Estroven is the brand name of several herbal dietary
supplements advertised to ease some of the most frequently experienced symptoms
of menopause, including hot flashes and insomnia. It first appeared on the
market in 1997. There are several different products available depending on the
symptoms that need to be treated.
The main ingredients in all Estroven products are black
cohosh root, a plant found in North America, and soy isoflavones, a
phytoestrogen derived from soybeans (soy protein). Estroven products do not
contain synthetic or human/animal-derived hormones.
The symptoms (and intensity of symptoms) of menopause can
vary. The various formulations of Estroven products are advertised as providing
relief for some of the possible symptoms of menopause including insomnia, hot
flashes, and stress. However, there is only limited research about the safety
and effectiveness of products like Estroven for menopause treatment.
Who Is Estroven
For?
Estroven products are advertised as being designed for
people experiencing symptoms related to menopause. When a person experiences
their last menstrual period, usually sometime in one's 40s or 50s, they enter
into a transitionary period of life called menopause. The experience is gradual
and generally occurs over the course of several years. During this time a
person may experience symptoms and changes to their body that can range in
severity and duration.
Most people enter into menopause naturally as a result of
decreasing hormones as they age, but they may begin the process early
(premature menopause) due to a medical condition, a medication, or surgery to
remove the ovaries. Menopause may also be induced if the ovaries are damaged,
such as during chemotherapy.
Menopause is sometimes treated with hormone replacement
therapy (HRT). People who are experiencing symptoms commonly associated with
menopause may also benefit from dietary supplements such as Estroven.
However, it's important to know that more research is
needed to determine if herbal supplements such as Estroven are safe and
effective for treating menopause.
Estroven Products May Help Provide Relief from:
·
Hot flashes
·
Insomnia
·
Night sweats
·
Vaginal dryness
·
Mood changes and stress
·
Low energy
·
Weight changes
Ingredients
Each caplet contains: Vitamin E 30IU; Thiamin 2mg;
Riboflavin 2mg; Niacin 20mg; Vitamin B-6 10mg; Folate 400mcg; Vitamin B-12
6mcg; Calcium 150mg; Selenium 70mcg; Estroven Calming Herbal Blend (proprietary
blend of Date seed extract [ Zizyphus spinosa ] and Magnolia bark extract)
150mg; Isoflavones (from Pueraria lobata root extract and GMO-free soybeans)
55mg; Black cohosh root standardized extract 40mg, Boron 1.5mg.
Estroven helps to naturally support hormonal balance with
ingredients known to be good sources of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are
naturally occurring compounds found in many plants including soybeans, whole
grain cereals, seeds, nuts and many herbs. Phytoestrogens have a structure
similar to that of the estrogen produced in your body and help support hormonal
balance. Studies have shown that women who consume foods high in phytoestrogens
experience less dramatic hormone fluctuations during menopause.
Soy Isoflavones
Soybeans are very rich sources of phytoestrogens called
isoflavones. The specific plant estrogens in soy include daidzein and
genistein.
Standardized Black
Cohosh
Black cohosh is a rich herbal source of natural
phytoestrogens that has been clinically shown to reduce hot flashes. It has
been used for centuries throughout the world to provide support for many areas
of female health.
Calcium and Boron
Estroven is a good source of supplemental calcium to
support strong bones. Boron is an essential nutrient which aids calcium
absorption.
Natural Vitamin E,
B-12, B-6 and Folic Acid
Vitamins E, B-6, B-12 and folic acid have been
extensively researched, and all play an integral role in supporting
cardiovascular health.
Estroven Calming
Herbal Blend
A natural blend of traditional herbs used to reduce
irritability and get a good night's sleep.
B Vitamins
Thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), and niacin (B-3) work
together to transform carbohydrates in your diet into energy.
Other Ingredients
- cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, silica, vegetable magnesium stearate,
titanium dioxide (natural mineral source), vanilla and caramel color.
Estroven contains no artificial dyes, colors,
preservatives, flavors, yeast, wheat, gluten or lactose.
How Is Estroven
taken?
Estroven is an herbal dietary supplement that comes in
the form of a capsule. The supplement can be taken daily with or without food,
though taking it with food will help avoid mild stomach upset that may occur
when taking supplements.
Estroven recommends its products be taken for a minimum
of 60 days. Each individual product should only be taken in the dose indicated.
Do not take more of the supplement than is directed by the product's packaging
or a doctor.
People experiencing symptoms of menopause should talk to
their doctor before starting Estroven or any other herbal or dietary
supplement.
Estroven products should not be taken if you are
pregnant, breastfeeding, or are trying to become pregnant. Children should not
be given Estroven.
Estroven products do not require a prescription and are
available over the counter at most pharmacies and major retailers throughout
the United States. The products can also be purchased online.
Possible Side
Effects
Estroven reports its products are generally safe and
well-tolerated by most people who take them, but it's important to note that
the safety and potential for longterm side effects when using black cohosh, a
main component of Estroven products, have not been adequately studied.
Additionally, a 2012 Cochrane review of one of the
supplement's main ingredients, black cohosh, revealed there is insufficient
evidence to support it is an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Taking products that contain black cohosh can lead to a
number of symptoms. While some may be relatively mild, in rare case people
taking commercial products containing black cohosh have experienced symptoms
related to liver damage — though the exact nature of the relationship remains
unclear. The U.S. Pharmacopeia recommends that people with diseases or
conditions affecting the liver ask their doctor before taking any supplements
that have black cohosh in them.
Black Cohosh Side Effects Include:
·
Stomach upset
·
Rash
·
Slow heart rate
·
Headaches
·
Dizziness or feeling light-headed
·
Joint pain
It's unclear if back cohosh has serious interactions with
other medications. If you are taking any prescription medications or receiving
treatment for a disease, such as chemotherapy for cancer, you should tell your
doctor before taking a product with black cohosh in it or any other herbal
supplement.
Summary
If you are experiencing some of the common symptoms of
menopause, such as hot flashes or insomnia, it's possible herbal dietary
supplements such as Estroven may help ease some of your symptoms. However, you
should know that more research is needed to determine if the supplement is safe
and effective, and side effects are possible.
While you don't need a prescription, and Estroven
products can be purchased over the counter at most major retailers, pharmacies,
and online, you should still talk to your doctor before starting Estroven or
any other herbal or dietary supplement.
You should not take Estroven if you are pregnant,
nursing, or are trying to get pregnant. Estroven does not contain any hormones
and is not known to interact with any medications, but you should still tell
your doctor if you are taking Estroven products.
Sources and
Additional Information: