Phytoestrogens​: Your Natural Aid During Menopause

Struggling with hot flushes and mood swings? Say hello to the plant kingdom’s hormone treatment: phytoestrogens.

Oct 07, 2024by Tanja Lærke Larsen
Woman surrounded by flowers

Menopause often brings unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. While some opt for hormone therapy, others look for more natural solutions. One of the most popular choices is phytoestrogen.

Perhaps you've wondered if phytoestrogen (also known as ‘plant oestrogen’) could help you? In this article, we dive into what phytoestrogen is, how it works in the body and how you can easily add these plant substances to your daily routine.

What is Phytoestrogen?

Phytoestrogens are natural hormones found in plants. They are similar to the female sex hormone oestrogen and can affect a person in the same way as oestrogen. That's why phytoestrogen is also called ‘plant oestrogen’.

Studies have shown that phytoestrogen can alleviate some of the symptoms that occur during menopause when the body's own production of oestrogen decreases.

Phytoestrogens became of great interest to science when it was discovered that women in certain cultures, such as Japan, experience fewer menopause symptoms. In Japan, the diet is rich in phytoestrogens from foods such as soya, beans and lentils.

Balanced woman with flower in her hair

How Do Phytoestrogens Work in Menopause?

Phytoestrogens work by binding to oestrogen receptors in the body. In this way, the phytoestrogens mimic and ‘replace’ the oestrogen that the body gradually produces less of during menopause. It is this decrease in the body's natural oestrogen production that is responsible for many of the symptoms of menopause.

Many of the discomforts women experience during menopause are due to a decrease in oestrogen levels in the body. Phytoestrogen, or plant oestrogen, has many of the same properties as oestrogen and can help you manage these challenges.

Mari Olsen, Product Developer for 4HER Menopause
Mari Olsen, Product Developer for 4HER Menopause

Research shows that some types of phytoestrogens (including red clover) can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as menopause:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings, irritation and restlessness

Phytoestrogens don't necessarily work the same or ‘equally’ on everyone. There is research to suggest that the effects may vary from person to person, and more studies are still needed to fully understand the long-term effects of phytoestrogens.

Edamame beans: Source of phytoestrogen
Some soya products, like edamame beans, are rich in phytoestrogen.

Phytoestrogen in Foods​

Phytoestrogens are found in certain plants, especially legumes and clover. It's difficult to eat large amounts of phytoestrogens through a regular British diet, but some of the best sources are:

  • Soya products: Tofu, edamame beans, and soy milk are rich in isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen.
  • Flaxseed: An excellent source of lignans, which is another type of phytoestrogen. Be aware that flaxseeds should not be eaten in large quantities.
  • Legumes: Split peas and pinto beans are good sources of coumestans, a type of phytoestrogen.
  • Whole grains: Rye and barley contain lignans.
  • Red clover: High in phytoestrogen, including 16 different isoflavones. Red clover is used in supplements like 4HER Menopause to help reduce menopausal symptoms.

READ MORE: Red Clover: Making Menopause More Comfortable

While it is possible to get phytoestrogens through ypur diet, it is difficult to get the correct amount continuously every day. Therefore, a dietary supplement can be a practical solution.

Red clover containing phytoestrogen
Red clover is a flowering legume with high levels of phytoestrogen.

Phytoestrogen Supplements: 4HER Menopause

4HER Menopause is a dietary supplement for those struggling with menopausal discomfort. It contains red clover, which is known for its high content of isoflavones - the main source of phytoestrogen.

Red clover is one of the most researched plants for menopause symptoms and has been shown to relieve hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings in many women.

With ingredients like red clover, sage and vitamin B12, 4HER Menopause is a natural way to manage the challenges of menopause:

  • Red clover: Known for its ability to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and irritability. Contains phytoestrogens.
  • Sage: May support general wellbeing during menopause.
  • Vitamin B6: Helps regulate hormonal activity.
  • Vitamin B12: Helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, which are common challenges during menopause.

By making 4HER Menopause part of your daily routine, you can get the help you need to tackle menopause symptoms.

Do something good for yourself ❤️ Order 4HER Menopause today.