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Some botanical products, such as soy and red clover, are called phytoestrogens. Plants rich in phytoestrogens may help relieve some symptoms of menopause. However, it is uncertain whether this relief comes from actual estrogens or from other compounds in the plant. Much remains to be learned about these plant products, including exactly how they work in the human body. Doctors caution that certain women need to be particularly careful before using phytoestrogens, especially:
Women who have had or are at increased risk for diseases or conditions that are affected by hormones, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer; endometriosis; or uterine fibroids
Women who are taking drugs that increase estrogen levels in the body, such as birth control pills; MHT; or a type of cancer drug called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen
7. What is the scientific evidence on the CAM therapies considered by the NIH SoS conference panel?
The panel discussed the evidence on 10 of these therapies:
- Six botanicals--black cohosh, red clover, dong quai root, ginseng, kava, and soy
- DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a dietary supplement
- Exercise
- Paced respiration
- Health education
Readers can find science-based information on these or any CAM therapy that interests them through the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) Clearinghouse or the PubMed database, which are listed in "For More Information."
8. What is known about the effectiveness and safety of these therapies for menopausal symptoms?
As mentioned in Question 5, very little well-designed research has been done on CAM therapies for menopausal symptoms. A small number of studies have been published, but they have had limitations (such as the way the research was done or treatment periods that may not have been long enough). As a result, the findings from these studies are not strong enough for scientists to draw any conclusions. Also, many studies of botanicals have not used a standardized (that is, chemically consistent) product.
NCCAM is sponsoring a number of studies on botanicals using products that are both well characterized and well standardized (that is, their ingredients have been carefully studied and the dosages are controlled), and on other CAM therapies that have shown possible promise for reducing menopausal symptoms. The aim is to learn more about their safety and effectiveness and how they work in the body.
It is important to know that botanicals and other supplements can have side effects and can interact with herbs, other supplements, or drugs. A small number of these issues are listed below. In addition to consulting your health care provider, see "For More Information" for ways to find out about side effects and safety issues.
