Fenugreek benefits for females

Introduction

Fenugreek is a traditional herb that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Its botanical name is Trigonella foenum-graecum. This herb is not only used as a spice but also has medicinal value. This article is all about fenugreek benefits for women. The common name of fenugreek is methi in Hindi, Fenugrec (French), Bockshorklee (German), Fienogreco (Italian). The plant is grown throughout the world. 

Nutritional value of Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are an excellent source of fiber, phospholipids, glycolipids, oleic acid, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and choline. It also contains vitamin A, B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, niacin, and many other functional elements.

Fenugreek benefits for females

The benefits of fenugreek are different for the different age groups of women.

1. Effect on Healthy menstruating women (aged 20 to 49 years) 

Intake of fenugreek seed extract (600 mg/day) over two menstrual cycles increases sexual desire and excitement in women. It also helps to increase the estrogen hormone level which is important for the growth, maintenance, and repair of reproductive tissues (1).

2. Effect on postmenopausal women (aged 45–65 years) 

After menopause, women are suffering from low desire, excitement for sex, and negative feelings (physical and emotional). However, intake of fenugreek (600 mg) containing food supplement (Libicare®, 2 tablets daily for 2 months) improves desire and excitement in women. It also helps to improve lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction as well as testosterone hormone levels in postmenopausal women (2).

3. Effect on women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS, aged 18-45 years)

PCOS is a hormonal disorder with symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, excessive body or facial hair, miscarriage, and infertility. However, ingestion of fenugreek seed extracts (Furocyst, 2 capsules of 500 mg each/day for 90 days) is effective to reduce ovary volume. It is also beneficial to reduce the cyst size, complete the dissolution of the cyst, and return to the regular menstrual cycle. Thus fenugreek helps to improve hemoglobin levels as well as fertility in women suffering from PCOS (3).

4. Effective to reduce Menopausal symptoms aged (40 to 65 years) 

Ingestion of fenugreek seed extract (600 mg per day for 12 weeks) is effective to reduce menopausal symptoms. It helps to reduce daytime hot flushes and night sweats as well as improve sexual function (lubrication and desire). Moreover, it also increases estrogen hormone, thus reducing vaginal symptoms of menopause (such as vaginal dryness/burning/itching) (4).

5. Effect on Breastfeeding Women

Fenugreek (1-6 g daily) is effective to increase the milk supply by stimulating the breast gland in breastfeeding women. Fenugreek also helps to treat breast cancer, postpartum depression, control appetite, and promote weight loss and decrease cholesterol triglycerides and blood sugar level levels (5).

6. Effects on the Unmarried Students suffering from Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)

Consumption of 2–3 fenugreek capsules (900 mg) 3 times a day, for the first 3 days of menstruation. It is effective to reduce pain (cramps and pelvic pain), its duration, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and lack of energy. Therefore, fenugreek seed powder for two consecutive menstrual cycles is useful during menstruation to reduce the severity of dysmenorrhea (6).

7. Effect on obese women

Ingestion of fenugreek tea suppresses short-term appetite in overweight women by increasing the feelings of fullness. It contains a high amount of water-soluble fiber, which helps to control appetite by decreasing hunger and preventing further food intake  (7).

8. Enhance breast size

Fenugreek seed contains a bioactive compound that increases healthy breast tissue and is useful to enhance breast size. Moreover, it also enhances the estrogen hormone that promotes sexual and reproductive development (8).

Side effect of fenugreek

Fenugreek is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a flavoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fenugreek and its product such as essential oils, and oleoresins, have been used since ancient times for different applications. However, its effect on nurturing mothers and others needed to be concerned before taking fenugreek

1. Side Effect of fenugreek in nursing mothers or infants

1. Fenugreeks can worsen the symptoms of asthma, thus breastfeeding women with chronic asthma, should avoid the use of fenugreek.
2. If you are suffering from gastrointestinal upset and allergy should be used fenugreek with caution.
3. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating for breastfeeding women and their breastfed infants.
4. Women who are suffering from low blood pressure, and blood sugar, and are under medication like warfarin (blood thinner) should take precautions. It can interact with warfarin to cause bleeding, therefore, consult a doctor before using fenugreek. 
5. Fenugreek is well tolerated by a person but may increase the incidences of migraines in women. 
6. It may increase heart rate, and breast congestion, decrease serum potassium as well as cause liver toxicity.
7. Intake of fenugreek for its galactagogue action can develop toxic epidermal necrolysis (life-threatening dermatologic disorder) (9).
8. Women, who choose to use fenugreek to increase milk production, should not use this herb in the long term. It may cause blood clotting thus use should be as low as possible to achieve the required therapeutic effect (10).

2. Other side effects of fenugreek

Pregnant women should avoid or use a very less amount (not higher than found) of fenugreek. It may induce labor or can cause abortion (11).