Scientists Cite Red Clover as Safe and Effective Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
August 23 2006 - 10:51AM
PR Newswire (US)
Leading international scientists develop treatment algorithm and
identify red clover as safe alternative to Hormone Therapy
STAMFORD, Conn., Aug. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Two scientific papers have
been released that demonstrate both the effectiveness and safety of
red clover for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, particularly
hot flashes. The Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Canada
published a paper in April, authored by eight internationally
renowned women's health experts, which demonstrated that, for many
women, along with lifestyle changes, the use of clinically tested
over-the-counter natural supplements like red clover, marketed
under the brand name Promensil, should be among the first lines of
defense in the treatment of the symptoms of menopause. This
represents the first time scientists have come to a consensus
suggesting dietary supplements as among the first lines of defense
in the treatment of the symptoms of menopause. "Hot flashes are the
leading reason menopausal women seek treatment during menopause,"
said Dr. Lila Nachtigall, MD, professor of obstetrics and
gynecology at New York University's School of Medicine, and the
lead author of the paper. "In our research, we found a growing
trend away from prescription hormone therapy (HT) in women with
mild to moderate symptoms and an increasing trend toward lifestyle
modifications and complementary therapies." Nachtigall's comments
were given at the Association of Women's Organizations in
Washington, D.C., this summer. The study proposes an algorithmic
method of treatment, where various treatment options are used over
time based on whether a woman is suffering from mild, moderate or
severe menopausal symptoms. Treatments start at lifestyle changes,
such as exercising, avoiding caffeine and quitting smoking, then
escalate to alternative therapy supplements, particularly Promensil
because of its safety and effectiveness as shown in numerous
clinical trials. HT may be considered in extreme cases. "The
algorithm is a great guide for clinicians because it helps them
answer the health questions of today's women," says Dr. Nachtigall.
"Women should be involved in deciding which option is best for them
and weighing the risks and benefits of each treatment for both the
short- and long-term." While declining levels of estrogen at
menopause give rise to the visible acute symptoms, there are also
more long-term, or invisible, effects associated with decreases in
estrogen that woman need to be aware of, including heart disease,
breast cancer and osteoporosis. According to Nachtigall, "Some
women who choose no treatment option at all may be putting their
bodies at risk for the negative ancillary effects not only from the
stress and anxiety caused by menopause symptoms, but also from long
term post-menopausal health issues, including osteoporosis and
cardiovascular disease." In addition to alleviating the symptoms of
menopause, studies have found that red clover also has positive
effects on invisible symptoms as well. In fact, one such study,
published in the March edition of the European menopause journal,
Maturitas, showed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial, that not only did red clover not contribute to endometrial
thickness-a potential indicator of increased risk to cancer-it was
actually instrumental in reducing thickness. Additional studies
have shown the red clover in Promensil to be effective in promoting
cardiovascular health (lowering bad cholesterol levels and
improving arterial compliance), reducing breast tissue density
(another possible indicator of increased risk to cancer), and also
in reducing the rate of bone loss. According to the National
Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women age 50 will have an
osteoporosis-related fracture in her remaining lifetime, with a
two- to- four-percent bone loss each year. For women nearing or
experiencing menopause, what they take for visible symptoms may
just have a positive effect on the invisible ones and their overall
health. For more information on treating both the visible and
invisible symptoms of menopause, visit http://www.promensil.com/
and talk to your healthcare professional. Novogen, Ltd., is the
world leader in research and development of isoflavones for human
health. Isoflavones derived from the red clover plant, marketed
under the brand name Promensil, have been clinically proven safe
and effective in treating the symptoms of menopause and improving
heart, breast and bone health. Novogen also manufactures Promensil
Post Menopause for women's post menopausal health. DATASOURCE:
Novogen, Inc. CONTACT: Paul O'Rourke, , or Brooke Werner, , of
Pipitone Group, +1-412-321-0879 Web site: http://www.promensil.com/
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