Many women are reluctant to tell their doctors that they are taking herbal products because they are afraid of being ridiculed. Therefore, it is important for physicians to ask routinely about the use of dietary supplements and to be alert to potential harmful effects with products, combinations of products, contaminating substances, or interactions with other drugs. If women choose to use herbs, physicians should recommend they use only products that detail all ingredients and contain standardized extracts. There is no information regarding herbs and effect on breast cancer risk. It is important to inquire about dietary supplements, herbs, and alternative approaches to relieve menopausal symptoms and to be alert to potentially harmful effects or drug interactions.
Many patients ask about wild yams and phytoestrogens.
Wild yam is thought to be helpful because it contains Desigenin, the starting point for making progesterone used in birth control pills. Phytoestrogens are compounds that have both estrogen and anti-estrogen properties. Soybeans are a rich source of phytoestrogens, but soy research is in its infancy. Studies on the relief of menopausal symptoms show conflicting results. Phytoestrogens look promising, but we need more scientific information about safety with regard to risk of breast cancer.