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Dietary supplement

Phytoestrogen Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Phytoestrogen Complex label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Phytoestrogen Complex against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Phytoestrogen Complex is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for hot flashes and night sweats, other menopause symptoms, mood changes during menopause.Based on those ingredients, 1,127 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Black Cohosh extract, Soy Bean extract, Dong Quai. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 3, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains four active ingredients: black cohosh extract, dong quai, soy bean extract, and Mexican wild yam extract. These are traditional botanical sources of phytoestrogens — plant compounds with estrogen-like effects — historically used to support hormonal balance and menopausal comfort.

The capsules also contain several inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose (a binder), gelatin (capsule material), ginger, licorice, saw palmetto powder, pygeum bark extract, and magnesium stearate (a flow agent).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Hormonal support for menopausal and menstrual health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Dysmenorrhea, Breast cancer-related hot flashes, Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)-associated hot flashes, Postmenopausal conditions — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Black Cohosh is rated "Possibly Effective" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Soy is rated "Possibly Effective" for Menopausal symptoms.
  • Also on file: Wild Yam is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms, though evidence for acne, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and breast cancer-related hot flashes is insufficient. Soy bean extract is possibly effective for diabetes, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and diarrhea.

Dong quai's evidence for iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, heart disease, migraines, and eczema is insufficient. Wild yam appears possibly ineffective for menopausal symptoms; evidence for gallbladder disease, sexual dysfunction, period pain, and infertility is insufficient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Cohosh Dong Quai Soy Wild Yam

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Black cohosh is generally well tolerated short-term but rare liver concerns warrant medical guidance. Common side effects include breast tenderness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, irritability, rash, and tiredness.

Avoid during pregnancy (possibly unsafe) and breastfeeding (possibly unsafe). Dong quai is generally well tolerated; burping and gas are most common.

It may increase bleeding risk and cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to possible effects on the uterus.

Soy bean extract is well tolerated; bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea may occur, and allergic reactions are possible. Dietary soy amounts are likely safe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, though high-dose isoflavone supplements need caution.

Wild yam is generally well tolerated short-term; headache, fever, upset stomach, and vomiting may occur, and anaphylaxis is rare. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Cohosh Dong Quai Soy Wild Yam

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 4 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Cohosh, Dong Quai, Wild Yam, Soy.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 1,128 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Dong quai significantly increases bleeding risk with warfarin — this is the most serious interaction. Soy bean extract poses a Major concern with MAOIs (older antidepressants).

Black cohosh and soy raise Moderate concerns with serotonergic antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, diabetes medications, estrogen therapy, and thyroid hormone (levothyroxine). Black cohosh also interacts with drugs your liver metabolizes via CYP2D6, liver-toxic medications, atorvastatin, and cancer drugs like cisplatin.

Run your medications through the search tool on this page before taking this product.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines four phytoestrogen ingredients to support menopausal symptoms, though only black cohosh has possibly effective evidence for that use. It has interactions with over 1,100 medications across multiple categories — blood thinners, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, diabetes medications, and thyroid hormone being key ones.

If you take any prescription medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product, especially if you're on warfarin, a serotonergic antidepressant, or an MAOI.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Phytoestrogen Complex, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536022113
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2017
DSLD ID 71951
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536022113
IngredientAmount% DV
Black Cohosh extract40 mg--
Dong Quai40 mg--
Soy Bean extract150 mg--
Mexican Wild Yam extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Ginger, Licorice, Saw Palmetto powder, Pygeum bark extract, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

One per day herbal complex

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule daily, preferably with a meal.

General Statements

Hormonal support

Actual size

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Gluten free Dairy free Nut free

Does Not Contain: Yeast, wheat, gluten, sugar, salt, dairy, citrus, fish, preservatives or artificial flavors.

Precautions

Contains: Soy.

Warning: Not to be used by pregnant or nursing women. Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Tamper Evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

NovaSoy is a registered trademark of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

Novasoy

General

Item No. VS-2211 1546159 AR 1

Formula

Contains: Soy.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Phytoestrogen Complex label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Black Cohosh extract

Interacts with
652 drugs
40 mg per serving

Black cohosh is a North American plant most often used to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the research is mixed and far from settled. It...

Black Cohosh extract monograph & interactions

Dong Quai

Interacts with
163 drugs
40 mg per serving

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scienti...

Dong Quai monograph & interactions

Soy Bean extract

Interacts with
611 drugs
150 mg per serving Form: Isoflavones

Soy is a nutritious bean that is a staple food and a popular source of plant protein and isoflavones. Eating soy foods as part of a balanced diet is g...

Soy Bean extract monograph & interactions

Mexican Wild Yam extract

Interacts with
41 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Diosgenin

Wild yam is a root traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, cramps, and as a so-called 'natural' hormone supplement, but solid human evidence for t...

Mexican Wild Yam extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Gelatin, Ginger, Licorice, Saw Palmetto powder, Pygeum bark extract, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Phytoestrogen Complex?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,127Drugs
11 Major 949 Moderate 167 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Black Cohosh extract 652
Soy Bean extract 611
Dong Quai 163
Mexican Wild Yam extract 41

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Phytoestrogen Complex interact with 1,127 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

4 of the 4 ingredients in Phytoestrogen Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Black Cohosh extract Soy Bean extract Dong Quai Mexican Wild Yam extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Phytoestrogen Complex with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Black Cohosh extract7 drug types · 652 drugs

Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Taking black cohosh with atorvastatin might increase the risk for elevated liver function tests.
In one case report, a patient taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) developed significantly elevated liver function enzymes after starting black cohosh 100 mg four times daily. Liver enzymes returned to normal when black cohosh was discontinued. It is unclear whether the elevated liver enzymes were due to black cohosh itself or an interaction between atorvastatin and black cohosh.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cisplatin (Platinol-Aq)

Theoretically, black cohosh may reduce the clinical effects of cisplatin.
Animal research suggests that black cohosh might decrease the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cells.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Some research suggests that black cohosh might inhibit CYP2D6, but there is conflicting evidence.
Some clinical research suggests that black cohosh might modestly inhibit CYP2D6 and increase levels of drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, contradictory clinical research shows a specific black cohosh product (Remifemin, Enzymatic Therapy) 40 mg twice daily does not significantly inhibit metabolism of a CYP2D6 substrate in healthy study volunteers. Until more is known, use black cohosh cautiously in patients taking drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Estrogens

Theoretically, black cohosh may alter the effects of estrogen therapy.
Some research suggests that black cohosh has estrogenic effects. This may enhance or inhibit the effects of estrogen therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking black cohosh with hepatotoxic drugs may increase the risk of liver damage.
There is concern that black cohosh might be linked to cases of liver failure and autoimmune hepatitis.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Combining serotonergic drugs with black cohosh might cause additive serotonergic effects.
Black cohosh might increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Black cohosh acts as an agonist at several serotonin receptor subtypes and might interact with other serotonergic medications. In one case, a 55-year-old female who had been on stable treatment with sertraline 50 mg and duloxetine 60 mg daily developed serotonin syndrome after taking black cohosh extract 40 mg daily for 3 days.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Black cohosh may inhibit one form of OATP, OATP2B1, which could reduce the bioavailability and clinical effects of OATP2B1 substrates.
In vitro research shows that black cohosh modestly inhibits OATP2B1. OATPs are expressed in the small intestine and liver and are responsible for the uptake of drugs and other compounds into the body. Inhibition of OATP may reduce the bioavailability of oral drugs that are substrates of OATP.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Black Cohosh extract full monograph & interactions

Soy Bean extract12 drug types · 611 drugs

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Taking soy products containing high amounts of tyramine along with MAOIs can increase the risk of hypertensive crisis.
Fermented soy products such as tofu and soy sauce contain tyramine, a naturally occurring chemical that affects blood pressure regulation. The metabolism of tyramine is decreased by MAOIs. Consuming more than 6 mg of tyramine while taking an MAOI can increase the risk of hypertensive crisis. The amount of tyramine in fermented soy products is usually less than 0.6 mg per serving; however, there can be significant variation depending on the specific product used, storage conditions, and length of storage. Storing one brand of tofu for a week can increase tyramine content from 0.23 mg to 4.8 mg per serving. Advise patients taking MAOIs to avoid fermented soy products that contain high amounts of tyramine.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Antidiabetes Drugs

Soy can lower blood glucose and have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs.
Clinical research shows that whole soy diets and soy-based meals reduce fasting glucose levels in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Also, individuals following a soy-based meal replacement plan seem to require lower doses of sulfonylureas and metformin to manage blood glucose levels when compared with individuals following a diet plan recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically soy protein may have additive effects with antihypertensive drugs and increase the risk of hypotension.
Although some contradictory research exists, most clinical evidence suggests that consuming soy protein modestly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in individuals with prehypertension or hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Caffeine

Theoretically, soy might reduce the clearance of caffeine.
Soy contains genistein. Taking genistein 1 gram daily for 14 days seems to inhibit caffeine clearance and metabolism in healthy females. This effect has been attributed to inhibition of the cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) enzyme, which is involved in caffeine metabolism. It is unclear if this effect occurs with the lower amounts of genistein found in soy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, soy might have additive effects when used with diuretic drugs.
Animal research suggests that genistein, a soy isoflavone, increases diuresis within 6 hours of subcutaneous administration in rats. The effects seem to be similar to those of furosemide. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, soy might competitively inhibit the effects of estrogen replacement therapy.
Soy contains phytoestrogens and has been shown to have estrogenic activity in some patients. Although this has not been demonstrated in humans, theoretically, concomitant use of soy with estrogen replacement therapy might reduce the effects of the estrogen replacement therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Soy products might reduce the absorption of levothyroxine in some patients.
Preliminary clinical research and a case report suggest that soy-based formulas inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine in infants with congenital hypothyroidism. A levothyroxine dosage increase may be needed for infants with congenital hypothyroidism while using soy-based formulas, and the dose may need to be reduced when soy-based formulas are no longer administered. However, in postmenopausal adults, clinical research shows that taking a single dose of soy extract containing isoflavones 60 mg along with levothyroxine does not affect the oral bioavailability of levothyroxine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Progesterone

Theoretically, combining soy isoflavones with transdermal progesterone may worsen bone density.
Clinical research suggests that significant bone loss may occur in females with osteoporosis who receive a combination of transdermal progesterone with soy milk containing isoflavones when compared with placebo, soy milk alone, or progesterone alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, estrogenic soy isoflavones might alter the effects of tamoxifen.
Laboratory research suggests that genistein and daidzen, isoflavones from soy, can antagonize the antitumor effects of tamoxifen under some circumstances; however, soy isoflavones might have different effects when used at different doses. A relatively low in vitro concentration of soy isoflavones such as 1 microM/L seems to interfere with tamoxifen, whereas high in vitro concentrations such as those >10 microM/L might actually enhance tamoxifen effects. People on a high-soy diet have soy isoflavones levels ranging from 0.1-6 microM/L. Until more is known, advise patients taking tamoxifen to avoid therapeutic use of soy products.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, soy might interfere with the effects of warfarin.
Soy milk has been reported to decrease the international normalized ratio (INR) in a patient taking warfarin. The mechanism of this interaction is not known. However, animal and in vitro research suggests that soy may also inhibit platelet aggregation. Dosing adjustments for warfarin may be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, antibiotics may decrease the activity of soy isoflavones.
Intestinal bacteria are responsible in part for converting soy isoflavones into their active forms. Antibiotics may decrease the amount of intestinal bacteria and decrease its ability to convert isoflavones.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Soy might modestly induce CYP2C9 enzymes. However, this effect does not seem to be clinically significant.
In vitro research suggests that an unhydrolyzed soy extract might induce CYP2C9. However, the significance of this interaction is likely minimal. In healthy females taking a specific extract of soy (Genistein Soy Complex, Source Naturals), blood levels of losartan, a CYP2C9 substrate, were not significantly affected.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Soy Bean extract full monograph & interactions

Dong Quai3 drug types · 163 drugs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with warfarin.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of dong quai with warfarin can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case, after 4 weeks of taking dong quai 565 mg once or twice daily, the international normalized ratio (INR) increased to 4.9. The INR normalized 4 weeks after discontinuation of dong quai.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, dong quai may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; however, research is conflicting.
Animal studies suggest that dong quai has antithrombin activity and inhibits platelet aggregation due to its coumarin components. Additionally, some case reports in humans suggest that dong quai can increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. However, clinical research in healthy adults shows that taking 1 gram of dong quai root daily for 3 weeks does not significantly inhibit platelet aggregation or cause bleeding. Until more is known, use dong quai with caution in patients taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, dong quai may reduce the effects of estrogens.
Dong quai has estrogenic effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of dong quai might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dong Quai full monograph & interactions

Mexican Wild Yam extract1 drug type · 41 drugs

Estrogens

Theoretically, wild yam might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen.
Wild yam root shows estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in vitro. Theoretically, wild yam might interfere with hormone therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Mexican Wild Yam extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Phytoestrogen Complex, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Phytoestrogen Complex by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Phytoestrogen Complex has a known interaction with 1,127 medications, including 11 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Phytoestrogen Complex contains 4 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Black cohosh, dong quai, and wild yam should be avoided in both pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and possible effects on the uterus. Soy bean extract in normal dietary amounts is likely safe while breastfeeding and in pregnancy, but concentrated isoflavone supplements warrant medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or nursing.
Will this help with hot flashes?
Black cohosh is possibly effective for menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. The other ingredients—dong quai, soy, and wild yam—have insufficient evidence for that specific use, though wild yam appears possibly ineffective for menopausal relief.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects come from black cohosh—breast tenderness, dizziness, upset stomach, headache, and tiredness. Soy bean extract may cause bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or nausea. Dong quai can cause burping and gas. Allergic reactions are possible with soy.
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
This product contains dong quai, which case reports show can increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin (Coumadin). It also contains soy bean extract, which theoretically may interfere with warfarin effects. Do not take this product with any blood thinner without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I take this with my antidepressant?
Black cohosh can interact with serotonergic antidepressants and raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Additionally, if you're on an MAOI (an older class of antidepressant), soy bean extract poses a Major interaction risk. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before combining this product with any antidepressant.
What is black cohosh used for in this product?
Black cohosh is included as a phytoestrogen traditionally used to support menopausal symptoms. It's possibly effective for that purpose, though the evidence is limited for other uses like acne or anxiety.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Phytoestrogen Complex label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Phytoestrogen Complex’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Black Cohosh

Interacts with 652 drugs

Black cohosh is a North American plant most often used to ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes, but the research is mixed and far from settled. It is generally well tolerated for short-t...

Read the full Black Cohosh monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Dong Quai

Interacts with 163 drugs

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb often called "female ginseng" and is mostly used for menstrual and menopausal complaints. High-quality scientific evidence that it works for these use...

Read the full Dong Quai monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Soy

Interacts with 611 drugs

Soy is a nutritious bean that is a staple food and a popular source of plant protein and isoflavones. Eating soy foods as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe for most people...

Read the full Soy monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Wild Yam

Interacts with 41 drugs

Wild yam is a root traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, cramps, and as a so-called 'natural' hormone supplement, but solid human evidence for these uses is lacking. Despite popular cl...

Read the full Wild Yam monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Phytoestrogen Complex's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 182 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Black Cohosh 68 references
  1. McFarlin BL, Gibson MH, O'Rear J, Harman P. A national survey of herbal preparation use by nurse-midwives for labor stimulation. Review of the literature and recommendations for practice. J Nurse Midwifery 1999;44:205-16. PubMed
  2. Whiting PW, Clouston A, Kerlin P. Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust 2002;177:440-3. PubMed
  3. Pepping J. Black cohosh: Cimicifuga racemosa. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:1400-2. PubMed
  4. Liske E. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Cimicifuga racemosa for gynecologic disorders. Adv Ther 1998;15:45-53.
  5. Kruse SO, Lohning A, Pauli GF, et al. Fukiic and piscidic acid esters from the rhizome of Cimicifuga racemosa and the in vitro estrogenic activity of fukinolic acid. Planta Med 1999;65:763-4.
  6. Jacobson JS, Troxel AB, Evans J, et al. Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:2739-45. PubMed
  7. Gunn TR, Wright IM. The use of black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1996;109:410-1.
  8. Baillie N, Rasmussen P. Black and blue cohosh in labour. N Z Med J 1997;110:20-1.
  9. Lontos S, Jones RM, Angus PW, Gow PJ. Acute liver failure associated with the use of herbal preparations containing black cohosh. Med J Aust 2003;179:390-1.. DOI
  10. Wuttke W, Seidlova-Wuttke D, Gorkow C. The Cimicifuga preparation BNO 1055 vs. conjugated estrogens in a double-blind placebo-controlled study: effects on menopause symptoms and bone markers. Maturitas 2003;44:S67-77. PubMed
  11. Huntley A, Ernst E. A systematic review of the safety of black cohosh. Menopause 2003;10:58-64.. DOI
  12. Cohen SM, O'Connor AM, Hart J, et al. Autoimmune hepatitis associated with the use of black cohosh: a case study. Menopause 2004;11:575-7. PubMed
  13. Vitetta L, Thomsen M, Sali A. Black cohosh and other herbal remedies associated with acute hepatitis. Med J Aust 2003;178:411-2.. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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