Red CloverWhat Red Clover Is Used For According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, historically it has been used to treat a variety of ailments. For our purposes, I will zero in on its effect on menopausal symptoms. Current uses are for menopausal symptoms, breast pain associated with menstrual cycles, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. How It Is Used It is available in tablets and capsules, teas and liquid forms. The Research Results Although several small studies of this herb for menopausal symptoms had mixed results, a large study found that it had no beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms. NCCAM is studying this natural remedy to learn more about its active components and how they might work in the body, including a clinical trial investigating the safety and effectiveness for menopausal symptoms. Side Effects and Cautions It seems to be safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. No serious adverse effects have been reported. Because it contains estrogen-like compounds, there is a possibility that its long-term use would increase the risk of women developing cancer of the lining of the uterus. However, studies to date have been too brief (less than 6 months) to evaluate whether it has estrogen-like effects on the uterus. It is unclear whether it's safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers. According to The Canadian Concensus Conference on Menopause 2006 Although it contains several phytoestrogen compounds, the research has failed to show any real benefit for menopausal symptoms. However, in the same breath (or document) they say, "Complementary and Alternative medicine, including Black Cohosh, and Red Clover may be recommended for the reduction of mild vasomotor symptoms. Long-term efficacy and safey data are still lacking." Ummm, is your head spinning? Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health.
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