A recent three-year study demonstrated that Promensil—a natural, red clover isoflavone supplement marketed by Natrol, Chatsworth, CA—is a safe method of managing mild to moderate menopausal symptoms.

More than 400 healthy women with at least one first-degree relative with breast cancer were studied in the U.K. The women received a standardized supplement of 40 mg red clover isoflavones (Promensil) or placebo for 3 years in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Results showed that Promensil did not adversely affect breast density, skeletal strength, or cardiovascular status. In post-menopausal women, endometrial status was not adversely affected. The adverse event profile was similar between Promensil and placebo groups.

The study also shows that Promensil, containing a standardized supplement of red clover isoflavones, has a neutral effect on breast density in women with a family history of breast cancer. This is in contrast to studies showing that some conventional hormone replacement therapies (HRT) increase mammographic breast density, which has consistently been associated with risk for breast cancer.

Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses of 17 randomized controlled trials of supplementation with red clover or soy isoflavones demonstrate a significant reduction in menopausal hot flash frequency with red clover isoflavone use, particularly in women with frequent flashes.

Isoflavones, or phytoestrogens, which literally means “plant estrogens,” occur naturally in foods such as peas, lentils, soy, chickpeas, and other beans, as well as red clover. With a chemical structure similar to the body’s own estrogen, isoflavones—when consumed in adequate amounts during menopause—can mimic some of the effects of the body’s own estrogen to help support health and well-being, particularly hormonal balance when hormone levels are declining.

Promensil was first developed by Novogen Limited, North Ryde, Australia, which launched the product in Australia in 1997. Today, tens of thousands of women around the world take Promensil.