogen produced by the body and make you feel balanced.
Here is a list of ingredients, high in phytoestrogens
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Nuts and seeds
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flaxseeds
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sunflower seeds
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sesame seeds
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almonds
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walnuts
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Fruits
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apples
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carrots
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pomegranates
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strawberries
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cranberries
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grapes
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Vegetables
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yams
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lentils
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alfalfa sprouts
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mung beans
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sprouts
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Soy products
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soybeans
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tofu
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tempeh
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miso soup
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miso paste
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Herbs
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red clover
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liquorice root
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hops
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Oils and Beverages
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coffee
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bourbon
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beer
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red wine
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olive oil
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jasmine oil
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Grains
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oats
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barley
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wheat germ
The Menonet takeaway
Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic oestrogen's effects in the body, have been shown to help relieve symptoms and conditions related to low oestrogen levels. As such, they may provide particular benefits for premenopausal and postmenopausal women dealing with oestrogen deficiency.
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Phytoestrogens disrupt normal hormonal function by acting as endocrine disruptors, but their effects may be weaker than oestrogen produced by the body since they do not bind as firmly to oestrogen receptors.
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Phytoestrogens should always be treated as part of a nutritional and balanced diet.