Phytoestrogens: a viable option?
Estrogen replacement therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the United States by traditional medical professionals. Over the past decade, the market for complementary/ alternative therapies for hormone replacement has dramatically increased. Women are seeking more "natural" alternatives to treat menopausal symptoms. Well-designed randomized clinical trials are often lacking, as is the information on efficacy and safety. This article will review several popular herbal therapies for menopausal symptoms including phytoestrogens, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), chast tree (Vitex agnus-castus), and wild Mexican yam. Their use, mechanism of action, and adverse effects are outlined.
Russell
Lori
L
Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA. lrussell@medicine.umsmed.edu
Hicks
G Swink
GS
Low
Annette K
AK
Shepherd
Jinna M
JM
Brown
C Andrew
CA
D029971:Angelica sinensis; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D027742:Dioscorea / Q000378:metabolism; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008593:Menopause; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000378:metabolism
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D020847:Estrogen Receptor Modulators; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; C044613:angelicae sinensis extract