Fenugreek and Menopause

Article by Arnie Gitomer

Fenugreek contains estrogenic isoflavones and diosgenin, a phytosteroid similar to estrogen. Declining estrogen levels are the cause of menopausal symptoms. Earlier studies have found fenugreek may influence hormonal activity, leading doctors to believe it may have a beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms. In this study, 104 healthy women took 300 mg of fenugreek seed extract twice per day, or a placebo.

After 12 weeks, while the placebo group had not improved, those taking fenugreek seed extract saw significant reductions in menopausal symptoms including daytime hot flushes and night sweats, improvements in mood and irritability, and fewer physical and sexual symptoms.

(Reference: Phytotherapy Research; July, 2017, Published Online)

Fenugreek has other uses as well. It is available from the Willner Chemists Phyto-Tech line in both liquid and capsule form. Part of the fenugreek monograph in the Phyto-Tech referemce section is reprinted below for your convenience:

Willner Chemists Phyto-Tech™ Fenugreek 1:3
Fenugreek has been used to aid digestion, and as a general tonic. Recent interest has focused more on its apparent hypoglycemic actions.
Liquid 1 fl oz - Product Code: 57081
90 Veggie Caps, Product Code: 67458

Who might benefit by taking this herb?
Those with Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar swings, insulin resistance.
Those with high cholesterol, artherosclerosis, high triglycerides and digestive problems.
Ingredients. Each l ml (30 drops) of liquid extract contains 333 mg of full spectrum, organic Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum); Each veggie cap contains 575 mg of full spectrum, organic Fenugreek Seed.
Indications. Fenugreek, native to Asia and Southeastern Europe, has a long history of use as both a spice and a medicine. The seeds are composed of fiber, primarily the water-soluble fiber galactomannan, proteins, lipids, steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and C-glycoside flavones. The taste and odor of Fenugreek resembles maple syrup.
Animal and human studies have shown Fenugreek reduces blood glucose levels by slowing absorption of sugars in the stomach and stimulating insulin production. Patients with mild diabetes taking Fenugreek were able to reduce or stop drug therapy due to better blood glucose control. Fenugreek fiber supplementation was found to reduce hunger, increase satiety and the postprandial insulin response in obese subjects. It also has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol and in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Taking Fenugreek seed powder capsules reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Fenugreek helps stimulate milk production in lactating women. Research has shown it can increase milk production within 24 to 72 hours of consumption. It can also stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor, therefore it is not recommended during pregnancy.
The mucilage in Fenugreek seeds helps soothe the gastrointestinal tract by coating the lining of the stomach and intestines. This makes it helpful for a variety of digestive disorders including indigestion, constipation, and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach).
According to Nutrition Focus, "Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein high in lysine and L-tryptophan. Its steroidal saponins (diosgenin, yamogenin, tigogenin, and neotigogenin) and mucilaginous fiber are thought to account for many of the beneficial effects of fenugreek. The steroidal saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis, while the fiber may help lower blood sugar levels. One human study found that fenugreek can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with moderate atherosclerosis and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. Preliminary and double-blind trials have found that fenugreek helps improve blood sugar control in patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes. Double-blind trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, This has also been found in a controlled clinical trial with diabetic patients with elevated cholesterol. Generally, fenugreek does not lower HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.
Fenugreek is commonly used as a food, spice and source of dietary fiber throughout the world.

Dosage: For the liquid extract, 30 drops up to three times per day, in water or juice, or as directed. For the veggie cap, take one capsule, 1 or 2 times daily, or as directed..
Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Possible interaction with blood-thinning medications. Take 2 hours before of after taking medications. Keep out of the reach of children.