What plant compounds are thought to support female hormonal balance in fennel?
Answer
Phytoestrogens
Fennel has a history of traditional application relating to women's health, particularly concerning the modulation of the menstrual cycle and relief from associated discomforts. The mechanism underpinning this potential benefit is linked to specific plant compounds known as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are natural chemicals found in plants that possess a molecular structure similar enough to the human hormone estrogen that they can weakly interact with the body's estrogen receptors. By mimicking or weakly opposing estrogenic effects, these compounds are believed to assist in modulating the natural hormonal fluctuations that characterize the female cycle, potentially leading to alleviation of symptoms associated with PMS.

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