Interní Med. 2007; 9(10): 459-461

Phytoestrogens in gynecological practice

doc. MUDr. Ivana Oborná Ph.D, doc. Ing. Helena Fingerová CSc, RNDr. Jana Březinová Ph.D

Porodnicko-gynekologická klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

Phytoestrogens are natural active substances found in numerous plants. They structurally and functionally exhibit estrogen-like biological activity and thus can influence the condition of human organisms. Phytoestrogens are mainly recommended for treatment of climacteric and menopausal symptoms where offer a convenient alternative to HRT. It is not generally known that phytoestrogens can influence pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of some remedies through induction or inhibition of liver and intestine enzymes. Risk of possible interaction can be decreased by the detailed medical history. Phytoestrogens also exhibit indispensable antioxidant qualities. Adequate intake of nutritional phytoestrogens along with healthy lifestyle are the best way to improve quality of life particularly in climacterium and postmenopause.

Keywords: phytoestrogens, menopausal symptoms, herb-drug interaction

Published: January 1, 2008  Show citation