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Long-Term Effects of Plant Based Estrogen

Many individuals, including peri-menopausal and menopausal women, have turned to alternative therapies for the treatment of their symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and stress. Since a substantial number of women are no longer opting to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because of its associated risks, it is understandable that they have turned to alternative forms of treatment, including taking herbs, which have estrogen properties or estrogenic effects. Usually, this is a safe approach, but there are risks, particularly if you take the herbs for a long period of time, and if you are taking other medications along with the herbs.

  1. Considerations

    • Black cohosh is a popular herb although there have been reports that it may cause liver failure in women. The U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) did a study on black cohosh and concluded that there is not enough available evidence at this point to state emphatically that black cohosh is the cause of liver toxicity. It is recommended that black cohosh not be taken for more than six months. Furthermore, do not take it at all if you are pregnant or nursing. If you decide to use black cohosh, you should have your liver function regularly monitored.

    Potential

    • There was also concern that black cohosh might increase the metastases of breast cancer cells. The American Association for Cancer Research reports that there is no evidence at this point that black cohosh stimulates estrogen-dependent mammary gland tumors. Others concerns about black cohosh is that it may cause an allergic reaction to those who are allergic to the buttercup family. Black cohosh also contains salicylic acid so it should not be taken, or taken with caution, by those who are allergic to aspirin.

    Impact

    • There is a possibility that black cohosh may interfere with cancer treatments, according to Cancer.org. Black cohosh may make the chemotherapy drugs less effectual.

    Warning

    • It is known that licorice, which is another form of alternative treatment, is associated with congestive heart failure. According to the NIH, as little as 500 mg of licorice for seven days can result in congestive heart failure. Menopause remedies generally contain between 150-225 mg or licorice daily. Be mindful of this fact.

    Caution

    • The American Botanical Council and the FDA, according to the NIH, have warned consumers that there is the potential risk of developing severe liver damage if you take kava, which is a South Pacific herb used for treating anxiety. If you drink a lot of alcohol, have liver problems or are taking hepatotoxic medications, do not take kava. If you do take it, limit its use to six to eight weeks at the maximum.

    Another Consideration

    • St. John's wort, another popular herb, may interact with digoxin, cyclosporine, anticoagulants and the protease inhibitors that are used to treat HIV. St. John's wort appears to decrease the blood concentrations of these medicines. If you are taking oral contraceptives and St. John's wort, you may have breakthrough bleeding, which could result in an unintended pregnancy.

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