Herbal dietary supplements to facilitate menopause: detailed review
Determination and distribution of menopause syndrome
Climacteric syndrome, also known as menopausal syndrome, is a complex of symptoms that occur in women during menopause and perimenopause. The menopause is defined as the cessation of menstruation for 12 months in a row and is the result of a decrease in the production of estrogen ovaries. Perimenopausa is a period preceding menopause, when the menstrual cycle becomes irregular, and the woman begins to experience various symptoms associated with hormonal changes.
The prevalence of menopause syndrome is high. According to estimates, up to 85% of women during menopause experience certain symptoms. The severity of the symptoms varies from mild to pronounced, which significantly affects the quality of life. Factors affecting the severity of symptoms include genetic predisposition, lifestyle (nutrition, physical activity, smoking), ethnicity and concomitant diseases.
Symptoms of menopause can be divided into several categories:
- Vasomotor symptoms: A tides of the heat (a sudden feeling of heat in the upper body) and night sweating. These are the most common symptoms.
- Psychological symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, a decrease in concentration and memory deterioration.
- Urogenital symptoms: Dry vagina, itching, discomfort during intercourse, frequent urination, urinary incontinence.
- Skeletal-muscle symptoms: Pain in the joints and muscles, osteoporosis (decrease in bone density).
- Other symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, insomnia, a change in libido, weight gain.
Treatment of menopause syndrome is aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life. Traditional medicine offers hormone replacement therapy (ZGT), which consists in taking estrogens and, if necessary, progesterone. ZGT is an effective treatment for treatment, but it is associated with certain risks, including increased risk of developing breast cancer, stroke and thromboembolic complications.
In connection with the risks associated with the HRT, many women are looking for alternative treatment methods such as herbal dietary supplements. Herbal dietary supplements contain plant components that are believed to have an estrogen -like effect or other properties that can relieve symptoms of menopause.
Phytoestrogens: action mechanism and sources
Phytoestrogens are natural compounds of plant origin, which have structural similarities with human estrogens. Due to this similarity, phytoestrogens can be associated with estrogen receptors in the body and have an estrogen -like or anti -estrogenic effect. The effect depends on the type of receptor, target tissue and endogenous estrogen concentration.
There are several classes of phytoestrogens:
- Isoflavons: Contained in soy products (soybeans, tofu, soy milk), red clover and alfalfa. Are the most studied class of phytoestrogens.
- Lignans: Contained in flax seeds, sesame seeds, whole grain products, fruits and vegetables.
- Heads the sand Contained in the alfaling, clover and sprouts of beans.
- Stybenes: The most famous representative is resveratrol contained in red wine and grapes.
The mechanism of action of phytoestrogens is complicated and is not fully studied. They can:
- Relax with estrogen receptors: Phytoestrogens can be associated with alpha and beta-estrogen receptors. Beta receptors prevail in bone tissue, cardiovascular system and brain. The activation of beta receptors can have a positive effect on these organs and systems, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and cognitive disorders.
- Involve the production of endogenous estrogens: Some phytoestrogens can stimulate the production of endogenous estrogen ovarian, especially during the period of perimenopause.
- Have antioxidant properties: Phytoestrogens can protect cells from damage to free radicals, which can contribute to general health and well -being.
- Involve the metabolism of estrogen: Phytoestrogens can change the metabolism of estrogen, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
The effectiveness of phytoestrogens in relief symptoms of menopause varies. Some studies show that they can reduce the frequency and intensity of the bonds, improve the mood and quality of sleep, and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, other studies have not revealed a significant effect. The effectiveness is affected by the dose, the type of phytoestrogens, the individual characteristics of the body and the duration of administration.
Popular herbal dietary supplements and their components
There are many herbal dietary supplements designed to relieve symptoms of menopause. The most popular include:
- Red Clover. Contains isoflavons (biohanin A, Formononetin, Dazzein, Genastin). It is believed that the isoflavones of the red clover can reduce the tides, night sweat and improve sleep quality. Studies have shown conflicting results, and additional studies are needed to confirm effectiveness.
- Соя (Glycine max): Contains isoflavons (Dazzein, Genestene, Glyctein). Soyous isoflavons are one of the most studied phytoestrogens. They can reduce the frequency and intensity of the tides, improve the lipid profile and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Cimicifuge Kistevidnaya (Cymicifuga Racemosa): Does not contain phytoestrogens. The mechanism of action is not completely understandable, but it is assumed that it affects neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which can relieve vasomotor and psychological symptoms. Tsimycifuga is a cystic -shaped is one of the most popular and studied herbal products to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. However, in some cases, hepatotoxicity was reported, so it should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Diagil medicinal (angelica sinensis): Also known as Dudnik Chinese. It is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat female diseases. It is believed that it has estrogen -like properties and can improve blood circulation. Scientific data on the effectiveness of the Diaghil of the drug in relief of the symptoms of menopause syndromes are limited.
- Sacred Vitex (Vitex Agnus-Castus): Does not contain phytoestrogens. It affects the pituitary gland, reducing the level of prolactin. It is used to treat the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can also relieve some symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings and headaches.
- Wild Yams (Dioscorea Villosa): Contains diosgenin, which is the predecessor of progesterone. Despite the fact that the wild iams is often advertised as a source of natural progesterone, the human body cannot transform diosgenin into progesterone. Scientific data on the effectiveness of the Wild Yams in relief symptoms of menopause syndromes are limited.
- Семена льна (linen use): Contain Lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Lignans can have a weak estrogen-like effect, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve mood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Maka Peruvian (Lepidium Meyenii): Does not contain phytoestrogens. It is believed that it has adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress. It can improve mood, energy and libido. Scientific data on the effectiveness of Pyruanskaya poppies in relief of the symptoms of menopause syndromes are limited.
Safety and side effects of herbal dietary supplements
Although herbal dietary supplements are often perceived as “natural” and therefore safe, they can have side effects and interact with drugs. It is important to consider the following factors:
- Quality and Standardization: The quality of herbal dietary supplements can vary significantly. It is important to choose products from well -known manufacturers who use standardized extracts. Standardization ensures that each dose contains a certain amount of active ingredient.
- Side effects:
- Red Clover: It can cause stomach disorder, headaches and allergic reactions.
- Soy: It can cause a stomach disorder, constipation and allergic reactions. In rare cases, it can affect the function of the thyroid gland.
- Tsimycifuga is cystic: It can cause stomach disorder, headaches and dizziness. In rare cases, hepatotoxicity (liver damage) was reported.
- Diagil medicinal: It can increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and cause bleeding.
- Vitex sacred: It can cause stomach disorder, headaches and leather rash.
- Wild Yams: It can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Flax seeds: They can cause stomach disorder and bloating.
- Maka Peruvian: It can cause a stomach disorder, insomnia and an increase in blood pressure.
- Interactions with drugs: Herbal dietary supplements can interact with drugs such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, hormonal drugs and drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is important to inform your doctor about taking any herbal dietary supplements.
- Contraindications: Herbal dietary supplements can be contraindicated in certain diseases such as breast cancer, endometriosis, liver and kidney disease. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid taking herbal dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.
- Allergic reactions: People with allergies to certain plants should avoid taking herbal dietary supplements containing these plants.
How to choose and use herbal dietary supplements
When choosing and using herbal dietary supplements, the following recommendations should be taken into account to facilitate the symptoms of menopause:
- Consult a doctor: Before taking any herbal dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate your health status, determine whether herbal dietary supplements are suitable for you, and exclude possible contraindications and interactions with drugs.
- Learn the information: Study information about herbal dietary supplements that you plan to accept. Learn about their potential advantages, side effects and interactions with drugs.
- Choose quality products: Choose herbal dietary supplements from well -known manufacturers who use standardized extracts. Check the availability of quality certificates and compliance with security standards.
- Observe the dosage: Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging. Do not exceed the dose, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Start with a low dose: Start with a low dose and gradually increase it, if necessary. This will help you evaluate the tolerance of the drug and avoid side effects.
- Be patient: The effect of herbal dietary supplements may not appear immediately. It may take several weeks or months to notice an improvement in symptoms.
- Pay attention to side effects: If you experience any side effects, stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
- Combine with other methods: Herbal dietary supplements can be more effective in combination with other treatment methods, such as a change in lifestyle (healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, refusal of smoking and alcohol), psychotherapy and other drugs.
- Diary maintenance: Write down the accepted dietary supplements, dosage and observed effects. This will help to track the effectiveness and identify possible side effects.
The role of a change in lifestyle in alleviating the symptoms of menopause syndrome
A change in lifestyle plays an important role in alleviating the symptoms of menopause and improving the quality of life. The following recommendations can be useful:
- Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and low -fat sources of protein, can help reduce the severity of the symptoms of menopause. Limit the consumption of processed products, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone health.
- Regular physical activity: Regular physical exercises, such as walking, swimming, yoga or dancing, can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression, strengthen bones and muscles, as well as control weight.
- Stress management: Stress can aggravate the symptoms of menopause. Find the ways of managing stress, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, hobbies or communication with friends and family.
- Refusal of smoking: Smoking can aggravate the symptoms of menopause and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Excessive weight can aggravate some symptoms of menopause, such as ebb and night sweating. Maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate these symptoms.
- Sufficient sleep: Provide yourself enough sleep (7-8 hours a day). The lack of sleep can aggravate mood swings, irritability and fatigue.
- Cooling: In tide, wear clothes from lungs, breathing fabrics, sleep in a cool room and avoid triggers such as spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.
- Regular medical examinations: Regular medical examinations will help identify and treat any related diseases and control your general health.
Scientific research and evidence base
Scientific research of herbal dietary supplements to alleviate the symptoms of menopause continues. The evidence base for some herbal products, such as red clover and soy isoflavons, is moderate, while for others, such as the Wild Yams, it is limited. It is important to evaluate the quality of research and take into account the following factors:
- Research design: Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) are a gold standard for assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
- Sample size: Studies with a large sample size give more reliable results.
- Duration of research: Long -term studies allow you to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of treatment for a long time.
- Control group: The presence of a control group (for example, placebo) allows you to compare the effect of treatment with the natural course of the disease.
- Meta-analyzes and systematic reviews: Met-analyzes and systematic reviews combine data from several studies, which allows you to get a more complete picture of the effectiveness and safety of treatment.
It should be noted that research results are often contradictory. This may be due to various factors, such as differences in the design of research, dosage of drugs, composition of patients of patients and methods for evaluating results. Further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of herbal dietary supplements to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.
Prospects and directions of future research
Future research should be aimed at:
- Study of action mechanisms: A deeper study of the mechanisms of the action of herbal dietary supplements is necessary, including interaction with estrogen receptors and other molecular targets.
- Conducting large -scale RCTs: It is necessary to carry out large -scale RCTs using standardized extracts and clear criteria for patient selection.
- Study of long -term security: It is necessary to study the long -term safety of herbal dietary supplements, especially with regard to the risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases.
- Development of individualized approaches: It is necessary to develop individualized approaches to the treatment of menopause, taking into account the genetic characteristics, lifestyle and concomitant diseases.
- Combined approaches: The study of the effectiveness and safety of combined approaches, including herbal dietary supplements, a change in lifestyle and other treatment methods.
- Studying the influence of microbioma: The study of the role of intestinal microbioma in the metabolism of phytoestrogens and its influence on the effectiveness of herbal dietary supplements.
Conclusion (the final paragraph corresponding to the limit of 200,000 characters, replacing the absent final section and containing a brief generalization of information without the direct completion of the article).
Herbal dietary supplements are an alternative approach to alleviating the symptoms of menopause syndrome, attracting the attention of women striving for natural methods. Phytoestrogens contained in some plants can have an estrogen -like effect, potentially softening vasomotor and psychological manifestations of menopause. However, the effectiveness and safety of various herbal products vary significantly, demanding an attentive approach to choosing and using. Tsimycifuga is a cystic, red clover and soy products are the most studied, demonstrating the potential in reducing the frequency of tides and improving overall well -being. It is important to consider possible side effects and interactions with drugs, consulting with the doctor before the start of administration. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced nutrition, regular physical exercises and stress management, plays a key role in alleviating symptoms. Future studies aimed at studying the mechanisms of action, carrying out large -scale RCTs and the development of individualized approaches are necessary to optimize the use of herbal dots and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment of menopause.