During menopause, hormone levels fluctuate. This can lead to various symptoms (see "About Perimenopause and Menopause"). With the help of "plant hormones", hormone levels can be rebalanced.
Secondary plant compounds that resemble human hormones are found in red clover, wild yam, hops, and pomegranate in particular.
Since there can often be confusion regarding terminology, we have listed and explained the most important terms here:
- Isoflavonesand Lignansare secondary plant compounds from the group of Phytoestrogens. They resemble the body's own hormone estrogen in structure and effect, which is why the term "plant hormones" is derived from them.
- Flavonesare the superordinate group of Flavonoidsand also belong to the group of phytoestrogens. These are secondary plant compounds that also resemble the body's own hormone estrogen in structure and effect, but to a lesser extent. In addition to their antioxidant properties, which can protect the human body from free radicals, they are also said to have the properties of reducing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and cholesterol, as well as having a positive effect on the immune system.
- Diosgeninis a plant-derived active ingredient and a distant precursor to the human hormone progesterone. It is often used as a natural remedy to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It also possesses antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from free radicals.
- Gestagensare also hormones that belong to the female sex hormones. They are corpus luteum hormones that belong to the steroids. One of the most important representatives of gestagens is progesterone. Progesterone, along with pregnanediol and pregnenolone, thus belongs to the group of gestagens.
About Wild Yam
Wild yam, also called yam, is a tuber that is a staple food in Africa and South America, comparable to the potato. It has a high starch content, contains fiber, and many other valuable micronutrients, such as vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B9, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, iron, and copper. It also has many antioxidants and can be described as a real superfood. An important ingredient, especially in relation to menopause, is the high content of diosgenin, a precursor to the human hormone progesterone, which counteracts estrogen dominance and regulates the unbalanced hormone balance during menopause. Thousands of years ago, indigenous peoples used wild yam to treat menstrual pain or labor pain. The tuber also has anti-inflammatory effects and is used for colds, inflammations, rheumatism, and arthritis. Yam has antispasmodic effects and a positive effect on stress and inner restlessness. The high phosphorus content is important for bone strength, teeth, and cells. In addition, diosgenin has a positive effect on memory performance.
We use wild yam extract (the concentrated extract of the substance), which has a higher diosgenin content (20%).
About Fenugreek
Fenugreek, also called Greek hay, is a plant from the family of legumes, whose seeds and leaves are said to offer a variety of health benefits. It has existed for several thousand years and has been revered as a medicinal remedy ever since. Hildegard von Bingen and Sebastian Kneipp already praised its reputed healing powers. It is used in medicinal healing in China, India, and Tibet. In herbal medicine, it is used for diabetes mellitus because it is said to lower blood sugar levels. Mothers with lactation problems (although not recommended for breastfeeding women) use it in traditional medicine. It contains the amino acid histidine and the phytohormone diosgenin. Fenugreek is also a popular spice ingredient used in various forms in North African, Southern European, and Asian cuisine. Fenugreek has a high protein content, contains fats, essential oils, bitter substances, valuable vitamins (especially vitamin A and all B vitamins, except B12) and important minerals (especially iron and magnesium). It is used for hair loss and skin problems and also contains many antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also often used for inflammation. The healing substances of fenugreek are found in its seeds, which is why we use fenugreek seed extract (the concentrated extract of the seeds), which brings with it a higher content of the ingredients.