Quote from: Nigella on September 30, 2010, 01:48:39 PM
To much depends on the type of herbs you are taking. I can't really go into dosage as it violates Susan's protocols. All I can say is, it depends on the herb, black cohash is lethal taken in quantity but is one of the best phytoestrogens, fenugreek is another one but not so bad. All you have to do is google these and it will tell you their toxicity. problem with a combined one is the amount of quantity of each herb in each tablet.
Seriously they can contradict the HRT you will be on one day and should be stopped if you plan to go onto HRT. At least six months before. Everything you take like this goes through the kidneys so they can get a battering. I would suggest saying to your therapist/doctor again rather than take the risk. You only have one set of kidneys. You are not monitored so you don't know what's going on. I'm just saying from experience and not to worry you.
Stardust
Actually black and red Cohosh are relatively low in phytoestrogens, but they do help with its absorption. The best commonly available sources are Soy (particularly in isolated isoflavones,) Flax and other lignans (ideally in seed form with oil, but needs crushed/ground,) green beans, and bean sprouts. Getting more purified soy and flax in supplement form, you have to be careful of toxicity levels. Eating natural foods, like tofu and those beans, avoids this issue, but reduces effectiveness. All sources, as others have mentioned, interfere with pharmaceutical estrogen, and so must be discontinued when starting HRT, but taper off, don't quit cold turkey so you don't go through cellular withdrawal symptoms. Keep in mind, excess phytoestrogen can be stored in your fat cells and re-released during weight loss. Spearmint and to a lesser extent peppermint are great natural Testosterone blockers, basically a natural form of spironolactone, though at a much lower potency and are best absorbed in a tea. For maximum safe effects, use 2-3 mugs of tea daily each made with 2 packets of mint teas. It's not a good idea to drink more than 3-4 cups of tea of any kind on a regular or daily basis.
I went through a three year period where I was unable to start HRT and had to use phytoestrogens. But I was a good girl and did my homework first. You'll never get the same level or speed of results naturally as with prescription HRT. But if you are currently unable to go on HRT for whatever reason (lack of insurance, lack of parental consent for minors, etc.) it can go a great way to alleviating dysphoria and at least feel as though you are making progress. Hope this helps.
HUGS!