The menopause is a natural 'critical' phase in a woman's life, during which significant physical and emotional changes occur. The body in this condition finds itself producing progressively less of the hormones that characterise the physiological normality of the female reproductive system. The production of progesterone drops drastically, as does that of oestrogen, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone, and menstrual cycles gradually decrease until they disappear completely. In parallel with the drop in oestrogen, the annoying symptoms of menopause such as 'hot flushes' appear. The metabolic effects are also worth noting, where the basal metabolism slows down, with the possibility of gaining weight more easily and where the woman's physical conformation changes, with a greater tendency to accumulate fat in the belly and waistline. Also typical are changes in mood, easy depressive syndrome, insomnia and many other disorders which, when they also significantly affect quality of life, are treated with hormone 'replacement therapy'.
For some time now, however, phytotherapy has been offering very interesting remedies in this regard, starting with isoflavones or phyto-oestrogens, natural molecules that structurally resemble female oestrogen, which are able to make up for the lack of these hormones in women of 'mature' age.
This situation should not be underestimated as a 'nuisance', but should be well monitored and addressed, as they can represent potential health risks, even leading to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
These are combined with mood swings, depressive syndrome, insomnia and many other symptoms which, when they have a disabling effect on the standard of living, are treated with so-called hormone replacement therapy. These natural molecules, known as 'phyto-estrogens', are structurally and functionally similar to female oestrogen, and so are able to compensate for the deficiency of these hormones, which physiologically diminish as women mature.
There is growing scientific interest in isoflavones derived from Red Clover extract for the treatment of the menopause, which is becoming a very popular natural aid in this regard, thanks to the presence of a very high concentration of isoflavones (very similar to oestrogens) and flavonoids, which has an action very similar to that of oestrogens and is partly a replacement therapy based on phytoestrogens (hormones derived from plants).
The reputation of red clover in the menopause covers several aspects that can improve the quality of life of menopausal women, counteracting many of those symptoms typical of both this phase and of the 'climacteric', the pre-menopausal period preceding the complete disappearance of the menstrual cycle.
Among the main beneficial effects of red clover is a reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flushes, which often occur at night, as well as improving sleep quality itself. It helps to reduce the frequency of headaches and improves mood, which becomes more stable and lucid as well as less nervous.
Red clover is a natural remedy that is more effective than soya in supporting menopausal women. It works in synergy with another phytoextract from a leguminous plant, 'Kudzu' (Pueraria lobata), a wild plant native to Japan and China, which is considered by many to be effective in treating high blood pressure, hypertension and tachycardia. Many other functions are attributed to this plant in relation to menopausal problems, helping bone remineralisation, contributing to the improvement of microcirculation and arterial flow and having a muscle relaxant effect.
It is particularly rich in isoflavones such as genistein, daidzein and puerarin, whose characteristics are that they act on neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA and glutamate, stimulate dopamine production, ease the sense of dependence, and compensate for the lack of the drug substance (known as 'antidipsotropic' activity).
The very high bioavailability of the isoflavone puerarin allows it to remain in the bloodstream longer.
*Due to the high concentration of oestrogen, red clover is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding or in the case of illnesses such as endometriosis, thyroid disorders, fibroids and tumours of the breast, ovaries or uterus.
If you are taking medication, consult your doctor before taking red clover, as it may interfere with certain active ingredients such as tamoxifen, contraceptives, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
