Soy Isoflavones: Do they really work to alleviate the symptoms of menopause?

Natural means of dealing with some of the more difficult aspects of menopause are becoming increasingly more popular with women today. As science and technology advance to help us better understand our bodies and their functions, a better appreciation for solutions generously provided by nature is materializing. Soy isoflavones have been a natural remedy for centuries, but is just now being utilized in countering the symptoms of menopause.
The soy bean, and the soy isoflavones they contain, have been a staple in Asian diets. The severity of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, in countries with a regular dietary intake of soy-bean based foods, is believed to be significantly lower than in countries where soy consumption is much lower. Used as a natural remedy for a host of ailments, soy began a popular surge in the United States relatively recently. Soy beans and soy products such as tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and products made with soy milk are becoming more prevalent in the health-conscious marketplace.
Soy isoflavones bear a strong chemical resemblance to the female hormone estrogen. It has been used by some to offset the estrogen fluctuations and imbalances brought on by menopause, and post-

menopause conditions. Hot flashes are one of the more common ailments that accompany the onset of menopause, and soy isoflavones are considered by some to be particularly effective as a response.
Other hormone-related health issues are thought to be effectively countered by chemicals found in soy. Two isoflavone in particular, genistein and diadzein, are thought by some to be particularly effective against breast cancer and endometriosis. While there is some encouraging evidence in support of these claims, conclusive scientific study has yet to produce definitive answers.
Dietary supplements have been a popular way of ingesting recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals, and as more is learned about natural remedies, more choices are becoming available. There is no conclusive proof that soy isoflavones ingested in supplement form will have the same effect as that which is ingested in its natural form in food. Since vitamins are considered a food, they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Claims made in marketing material regarding any supplement should be augmented by factual information from your physician or health care provider.
Menopause is an exceedingly trying time for women and natural supplements and dietary changes may offer some relief. Soy isoflavones are one possible means of combating menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. As clinical studies continue, better information, and therefore

better recommendations can be made as to the particular benefits of soy isoflavones. A number of sources of information detailing clinical findings can be found on the internet to better inform those contemplating adding soy isoflavones into their diet.

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