Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a wild flowering plant that belongs to the same family as beans and peas. It has long been used as traditional medicine and is touted to be effective in alleviating symptoms of arthritis, whooping caught, asthma, and menopause.

But red clover's benefits come with a warning: health experts say more scientific evidence is needed. 

Isoflavones are the primary chemical compounds in red clover. These compounds, which have a chemical structure similar to the hormone estrogen, are called phytoestrogens.

The most recognized and studied benefit of red clover is its effect on menopause symptoms like hot flushes. Further studies of menopausal conditions such as osteoporosis and elevated levels of blood cholesterol have also been carried out.

Studies in menopausal women with 80 mg of red clover isoflavones indicated that the number of hot flushes per day differed statistically from that in placebo. Interestingly, in women who suffered at least five heat flushes every day the effect appears more noticeable.

Isoflavones have a chemical structure similar to estrogen so that they can bind with and do some of their work weakly to the same receptors as estrogen. Due to this, the endocrine pathway may be affected and estradiol is increased. Many studies have shown that the supplementation of red clover in menopausal women will improve estradiol.  Since isoflavones have an estrogen-like effect, they might theoretically cause hormonal imbalance and increase estradiol levels. Research, however, has shown that the ingestion of red clover has no significant effect on other body hormones.

As it can affect estradiol levels, isoflavones may cause weight gain. However, in a study involving 93 women who took red clover after menopause did not report weight gain.

Can red clover supplements help with the menopause? They can. But always look at the quantity of isoflavones when looking for an effective red clover supplement as these are active ingredients. It is necessary to be mindful that red clover should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, as well as children because of the estrogenic activity.

Women who use contraceptive products, such as birth control pills, should not always be taken with red clover. It could compete with estrogen, decreasing the effect of isoflavones in the red clover in the contraceptive.

Women who use HRT (hormone replacement therapy) should not take red clover products because they may interfere with therapy results.While there is no conclusive scientific evidence, red clover supplements are a very welcome alternative among women who are looking for measures to address menopause symptoms.