Wild yam extract has long been explored as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms due to its purported phytoestrogenic properties. Often formulated as a topical cream, it is thought to help manage common complaints such as flushing and nocturnal sweating, offering an alternative to conventional hormone therapies. This interest has spurred clinical investigations into its safety and potential effects on lipids and sex hormones in menopausal women.
Protocols Studied in Research
Effects of Wild Yam Extract on Menopausal Symptoms, Lipids, and Sex Hormones in Healthy Menopausal Women [1]
- Protocol: In a double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, cross‑over study, 23 healthy menopausal women (mean age 53.3 years; average 4.3 years since last period) were enrolled. Following a 4‑week baseline period, participants applied a topical wild yam cream and a matching placebo for 3 months each in random order. Daily symptom diaries were maintained, and blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months to measure lipids and hormone levels.
- Outcome: There were no significant side‑effects with either treatment, and no changes were observed in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, FSH, glucose, estradiol, or progesterone levels. Symptom scores showed only minor improvements in flushing and nocturnal sweating, with no statistical difference between the active wild yam cream and placebo. Overall, short‑term treatment with topical wild yam extract appears safe but has little effect on menopausal symptoms.
Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion
In a rigorous crossover study with healthy menopausal women, topical wild yam extract was found to be safe, with no significant side effects or changes in metabolic and hormonal markers. However, its impact on menopausal symptoms was minimal, as only minor improvements in flushing and nocturnal sweating were observed, with no significant difference from placebo.
In simple terms, while wild yam cream is a safe option, it appears to offer little benefit in relieving menopausal symptoms.
Publications
[1] Komesaroff PA, Black CV, Cable V, Sudhir K. Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women. Climacteric. 2001 Jun;4(2):144-50. PMID: 11428178.
