Rhubarb contains nutrients that may help relieve some menopausal symptoms. The most notable are its phytoestrogens, which act like estrogens in the body. Rhubarb also provides antioxidants and can promote healthy digestion. While more research is still needed, preliminary findings suggest rhubarb may offer certain benefits for women going through menopause.
Phytoestrogens in Rhubarb
- Rhubarb contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic the activity of estrogen in the body.
- During menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly, which leads to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
- Phytoestrogens may help ease these symptoms by weakly and temporarily binding to estrogen receptors throughout the body.
- The two main phytoestrogens in rhubarb are anthraquinones and stilbenes. Studies indicate they exhibit estrogenic activity and could offset declining estrogen during menopause.
Antioxidants in Rhubarb
- Rhubarb is high in antioxidants like vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
- Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which increases during menopause due to declining estrogen.
- By supplying antioxidants, rhubarb may help slow the aging process and protect cells from free radical damage.
Supports Healthy Digestion
- Many women experience GI issues like constipation and diarrhea during menopause, often due to hormone fluctuations.
- Rhubarb contains fiber and antioxidants that promote digestive health and healthy bowel movements. This can help ease menopausal digestive problems.
Further Research Still Needed
While small studies on phytoestrogens show promise for alleviating hot flashes and other menopause symptoms, more research is still needed specifically on rhubarb. Possible areas for future research include:
- Placebo-controlled trials with larger sample sizes
- Studies that isolation the effects of rhubarb anthraquinones and stilbenes
- Research on optimal dosing and preparations (extract, powder, raw)
- Long-term studies on the safety and efficacy of rhubarb supplements
For now, adding rhubarb to your diet in moderation may support overall health during menopause due to its unique combination of trace phytoestrogens, antioxidants and fiber. But its usefulness specifically for relieving menopausal symptoms requires more clinical validation.
If you're experiencing severe, disruptive symptoms,
consult a doctor about prescription estrogen or low-dose birth control. Lifestyle measures should also be emphasized – such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly, reducing stress through yoga or meditation, and getting adequate, restful sleep. Small tweaks like eating more soy and flaxseed or taking an over-the-counter menopause supplement may also help in gentle, safe ways.
At Balance & Renew Clinic, we specialize in helping women smoothly transition into menopause with our personalized programs. Contact us today for a free phone consultation! Our caring doctors and nurse practitioners can provide medical advice, prescribe hormones if appropriate, recommend dietary changes, customize supplements, and offer compassionate support on your path to better health and wellbeing during this change of life.
