Lignans

Gut bacteria convert secoisolariciresinol into enterolactone and enterodiol, which can bind estrogen receptors weakly. People whose hot flashes worsen at night and whose night sweats soak the pillow more often notice fewer flashes and more continuous sleep over several weeks. When the microbiota that make enterolactone are stronger, the body sense is often clearer.

Enterolactone enters sterol-metabolism networks; some trials watch blood-lipid and hormone-related markers. People around menopause who care about endocrine rhythm and cardiovascular markers more often see direction in labs and how they feel over weeks to months. Conversion capacity varies, so the same extract can feel different from person to person.