Menochron® Info

Basic Facts
Effects
Indications
Composition
Dosage
Side Effects/Contraindications
Instructions

BASIC FACTS

Plants contain substances that exert effects similar to those of the hormones produced by the human body. For this reason, these compounds – which are found in small amounts in plants and belong to the group of «secondary plant substances» – are also called «phytohormones». The isoflavones are the most prominent members of this group. Within the group of isoflavones, the phytooestrogens are the most important substances. They exert effects similar to – but weaker than – those displayed by the sexual hormones (oestrogens) produced by the human body. The phytooestrogens owe their ability to exert such effects to their structural similarity with human sexual hormones. They are able to bind to the oestrogen receptors and can thus produce an oestrogenic or anti-oestrogenic effect. Another effect of the phytooestrogens is to displace the body’s own (endogenous) oestrogen from its transport proteins, which can in turn result in higher levels of unbound, and consequently active, endogenous sexual hormones. For these reasons, phytooestrogens can be used to supplement the body’s own declining oestrogen production. During the menopause this decrease in endogenous oestrogen frequently causes symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating, etc. – symptoms which have a negative effect on a woman’s general well-being. It has been demonstrated that phytooestrogens counteract these undesired effects.

Since the body’s own hormones and the secondary plant substances compete for the binding sites on the receptors in the body, the phytohormones are able to weaken – as well as strengthen – the effect of the body’s own hormones. Whether this strengthens or weakens the hormonal effect in the individual case depends both on the binding specificity of the phytooestrogens to the particular receptor and the current concentration of endogenous hormones. The effects exerted by the body’s own hormones are substantially stronger than the effects of the plant substances. In the presence of extremely high concentrations of endogenous hormones, therefore, the plant substances tend to weaken the overall hormonal effect by displacing the more powerful hormones from the binding sites. In the presence of very low concentrations of endogenous hormones, in contrast, the phytooestrogens can display their full effect. It is evident, therefore, that the secondary plant substances act to «fine tune» the hormonal balance in the body. Not only do these substances affect the hormones. They also have an impact on the body’s entire metabolism (i.e. the metabolism of fats, sugars and minerals) and regulate the growth of a broad range of cells and tissues. Furthermore, they protect against diseases caused by hormone-dependent metabolic changes, e.g. the more rapid breakdown of bone seen in older people. Soy, red clover and cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) are especially rich in these secondary plant substances.

Besides isoflavones, Menochron^® contains other valuable ingredients such as essential amino acids, saponines and phytosterols. Furthermore, the valerian extract helps the body to get the rest and relaxation it needs. Insufficient sleep is often a direct result of hormonal imbalance – a common disorder during menopause and one that deprives the body of the restful sleep it so urgently needs.

EFFECTS

Soybeans: The primary effect of this extract is based on the isoflavones it contains. In particular, genistein, daidzein and glycitein – the three most important isoflavones contained in soy – have been extensively investigated to assess their oestrogenic and antioxidative properties. Soy also contains saponines, substances which primarily strengthen the immune system. Together with the phytosterols, another important group of secondary plant substances, the saponines also bind cholesterol. This prevents cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines and ultimately lowers cholesterol levels.

Orthosiphon: Dried leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus, also called cat’s whiskers, contain a complex mixture of essential oils, plant acids, isoflavones, saponines and potassium salts. Extracts of these leaves have been observed to have a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, weakly spasmolytic and microbicidal effect.

Wild yam contains saponines such as diosgenin and dioscoretin. These substances lower the blood sugar and triglyceride levels and increase the (“good”) HDL cholesterol. Antioxidative, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties are also known.

Dong quai (Chinese angelica) is a herb in the celery family and is used in traditional Chinese medicine in painful menstruation, intracyclic menstrual bleeding and menopausal complaints. It was also used against hypertension and disturbed circulation.

Lignans: Derived from the Latin term for wood (lignum), lignans stand for a specific class of antioxidants, polyphenols and isoflavones. Structurally, the lignans are very similar to the group of the sexual hormones. The fact that they dock to certain receptors of our cells enables them not only to balance the decrease in production within the body but also to reduce a hormonal production that is too high. In this way they have effect on the development of hormone-dependant tumours (breast, prostate, intestine). Apart from reducing certain cancer risks, lignans can also improve the soundness of the heart.

Trifolium (red clover) belongs to the papilonaceous plants. In addition to the isoflavones already discussed above, trifolium extract contains mainly formononetin and biochanin A. The latter substances are precursors of genistein and daidzein. However, they also appear to have an effect of their own which contributes to the efficacy of red clover. The mildly oestrogenic effect exerted by all the isoflavones alleviates the symptoms of menopause without causing the well known problems associated with classic oestrogen replacement. There is evidence, moreover, that the ingestion of isoflavones confers protection against osteoporosis.

Valerian: This extract, also known as baldrian, is one of the oldest natural remedies known to man and has been used to treat nervousness and sleeping disorders since ancient times. Valerian relaxes the body and makes it easier to fall asleep. Taken regularly, it has a calming and anxiety-reducing effect.

Black cohosh contains not only isoflavones and many other effective compounds but also triterpene glycosides. These are of especially great help in case of menopausal complaints.

Magnesium: Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for human beings. It is required for normal muscle function, among other things, and has long been used to alleviate muscle cramps. Furthermore, magnesium is essential for healthy bone structure.

INDICATIONS

Menochron^® is used to prevent and treat menopausal symptoms and all the associated changes, e.g. hot flushes, sweating, irritability, mood fluctuations and insomnia. It also has a positive effect on bone density and lipid (i.e. fat) metabolism. Taking Menochron^® regularly may even lower your risk of developing a hormone-dependent malignant tumour. Since it causes practically none of the side effects that have been observed in patients receiving conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Menochron^® is also suitable for patients who do not tolerate the latter treatment.

COMPOSITION

AM Capsule (morning)
	daily dose
Isoflavones (from soy)	40 mg
Orthosiphon extract	200 mg
Wild yam root	100 mg
Damiana	100 mg
Dong Quai	100 mg
Lignans	15 mg

AM Capsule (evening)
	daily dose
Isoflavones (from soy)	30 mg
Wild yam root	100 mg
Lignans	15 mg
Red clover extract	10 mg
Valerian extract	50 mg
Magnesium (Mg)	90 mg
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)	40 mg

in a hypoallergenic rice starch base.

DOSAGE

In normal cases take 1 capsule AM (yellow) in the morning and 1 capsule PM (blue) in the evening with plenty of fluid.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS

The plants from which the extracts have been obtained have proven to be generally well tolerated in traditional foodstuffs worldwide. The product is thus safe for use across a broad range of doses.

Some people are allergic to soy protein. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking Menochron^® during cancer treatment or follow-up treatment.

Dong quai may increase the sensitivity to sun light in light-skinned people. Pregnant and lactating women should not take this product.

INSTRUCTIONS

It is generally recommended to consult a specialist before taking Menochron^®. If you have a pre-existing disease or are already receiving long-term drug treatment, you should use Menochron^® only after consulting your doctor first. If you experience any symptoms while taking Menochron^®, you should consult a doctor and inform him or her of the intake. Keep out of reach of children and store in a cool, dry place.

This product is available at pharmacies or via Pharmatrans Inc.

For information about prices and packing sizes click here.