Applying Chinese Medicine

Women’s Health: Managing Menopause

Dietary Guidelines

Some foods contain phyto-estrogen, which can help ease the symptoms of menopause caused by lack of estrogen. In some societies half their dietary intakes contains foods which have phyto-estrogens, while in the U.S. less than 10 percent of our food comes from such sources. Those estrogen-containing foods that have been found to raise blood levels of estrogen are: soya flour, tofu, linseed oil and red clover sprouts.

• Foods high in calcium and magnesium are recommended as well, although dairy products are generally discouraged.
• Dietary fat should be kept low, especially during peri-menopause when estrogen levels are unopposed by progesterone.