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Soy Isoflavones and Menopause

Aug 11, 2011 | By Deila Taylor
Soy Isoflavones and Menopause
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Menopause is the time of life when your hormones, estrogen and progesterone begin to diminish. Although a normal transition, it is often accompanied by symptoms that most women find uncomfortable. Hot flashes, night sweats, foggy thinking, weight gain and bone loss are some of the symptoms that occur with this drop in hormones. Soy isoflavones are phytoestrogens that have weak estrogenic properties. They may be helpful in treating some symptoms of menopause.

Significance

Isoflavones are plant-derived compounds called flavonoids found in the greatest abundance in soybeans and soy products. These soy isoflavones are present in the form of genistein, daidzein and glycitein. During digestion these phytoestrogens bind to estrogen receptors, acting as if they were estrogen, but weaker. This is one of the significant properties of isoflavones that make them an alternative for hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.

Sources of Soy Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are found in soybeans and soybean products. This includes soy flour, tofu, miso soup, tempeh, soy milk, soy beverages, soy cheeses and soy yogurts. Isolated soy protein is a soy isoflavone extracted from soybeans and used in supplements and protein drinks.

Cardiovascular and Bone Benefits

A decrease in estrogen that occurs in menopause often results in bone loss and decreased cardiovascular health. Supplementing your diet with soy isoflavones can improve both of these effects, according to a study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Postmenopausal women were measured for bone density and blood lipids before and after consuming 90 mg of isoflavones in the form of isolated soy protein. Results showed increases in bone minerals and density in the lumbar region of the spine, as well as lower LDL cholesterol levels and higher HDL levels, both indicators of improved lipid levels.

Antioxidant Benefits

Soy isoflavones are known to have antioxidant properties that may be beneficial during menopause. In a study published in the May 2006 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," it was found that soy isoflavones improve immune function and inhibit DNA oxidative damage in postmenopausal women.

Memory and Cognitive Results

Improvements in verbal memory in postmenopausal women was reported in a study published in the May 2003 issue of "Menopause." The women in the study group supplemented their diet by taking two 55 mg tablets of soy-extracted isoflavones. The study was followed for six months, after which results were analyzed. Cognitive tests, including memory recall, were done; the women taking the isoflavones were found to have better results.

Considerations

Menopause is a normal transition for women as they age, but any symptoms and proposed treatments should be reviewed with a medical doctor. Check with your health care professional about supplementing with isoflavones before adding them to your diet. Some women have allergies to soybean products.

References

Article reviewed by Bonny Brown Jones Last updated on: Aug 11, 2011

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