[Risk and benefit of nutritional supplements for the treatment of postmenopausal complaints]

Menopause is for many females associated with an occurrence of a variety of health complaints and a decrease in quality in life. Hot flashes, sleep disturbances and a variety of other symptoms result in a strong psychological strain. Hormone replacement therapy for treatment of climacteric complaints is discussed controversially regarding associated side effects. This is a major reason to propose treatment with plant derived extracts and compounds as an alternative. Such compounds are available either as drugs but mostly as nutritional supplements. Here we have to distinguish between so-called phytoestrogens which are postulated to act via estrogen receptors such as hop extracts, soy extracts, pomegranate extracts and red clover extracts. A second group of compounds addresses postmenopausal complaints independent of estrogen receptors. This group includes yams, actaea racemosa, agnus castus, rhei radix extracts and spinach extracts. For none of the mentioned substances and extracts could a clear proven effectiveness for the treatment of postmenopausal complaints be demonstrated. In contrast, for some of the mentioned substances, for example isoflavones, there are concerns regarding side effects and safety. The free availability of such nutritional supplements results in an uncontrolled consumption. Different products were combined and consumed in doses far higher than recommend by the manufacturers.