talkhealth forums

Hello,

I'm a fifty two year old female, and have suffered from ME for sixteen years. I also have the following Medical conditions with prescribed medication from specialists and GPs.

Under active Thyroid- thyroxine 50mic daily,
Endometriosis- mini pill celegest, arthotect,
Dremagraphia with itching, skin senstivity and allergies-Fexofenadine, Loratadine, Piriton, Ranitidine, Balneum plus cream.

I'm now experiencing early menopausal signs ie nights sweats which is causing an even more disrupted night sleep. I'm taking a Sage supplement but wish to try Red Clover and have read on one online site this is contraindicated with Endometriosis, is this correct?

I try to eat a balanced diet, but wonder if you could suggest any foods or supplements that would benefit the Menopause or any of the above medical conditions.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter

Regards

Mary Helen

Dear Mary Helen

I’m sorry to read, on top of all other issues, that you are experiencing very unwelcome menopausal symptoms. There has been a lot written about potential benefits of certain foods such as those containing plant oestrogens that may help, but the jury is still out. The British Dietetic Association produces a range of evidence-based, unbiased fact sheets. You may like to read this in full www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/Menopause.pdf
It concludes “More research is needed before the benefits of taking these substances are proven, but it may be helpful to include more plant oestrogen-rich foods in your diet. These include calcium-enriched soya products like milk, yoghurts and desserts and soya and linseed breads or a red clover supplement.”

One of the problems using complementary or alternative therapies, such as red clover supplement, is that they are not strictly regulated as medicines are with rigorous testing and well documented side effects. It is harder, therefore, to say whether they are safe. Perhaps best to try all the other diet suggestions first which we know “do no harm”.