What Is Estroven?

Estroven is the brand name of a line of dietary supplements that contains a combination of herbal extracts, soy isoflavones, vitamins, and minerals. Since 1997, Estroven products have been advertised as having the ability to ease some of the most frequently experienced symptoms of menopause.

Two main ingredients are found in all Estroven products. One is black cohosh root, a plant found in North America that contains fukinolic acid. Soy isoflavones derived from soybean plants are the other component (ingredient).

This article discusses menopause and its symptoms. It explains how Estroven products may help people during menopause and Estroven's possible side effects.

Uses of Estroven

Menopause

Twelve months after the final menstrual period, which occurs in people designated female at birth around age 45 to 55, the next part of the reproductive life cycle, called menopause, begins. Estroven is typically used for symptoms of menopause. Symptoms may include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, emotional symptoms, and sleep changes.

Most people enter menopause due to estrogen and other hormone levels in the body naturally decreasing with age. They also may experience premature menopause, which causes these changes earlier in life because of a health condition, medication, or surgery. Removal of the ovaries, or damage caused by chemotherapy, may also cause early menopause. An Estroven formula for premenopausal symptoms also exists.

Menopause symptoms are sometimes treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Clinical studies about the effects of black cohosh on menopause symptoms have shown mixed results.

Soy isoflavones, another component found in Estroven, have also been believed to relieve menopause symptoms. Some clinical data suggest that soy isoflavones reduced menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, bone health, and lipids. This data is not enough to identify who would benefit from the use of soy isoflavones.

More research is needed to determine if these supplements are safe and effective for treating menopause.

What Are the Side Effects of Estroven?

Information about the side effects of Estroven as a combination product is lacking in clinical study data. There are some known side effects of black cohosh and soy isoflavones, components (ingredients) of Estroven.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects of products containing black cohosh are mild. Black cohosh side effects include:

• Stomach upset
• Rash
• Cramping
• Headaches
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

Potential soy side effects include:

• Changes in thyroid function
• Changes in digestion (constipation, diarrhea)
• Impact on hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer
  

Severe Side Effects

There are no reported severe side effects of Estroven. However, there are instances in which black cohosh may have caused liver damage. These cases are rare, and it cannot be sure that black cohosh alone caused the liver disorder.

If you are taking prescription medications or receiving care for a disease, such as chemotherapy for cancer, tell your healthcare provider before taking this or any other herbal supplement.

Precautions

Because Estroven contains black cohosh, there are precautions to be aware of when using Estroven as a supplement.

Black cohosh is not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding persons. People who are pregnant should speak with their healthcare provider before using Estroven.

Anyone who has an allergy to the ingredients of Estroven should not use it.

It's important to remember that the health benefits and safety of Estroven remain unproven by research studies, the results of which remain mixed.

The U.S. Pharmacopeia, a nonprofit scientific organization that vets supplements, recommends that people with diseases or conditions affecting the liver ask their healthcare provider before taking any supplements that have black cohosh in them.

Use caution with Estroven if you take certain medications like blood-thinners, thyroid medicines, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Dosage: How Much Estroven Should I Take?

Estroven is a dietary supplement that comes in the form of a capsule or caplet. It can be taken daily with or without food. The best time to take Estroven is with a meal; food may help you to avoid mild stomach upset.

Suggested dosages are listed on each product package for different formulations. Follow the instructions on the supplement packaging. To ensure you take the correct dose for your individual needs, consult with your healthcare provider.

Estroven products do not require a prescription and are available over the counter at most pharmacies and major retailers throughout the United States. The products can also be purchased online.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Estroven?

Using Estroven as recommended on the product packaging is the safest way to use this supplement. There are no data on the effects of higher doses than suggested.

The effects of high doses of Estroven are unknown and should be avoided.

Interactions

Estroven comprises many substances that may interact with other supplements, herbs, and medications. Reviewing the use of Estroven with your healthcare provider is best.

Blood-thinning medications: Estroven may interact with blood-thinning medications such as Jantoven (warfarin).

MAOIs: The soy isoflavones in some Estroven formulations may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Thyroid medications: Estroven may interact with thyroid medications such as Synthroid (levothyroxine).

It is essential to read a supplement's ingredient list and nutrition facts panel carefully to know which ingredients and how much of each component is included. Review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Estroven

When storing Estroven it is best to follow the package recommendations. Storage and disposal instructions should be provided on the product packaging.

In general, it is safe to store supplements in a cool, dry, dark place. Keep Estroven and all supplements and medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Similar Supplements

There are other supplements available that tout menopausal symptom relief. Just as Estroven these supplements are a formulation of several products.

There are a few herbs that have been studied for their effects on menopause symptoms, such as:

• Chaste tree
• Red clover
• Dong quai

Supplements that contain these herbs or a combination of these and other products are used for the relief of menopausal symptoms. Examples of such supplements are:

• Swiss Natural HRT
• Promensil
• Remifemin
  

Sources of Estroven & What to Look For

Estroven is a readily available supplement used for the relief of menopausal symptoms. It can be found in drugstores, and grocery stores, and it is available online.

Estroven Supplements

The Estroven line of supplements contains products of differing strengths and formulations. These supplements are available in caplet or capsule form.

Summary

Some supplements, including Estroven products, are designed to relieve menopause symptoms. They contain black cohosh root and other ingredients, depending on the formula.

These supplements may ease symptoms, such as night sweats or mood swings, but the benefits remain unproven. There is not enough data to confirm they are safe or effective.

Estroven products, and especially their black cohosh and soy ingredients, also may cause side effects or possible drug interactions (ex., thyroid medicines, MAOIs, blood-thinning medications). Estroven should not be taken without guidance from a healthcare provider.

Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause are common. Supplements like Estroven may help, but be sure you know what you're taking and if it's safe for you.