|
Perimenopause Naturally: An Integrative Medicine Approach by Tori Hudson, N.D. Perimenopause Naturally: An Integrative Medicine Approach by Tori Hudson, N.D. Red Clover Isoflavones Red clover is a member of the legume family and has been used worldwide as a source of hay for cattle, horses and sheep and by humans as a source of protein in the leaves and young sprouts. Historically, it has also been recognized as a medicinal plant for human use and, more recently, as a menopausal herb. In four clinical trials conducted on the effect of red clover isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms, two showed benefits and two did not. The first two published studies showed no statistically significant difference between the red clover standardized extract and the placebo during a 3 month period, although both groups did improve.[7] It was suggested that the negative results of these studies were due to inadequate controls and that women in the control group were, in fact, getting meaningful amounts of phytoestrogens in their diet. Two other studies of 40 mg standardized extract of red clover produced a 75% reduction in hot flashes after 16 weeks in 30 women. The difference between placebo and red clover isoflavones was statistically significant.[8] A similar study evaluated 40 mg of red clover standardized isoflavones for two months in 23 post-menopausal women and found that red clover users had a 54% reduction in hot flashes versus 30% in the placebo group.[9] The 4 studies also revealed other intriguing results of red clover: no endometrial thickening, an increase in HDL ("good cholesterol"), and no abnormalities in liver function tests, CBC, or estradiol. Another study showed that red clover isoflavones may reduce coronary vascular disease by increasing arterial elasticity by 23%.[10] Perimenopause: signs and symptoms Individual assessments and recommendations Principles of naturopathic medicine Natural therapies for perimenopause: the scientific facts ISOFLAVONES SOY SOURCES This article first appeared in A Friend Indeed (Jan/Feb 2002), the newsletter for women in menopause and midlife. Notes Endnotes Yahoo! Groups Pagan Promotions Green Witch Garden <<<< Home >>>> |
 |