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Family matters

Are phytoestrogens the same as progesterone?

If I understand it (WDDTY, vol 11 no 5) correctly, phytoestrogens can be as ill advised as HRT. What I am uncertain about are saponins, from which progesterone is made. Does 'phytoestrogens' include these saponins and, therefore, do oestrogen and progesterone both come under the same warning heading, or is progesterone something completely different?

You mention that phytoestrogens are purported to prevent osteoporosis. But phytoestrogens are not, to my knowledge, used in this capacity (perhaps you regard them on a par with HRT in this respect); you also mention boron and its use to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. My understanding is that progesterone has the ability to prevent osteoporosis and even increase bone density. Incidentally, I took boron for four years to help with menopausal symptoms, but to no avail.

Are saponins the common source of both oestrogens and progesterone in which case, they both involve risk or is the plant derived natural progesterone, the oestrogen precursor, okay? I hope you understand my confusion Mrs Susan Croft, Boston, Lincs

WDDTY replies:

See our information on progesterone in The Menopause Handbook.

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