ratboy83

herbs/ supplements with an oestrogen-like effect in the body:-
- red clover (GI problems, nausea= possible side effects but rare).
- black cohosh (GI problems, headaches, increases the chance of miscarriage, dizziness, weight gain, possibility of hastening spread of breast cancer if used by an individual with breast cancer). one to avoid i reckon. we rarely recommend this one because it seems to induce side effects more readily than other herbs with similar qualities.
- dong quai (very rare but possible side effects include diarreah, fever, increased photo-sensitivity).
- soya isoflavones. linked to this other foods also contain phytooestorgens besides soya, being: legumes, linseeds (others too no doubt but i can't remember them all!). (couldn't fidn any side effects relating to this, but there maybe some)

herbs/ supplements with a testosterone effect in the body:-
- royal jelly (mild GI problems, but never to be used by anyone with a sensitivity to bee products or by asthmatics, besides that side effects are very rare)
- tribulus terrestris (sp?) (side effects are very rare- only reported= mild GI problems. it works by stimulating the release of luitinising hormones which lead to the body producing more of its own sex hormones. in men this comes in the form of testosterone and in women in the form of oestrogen.
- muira puama (because of its stimulant action it can cause insomnia but avoided in too high a dose around bedtime there have been no other side effects reported)
- horny goat weed ( i love the name! ) (no reported side effects)
- ginseng (avoid if have high blood pressure, are prone to nervousness, avoid use near to bedtime if prone to insomnia, avoid if are hypoglyceamic).

apart from black cohosh, which i would avoid, side effects do exist but they are mostly very rare and can be avoided through correct use/ timing of use of herb.


was it for yourself, or someone else? why do you need them? it might help to narrow down the choice. general health? lifestyle? etc.


alex.