Red clover isoflavones in practice: a clinician's view.

The subject of phytoestrogen use must be seen against the background of increasing controversy surrounding the role of hormone replacement therapy. Phytoestrogens such as those derived from red clover may help with hot flushes, which are a common menopausal complaint. Red clover isoflavones have more evidence base than most herbal medicinal products, although the literature is beset by difference in methodologies making direct comparison between studies difficult. There certainly does not appear to be any increased risk for women with breast cancer, who often suffer severely from sweats and flushes. There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend its use for bone protection in a group of women who are at high risk.