Red Clover

Red clover, also known as Trifolium pratense, is an herb with beautiful violet flowers, often used in supplements for women. Among other things, this plant is known to relieve typical menopausal symptoms such as sweating, hot flushes and low mood.

In this article you can read about, among other things:

• Red clover's active ingredients: isoflavones
• How red clover can alleviate menopausal symptoms
• Recommended daily doses
• Possible red clover side effects

What is Red Clover?

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a beautiful flower with dense, violet flower heads that has been used in diets and supplements for many years due to its potential health effects on the female body.

You can find red clover growing wild along roadsides, in fields, meadows and beaches throughout the UK. The herb is also cultivated in several parts of the world for commercial use due to demand.

Benefits of Red Clover

Red clover is known to have several potential health benefits, especially when it comes to relieving discomfort related to menopause.

Many women find that regular use of red clover helps to reduce hot flushes, night sweats, restlessness and irritability during this transitional period.

What Does Red Clover Contain?

Red clover contains bioactive plant compounds called isoflavones.

READ MORE: Phytoestrogens​: Your Natural Aid During Menopause

Red Clover and Menopause

During menopause, many women experience a number of physical and emotional changes that can be challenging.

In this context, red clover has been shown to be a natural aid to promote a calm and comfortable menopause and support women in managing the typical discomforts associated with menopause: such as hot flushes, sweating, restlessness and irritability.

It is red clover's chemical compounds, which are similar to the hormone oestrogen, that can help to alleviate the hormonal imbalances that often occur during menopause, thereby relieving symptoms.

READ MORE: Menopause: A Desert or a Sexual Awakening?

Red Clover's Effect on Menopausal Women

• DISCOMFORT: One of the most well-known benefits of red clover is its ability to help maintain a calmer and more comfortable menopause.
• HOT FLASHES: For many women, hot flashes are one of the most troublesome challenges of menopause. Scientific studies suggest that red clover can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes. Red clover's ability to regulate the body's temperature regulation system can help create a more comfortable experience during this period.
• RESTLESSNESS AND ANXIETY: Restlessness and anxiety are also common challenges during menopause. Red clover has been shown to have calming properties that can help alleviate these feelings.
• NIGHT SWEATS: Night sweats are another common companion to menopause and can be a source of discomfort and sleep disturbance for many women. By helping to stabilise the body's temperature regulation, red clover can reduce the discomfort associated with night sweats - improving sleep and overall wellbeing.

READ MORE: Night Sweats: 6 Causes of Sweaty Nights

It's important to note that the effects of red clover can vary from person to person.

Furthermore, red clover should not be considered a one-size-fits-all solution to all menopausal challenges. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is one of the best things you can do to boost your wellbeing during this stage of life.

Sources: National Library of Medicine (2015), National Library of Medicine (2010)

How Do You Get Red Clover?

Red clover can be consumed in a variety of ways, including through diet and red clover supplements and tablets.

Adding red clover to your diet isn't just easy - it's delicious! It's flowers and leaves can also be used to make tea.

Red Clover Tablets

You can also choose to take red clover as capsules or tablets - an easy way to get your daily dose of red clover extract in a customised amount.

Keep this in mind when choosing supplements:

4HER Menopause is a dietary supplement with red clover, developed for menopausal women.

This is why 4HER Menopause is a safe choice:

• Developed in the Nordics
• Third-party tested
• Health claims approved by EFSA (European Food Safety Authorities)

Daily Dose

Red clover is usually dosed based on the total isoflavone content. Supplements for menopausal and post-menopausal women usually contain a daily dose of isoflavones of 35-150 mg/day.

It's a good idea to consult your doctor before you start taking red clover regularly.

Produced in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

Source: EFSA (2015)

Does Red Clover Have Side Effects?

Red clover products contain chemical substances called isoflavones. Red clover is often consumed in food and is considered safe: most people tolerate red clover well and have no side effects. However, some women may experience muscle pain, nausea and vaginal bleeding (spotting).

Side effects when taken orally (diet and supplements): It is probably safe to take red clover in doses providing up to 80 mg of isoflavones daily for up to 2 years.

4HER Menopause contains 40 mg of red clover isoflavones.

Side effects during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against taking red clover supplements as the herb may act as an oestrogen that can affect hormonal balance during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Source: WebMD

If you experience any signs that suggest you have an allergy to red clover, stop taking the product immediately and contact your GP. Your doctor can then perform an allergy test for you and assess whether you can tolerate red clover.

To Summarise

Red clover is a powerful ingredient that can help menopausal women deal with the challenges that can arise during this stage of life.

Its calming properties and ability to mitigate the typical signs of menopause make it a great choice for women looking for a natural and gentle solution.