photo credit: tonypavone
News flash: Get ready for natural approach to hot flash relief that is proving to be comparable in effectiveness to an ultra low dose of conventional hormone therapies.
It’s a natural supplement called Estrovera. Extensively researched, Estrovera contains a phytoestrogenic extract of rhaptonic rhubarb root, known as ERr 731.
Which begs the question, just what is ERr 731?
The naturopathic wonders of ERr731
ERr731 is a novel herbal extract made from the rhapontic (Siberian) rhubarb root. In the past, it’s been successful for the management of menopausal hot flushes and other symptoms tied to menopause tradition.
It’s similar to the more familiar garden rhubarb, although I’m not so certain people are baking pies out of ERr 731. Estrovera’s new product, however, may spark a trend.
Cultivated in Europe, ERr 731 has been shown to provide “consistent and significant symptom reduction comparable to traditional hormone therapies (HT), and without the risk of adverse effect,” according to the manufacturer, Metagenics. Indeed, the research studies have been impressive.
ERr 731 also compares favorably to other natural approaches, at least from what we can tell. There have not been a conclusive number of well-controlled studies to draw solid conclusions from, but it appears to be a more effective approach than soy, black cohosh, red clover, hops and flax lignans.
Clinical studies, effective results
Perhaps even more noteworthy is the fact that ERr 731 may be the first phytoestrogen extract to transcend the placebo effect in clinical studies and offer a high degree of effectiveness. Some highlights include:
- An average reduction of 12 to 2 hot flushes per day with ERr 731 in 12 weeks, vs. an average increase of hot flushes from 12 to 13 per day with a placebo.
- Greater improvements in Women’s Health Questionnaire scores for general well-being and state of health.
- No relevant changes in objective clinical and safety tests.
Low doses of ERr 731 also appear to be effective in achieving the best clinical results.
More impressively, higher dosages are not recommended. Most women with greater symptomatology reported more benefit from ERr 731 without using more than the recommended dosage.
Recommendation from the naturopathic doctor
Estrovera should be appealing to women who cannot or choose not to take traditional hormone therapies.
A single does of 4mg with food and a glass of water, taken at the same time each day, has proven to be most effective.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us. The naturopathic doctor recommends Estrovera.