Estrogens are present not only in women but also in men, though their levels are higher in women. They are especially higher in amounts after menarche or the onset menstrual period at puberty.

The main function of estrogen in women is development of female secondary characteristics, including:

• Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
• Breasts
• Endometrium

In men, estrogen aids in the development and growth of the sperm and maintenance of healthy libido.

Pueraria Mirifica is an herb that is indigenous in Thailand. It has been subjected to several studies for possible benefits to menopausal women.

Mirifica contains the following substances:

• Isoflavones daidzein and puerarin – mimic estrogen
• Miroestrol (along with its derivative deoxymiroestrol) – acts as Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs).
  
  SERM drugs are available. They are used for osteoporosis, cancer and postmenopausal symptoms.

These phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) bind to estrogen receptors. Upon binding to estrogen receptors, they function as either agonists or antagonists, depending on the tissues involved and the physiologic conditions.

For example, miroestrol acts as an antagonist against estrogen receptor stimulation. Stimulation of certain estrogen receptors are often seen in cases of breast or endometrial cancer.

In contrast, these compounds can also act as estrogen agonists. In this capacity, they support bone density and cardiovascular health, and fight menopausal symptoms.

Research supports the idea that Mirifica can improve menopausal symptoms - hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, and irregular or absent periods – and we shall mention a couple of clinical investigations done on this compound.

• The first study to mention was conducted by researchers by Verasing Muangman and Wichai Cherdshewasart.
  
  In this study, women were made women to use a daily dose of 200 mg for the first three weeks of every month across four months in the first phase of treatment.
  
  In the second phase, also lasting four months, the participants were given 200 mg per day for 20 days per month.
  
  The researchers found that the given doses were effective and safe in treating menopausal symptoms.
• Another study we can cite for this purpose was the one done by Lamlertkittikul S. and his colleague Chandeying V. Here, participants randomly received at least 50 mg or 100 mg of Mirifica once daily for 6 months.
  
  The conclusion reached by the researchers is that: Mirifica relatively lessen critical symptoms experienced by perimenopausal women.
  
  The researchers also added that in terms of doses, the appropriate dose to give should be clinically assessed, based on individual responses.

Due to the strong estrogenic effect of Mirifica, it is sold as an herbal supplement, mainly for menopause symptoms, but aside from that, the substance shows benefits in the following areas of health and wellness, including:

• Vaginal Health – improved symptoms of vaginal dryness and irritation. For further research on benefits for vaginal health, we recommend reading the report released by Manonai, J. MD, et.al., who evaluated Mirifica on vaginal symptoms, vaginal health index, vaginal pH, and vaginal cytology.
• Bone Health – maintenance of bone density and quality, and prevention of osteoporosis
• Antioxidant Activity – significant improvement in antioxidant levels
• Heart Health – increased levels of LDL cholesterol, reduced levels of LDL cholesterol and improved vascular function
• Brain Health – slows down mental decline, reduced oxidative stress occurring in brain tissues

As research on Mirifica is still in its early stage, there is still no consensus as to how much of the Mirifica tablets or capsules one should take.

Possible risks for using the compound have also not been established yet, with some studies even suggesting that there are no adverse effects that have been recorded among the participants.

Even without the consensus, it appears that a dosage of 100 mg per day or less is safe. The lowest dosage available is 25 mg per capsule.

Pueraria Mirifica is being advertised as a better alternative to hormone replacement therapies due to the fact that these conventional methods have caused patients to develop blood clots, cancer, heart attack and stroke.

Additionally, about dosage, we’ve heard experts saying that they are taking more than the amounts taken by participants in clinical studies.

One of these is the world-renowned women’s health physician, Christiane Northrup, M.D. She said that she is recommending Pueraria Mirifica and does personally take it 100 mg twice per day along with other cofactors that she believes help her body utilize it more efficiently.

Dr. Northup specifically talks about the miroestrol content of Mirifica benefitting menopausal women. She believes that it is the active component of Mirifica and that menopausal women should take it with a dose of 60-100 mg taken twice daily.

That dosage is about 4-mg/kg of body weight, but the good doctor recommends increasing dosage by one additional pill to be taken for one month for some women. After one month, they can return to the twice-daily regimen.

You can listen to other experts on the matter of dosage, but then again, how your body will respond to different amounts must be your ultimate gauge.

Talking to your doctor about how your body reacts to the substance can help you determine the perfect dosage that will not put your health at risk while relieving your symptoms the best way possible.

Pueraria Mirifica is sold in the US as a dietary supplement. It is available in capsule, tablet and gel forms, and online, you can purchase it in the form of topical serums and creams, with these latter formulations being applied on the face, breasts or vagina.

Oral supplements are available from 25 mg as the lowest. The highest dosage per pill is 1000 mg.

To reiterate, there are still no guidelines for Mirifica use, so one probably needs to use 50 mg per day as a safe starting dosage.

While you mainly want menopausal symptoms relief, Pueraria Mirifica may also work wonders on your breast and improve your overall looks – at a crucial time in your life.

Well, the phytoestrogens that have been said to be the ones causing reduction on menopausal symptoms are the same estrogen-associated substances that will cause your busts to grow bigger and firmer.

We checked studies done on the matter as well. For one, check out the research conducted by Anna Kakehashi, et.al. They reported that Mirifica exerts estrogenic effects in the mammary glands.

Other researchers concluded that the amount of increase in size is 1-2 cup sizes lasting permanently with prolonged use. The herb’s particular effect on breast milk gland is that it enhances cell production in this particular area of the female body.

Suggested use for breast enlargement is twice-daily topical application for 3 to 5 minutes until completely absorbed. Commercial manufacturers suggest a dose of 250 mg orally taken in the morning and in the evening.

Aside from the improved busts, some users report about the following:

• Softer and younger-looking skin
• Improved blood flow
• Enhanced memory functions
• Reduced freckles
• Reduced presence of cellulite

Pueraria Mirifica has a number of benefits for men including:

• Increased hair growth
• Firmer skin, complexion and tone
• Genital enhancement
• Increased sexual drive and performance
• Body rejuvenation increasing levels of energy and vitality