The Safety of Phytoestrogens in Menopause, Prostate and Breast Cancer

Abstract

Plant based natural products have been proposed as alternatives to the use of hormones for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, which has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary artery disease. Specific herbal compounds such as Thai Kudzu root (Pueraria mirifica) have shown beneficial effects in the treatment of peri-menopausal symptoms and menopausal-related osteoporosis when used as an adjunct or as a single medicine. Pueraria mirifica has been used in conjunction with Vitex Berry (Vitex agnus-castus), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) Sage (Salvia officinalis and S. miltiorrhiza), and Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), with the optional addition of natural progesterone and soy milk. Clinically, these compounds require careful dosing and are associated with variable times to efficacy. No known drug interactions exist, although research on the effects of phytoestrogens is limited. Phytoestrogens have not been associated with increased risk of cancer and therefore provide a safe alternative to standard treatment modalities.