- Soy Isoflavones: Beneficial or
Bogus?
- A recent study
suggests that soy lacks "significant" benefit in the reduction of hot flashes
associated with menopause. Published in the March, 2000 issue of the Journal of
Clinical Oncology, soy isoflavones did not relieve severe hot flashes—caused
either by menopause or by chemotherapy for breast cancer—any better than placebo.
Almost one-quarter of the women reported symptom improvement from 150 mg daily doses of
the soy isoflavones used in the study. In comparison,
one-third of the women in the study noted improvement after taking a placebo.
There are many scientific reasons for the
discrepancy between this study and previous studies that have supported the use of soy to
quell hot flashes.
For starters, the way a substance affects an individual varies widely from person to
person. In addition, soy, as a plant, contains numerous chemicals that may work together
in ways that may help quell hot flashes but haven't been proven scientifically. To cool
the body down during hormonal changes, many soy advocates suggest adding whole food soy
sources to the diet. So while you wait for more news on soy, give it a chance, and tell us
of your results! Research
—Editor, Health Journal
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- Vitamins and Exercise
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- Regular exercise
is an important health activity for all people, but it's especially important for
post-menopausal women, who are at higher risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. The
benefits of exercise are probably due to its effects on body weight, blood pressure, blood
triglycerides and cholesterol, and glucose tolerance—all of which affect cardiovascular
health. Exercise is also known to help protect against bone loss.
Research has shown that exercise also helps ease
menopausal symptoms. One study found that sedentary women were more likely to have
moderate or severe hot flashes compared with women who exercised. Another trial found that
menopausal symptoms were reduced immediately after aerobic exercise.
In addition to exercise, supplementing with certain
vitamins has shown to be beneficial. Many nutritionally oriented doctors suggest that
women going through menopause take 800 IU per day of vitamin
E for a trial period of at least three months to see if symptoms are reduced. Women
can continue to take this amount if they find it helpful. Using lower amounts for less
time has led to statistically significant changes, but only marginal clinical improvement.
Many years ago, a preliminary trial reported that
1,200 mg each of vitamin C and the flavonoid
hesperidin, taken over the course of the day helped relieve hot flashes. Although placebo
effects are strong in women with hot flashes, the flavonoid/vitamin C combination was more
effective than other treatments used in that trial. |
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Product Recommendations |
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- For Woman Only provides nutrients to help
support and maintain the health of today’s active women.
vitamin-minerals plus essential herbal women factors. Because of the
changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, women may experience a
variety of symptoms: P.M.S, menstrual irregularities, anxiety, and menopause. Designed
specifically to help maintain good hormonal health.
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- EstroSoy Plus
- with Soy & Black Cohosh
- * Relieves Hot Flashes & Night Sweats.
- * Supports Breast Health.
- * Promotes healthy bones by Helping the Body
Retain Calcium.
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- Progesta Care Plus
- Natural Phytoestrogens (includes:Red
Clover Tops Extract, Chasteberry Extract, Black Cohosh Extract,
Dong Quai Root Extract), , Saw Palmetto, Damiana Extract,
Flavonoids, Sodium Hyaluronate (HA), MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane),
Evening Primrose Oil, (Oenothera Biennis), Carbomer,
Phenoxyethanol, Tocotrienol (Natural Super Vitamin E), Sodium
Bicarbonate, Allantoin, Potassium Sorbate, Grape Seed Extract
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- Menopausal Support
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