Phyto-Adapt: Plant Based Natural Support for Perimenopause & Menopause

Schisandra is an herbal remedy used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and commonly used in Western herbalism as well. It is an adaptogen that supports both liver and adrenal health, along with a host of other bodily processes mentioned in the adaptogens section above. Notably, research shows that Schisandra decreases a number of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations. This is one of Dr. Blake’s favorite adaptogenic herbs and is the first ingredient in Phyto-Adapt.

This is another Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years and by Dr. Blake for their entire time in clinical practice. Astragalus is an adaptogen that also a notable antiviral support, along with immune system benefits. It has the benefits of adaptogens already described above, but is specifically in this formula along with the next ingredient, Dong quai, because these two herbs have been documented for successful use for menopausal symptoms for at least 800 years! Astragalus and Dong Quai are a powerful pair in Phyto-Adapt and are included in a specific ratio described in the literature from the ancient Chinese use.

Dong Quai is sometimes called “female ginseng”. It has a long historical use in Chinese medicine for menstrual and menopausal symptoms. It would be a beneficial herbal inclusion on its own, but the combination of Dong Quai with Astragalus in the specific ratio in Phyto-Adapt increases the effectiveness and has been in use in Chinese medicine for at least 800 years. Dong Quai is also an herb Dr. Blake has been using for many years in formulas to help balance all manner of female hormone imbalances, and particularly during the menopausal transition.

Black Cohosh is a North American herb that has a long history of historical use for hot flashes. Research and clinical practice demonstrate its effectiveness and it is included in Phyto-Adapt at a dose shown effective in research. Black Cohosh also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have lended to its traditional use in musculoskeletal pain as well. This herb provides meaningful support in this holistically-driven formula.

You could fill an entire book on the historical uses of licorice root, as well as the research on its use and vast medicinal properties. While licorice is notable for containing phytoestrogens and is anti-inflammatory, that is not its role in the Phyto-Adapt formula. Licorice is used here in a low dose as a supportive agent in the formula. Many Chinese formulas contain licorice in this role and it also makes sense from a chemical perspective as well. Licorice contains molecules called saponins that will support absorption of the other ingredients in this formula. It is in Phyto-Adapt as a low dose synergist. Dr. Blake has used licorice in this way in herbal formulas in their clinical practice for well over a decade.

*It is worth noting that large doses of licorice can increase blood pressure due to its impacts on cortisol. However, this is not a concern with Phyto-Adapt at the serving size recommended. It is safe even for those with hypertension.

Hops is a calming herb with bitter qualities. Dr. Blake has used hops a great deal for digestive and sleep support, but also uses hops for menopause benefits because it contains phytoestrogens, which help with symptoms such as hot flashes and many other symptoms related to estrogen decline. Hops contains a compound called 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), one of the most potent phytoestrogens known. There are two main types of estrogen receptors in the body - estrogen receptor alpha and beta - which natural estrogen and phytoestrogens can bind to. Each of these receptors is present in certain tissues and has differing roles. The phytoestrogens in hops largely bind to and stimulate estrogen receptor alpha. The next ingredient, Rhapontic rhubarb, is in this formula for its estrogen receptor beta binding ability.

Rhapontic rhubarb is a research-backed, clinically proven herbal remedy for multiple menopausal symptoms. Whereas hops is in Phyto-Adapt to stimulate estrogen receptor alpha, Rhapontic rhubarb is here to simulate estrogen receptor beta. This rounds out the phytoestrogen activity in Phyto-Adapt to give superior menopause symptom relief.