Healthy Women - Resveratrol and fenugreek improve postmenopausal health

Resveratrol improved bone mineral density

Earlier studies found resveratrol has beneficial whole-body and cerebral circulatory effects. Doctors wondered if resveratrol could benefit bone density, as well. In this study, 125 postmenopausal women took a placebo or 75 mg of resveratrol, twice per day, in two alternating 12-month phases.

Compared to the placebo phases, resveratrol had a positive effect on density in the lumbar spine, and the femoral neck, where the femur meets the pelvis; the two most common fracture sites in postmenopausal women. At the femoral neck, the annual percentage loss of bone mineral density slowed to 0.34 from 0.96. Also, a sign of bone resorption—a factor in bone loss—declined by 7.25 percent. Overall, resveratrol reduced chances for major and hip fracture over the next 10 years.

Reference: Journal of Bone and Mineral Research; June, 2020, No. 4115

Fenugreek has hormone balancing effect

Fenugreek has often been used in traditional medicine. In this study, 48 menopausal women took a placebo or 250 mg of fenugreek extract, twice per day.

After two weeks, those taking fenugreek reported feeling better on questionnaires measuring mood, and on physical symptoms including leg and body pain, hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. After 42 days, doctors saw increases in the hormones estradiol, progesterone, and free testosterone, which they believe fenugreek promoted by stimulating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an important precursor in the body of both androgen and estrogen hormones.

Discussing the findings, doctors said during aging, DHEA declines, potentially reducing testosterone levels and impairing female sexual function. By promoting DHEA, fenugreek may lead to more balanced production of hormones in postmenopause.

Reference: PharmaNutrition; July, 2020, 100209, Journal Pre-proof