Written by Patrick Massey, M.D., Ph.D. Soy isoflavones are similar to estrogens and research show they are effective with menopause symptoms.
Hot flashes, muscle pain and vaginal dryness are all symptoms of menopause. Although the traditional medical approach for treating menopause-related symptoms is to prescribe estrogen-based medications, the unassuming soybean may be just as effective.
Menopause is a stage of a woman’s life when the body does not make as much of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Although some research has suggested that the increased risk of breast cancer from hormone replacement is small, many women would prefer a more “natural” way of easing their menopause symptoms.
The soybean is believed to have originated in Asia and has been part of the Chinese diet and medical system for over 5,000 years. It is an excellent source of nutrition as well as having significant medical benefits.
Soybeans contain isoflavones, active compounds that are also known as phytoestrogens or plant estrogens. These phytoestrogens bind to the estrogen receptors on the cells and send a signal that is similar to that of estrogen itself, but not as intense.
While there are a lot of studies on the benefits of both estrogen therapy and soy consumption on menopause symptoms, there is scant research directly comparing which approach is more effective.
That may be changing. In a recent presentation at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society, a group of Brazilian researchers released a study that showed a soy supplement was as effective as prescription estrogen for relieving hot flashes, muscle pain and vaginal dryness.
This was a small study with 60 women: One third received a soy supplement with 90 mg of isoflavones, one third took estrogen and one third were given a placebo. After four months, both the soy and estrogen groups showed significant improvements compared to the placebo group.
Soy consumption is not without controversy. Some caution that phytoestrogens also may increase the risk of breast cancer, especially for those who are at high risk. However, most of these data are based on animal studies using extremely high doses of phytoestrogens. The correlation between these results and the clinical risk is actually theoretical. In addition, phytoestrogens are found in all plants, and we know that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of developing cancer.
Soy is also commonly listed with those foods associated with allergies, such as peanuts and shellfish. Nevertheless, true soy allergies are actually very rare.
More research is needed but a trial of soy may be an excellent initial choice for helping women through menopause.
Posted February 9, 2009.
