What is the role of wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) in women's health?

From the Guidelines

Wild yam is not recommended as a treatment for menopausal symptoms or hormonal issues in women due to limited scientific evidence and potential interactions with hormone therapies. Wild yam is a plant that contains compounds called diosgenin, which some believe may help women with hormonal issues, though scientific evidence is limited 1. The typical dose of wild yam supplement is 1-2 capsules (usually 400-500mg each) taken 2-3 times daily, or as a cream applied to the skin 1-2 times daily. Despite marketing claims, wild yam does not naturally contain progesterone, though diosgenin can be converted to progesterone in laboratory settings but not in the human body. Some women report relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats when using wild yam products, but these effects may be due to placebo response.

Key Considerations

• Wild yam is generally considered safe for most people when taken in recommended amounts, though side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have hormone-sensitive conditions, or take medications should consult with a healthcare provider before using wild yam products, as it may interact with certain medications including hormone therapies.
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms, but its use is controversial due to associated health risks 1.
• Alternatives to HRT, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, can be used to manage menopausal symptoms in women who cannot take HRT.

Recommendations

• Women experiencing menopausal symptoms should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
• HRT should be used with caution and only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Women with a history of hormonally mediated cancers should not use HRT.
• Local hormonal treatments, such as vaginal estrogen preparations, can be used to manage vaginal dryness and other symptoms in women who cannot take systemic HRT.

From the Research

Wild Yam and Menopausal Symptoms

• Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a herbal preparation that has been used to manage menopausal symptoms 2, 3.
• A study published in 2001 found that topical wild yam cream had little effect on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, in healthy menopausal women 2.
• Another study published in 2014 suggested that wild yam may have potential benefits in protecting against osteoporosis and breast and gynecological cancers, but further evidence is required 3.

Safety and Efficacy of Wild Yam

• The 2001 study found that short-term treatment with topical wild yam extract was free of side-effects, but had little effect on menopausal symptoms 2.
• A 2008 study found that long-term supplementation with wild yam may cause chronic kidney injury via pro-fibrotic pathways, and may be best avoided in people with compromised renal function 4.
• The safety and efficacy of wild yam for menopausal symptoms is not well established, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects 2, 3, 5.

Comparison with Other Herbal Preparations

• Wild yam is one of several herbal preparations that have been studied for their potential benefits in managing menopausal symptoms 3, 5.
• Other herbal preparations, such as black cohosh and red clover, have been found to have some benefits in reducing menopausal symptoms, but the evidence is not always consistent 3, 5.
• Wild yam has been found to have potential benefits in protecting against osteoporosis and breast and gynecological cancers, but further evidence is required to fully understand its effects 3.