Red Clover

Red Clover for Menopause Symptom Relief: A Natural Alternative

Red clover, scientifically known as Trifolium pratense, is a herb rich in isoflavones—plant-based chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Due to its phytoestrogen content, it has been increasingly studied for its potential to alleviate various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and bone density loss. 

How Red Clover Works

The isoflavones in red clover, including formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein, act as natural estrogen mimetics. They can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, potentially helping to balance hormone levels that fluctuate during menopause. This estrogenic effect is particularly beneficial in alleviating menopausal symptoms caused by declining estrogen levels. While promising, due to the large number of conflicting studies, more research is needed. 

Potential Benefits of Red Clover for Menopause

• Hot Flash and Night Sweat Reduction: Red clover is best known for its potential ability to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats, which are among the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause.[1]
• Support for Bone Health: Isoflavones in red clover may help maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which becomes a significant concern during menopause due to lowered estrogen levels. [2]
• Cardiovascular Health: Red clover may also have a beneficial effect on heart health by improving arterial flexibility and reducing cholesterol levels, both important factors as heart disease risk increases after menopause. [3]

How to Use Red Clover

Red clover is available in several forms, including teas, tablets, capsules, and tinctures, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines. The usage can vary depending on the form and concentration of the product, but typically, supplements range from 40 to 80 mg daily, which is believed to be helpful for symptom relief.

Considerations and Side Effects

While red clover is generally safe for most women, it’s essential to consider potential side effects and interactions. Because of its estrogen-like activity, it should be used cautiously by women with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions.. Mild side effects may include nausea, headache, and rash. Additionally, it may interact with blood-thinning medications due to its potential effect on blood clotting.

Conclusion

Red clover may offer a promising natural remedy for managing menopause symptoms, particularly for those seeking alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy. Its rich isoflavone content can help provide relief from hot flashes and help support bone health. However, as with any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications. This consultation ensures that red clover supplementation is a safe and effective option for your individual health needs during menopause.

References:

1. Kanadys W, Barańska A, Błaszczuk A, Polz-Dacewicz M, Drop B, Kanecki K, Malm M. Evaluation of Clinical Meaningfulness of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Extract to Relieve Hot Flushes and Menopausal Symptoms in Peri- and Post-Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021 Apr 11;13(4):1258. doi: 10.3390/nu13041258. PMID: 33920485; PMCID: PMC8069620. Copy Download .nbib
2. Thorup AC, Lambert MN, Kahr HS, Bjerre M, Jeppesen PB. Intake of Novel Red Clover Supplementation for 12 Weeks Improves Bone Status in Healthy Menopausal Women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:689138. doi: 10.1155/2015/689138. Epub 2015 Jul 21. PMID: 26265926; PMCID: PMC4523657.
3. Clifton-Bligh PB, Nery ML, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Visvalingam S, Fulcher GR, Byth K, Baber R. Red clover isoflavones enriched with formononetin lower serum LDL cholesterol-a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015 Jan;69(1):134-42. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.207. Epub 2014 Nov 5. PMID: 25369831.