Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods in women. The average age when a woman's menstruation stops permanently is 50 years, although the process begins at age 35. A woman will have no more periods, if both ovaries are surgically removed or damaged in cancer treatment. There is a perception among many women that soy helps to mitigate menopausal symptoms. Until researchers know for sure, you should not take soy supplements without talking to your doctor.
Soy and Menopausal Symptoms
Soy has been the subject of much interest for treating menopausal symptoms; however, currently no clear conclusion can be drawn in this area. Low estrogen levels during menopause can cause depression, insomnia, hot flashes, weight gain and vaginal dryness. Soy isoflavones possess a chemical structure similar to human estrogen and thus can mimic some of estrogen's effects. Therefore, soy isoflavones can offset the drop in estrogen in older women and prevent menopausal symptoms.
Osteoporosis
The effect of soy on osteoporosis, an age-related bone disease, in postmenopausal women has recently been evaluated. With osteoporosis, the bones become thin and weak. So, the risk of fracture is increased. Soy isoflavones can help maintain or reduce the rate of bone loss that occurs with a sudden drop in estrogen in menopausal women, according to the Baylor College of Medicine.
Atherosclerosis
Isoflavone rich products may protect against cardiovascular diseases through improves on vascular reactivity. Soy isoflavones reduce oxidative damage in the blood vessels, which is a major contributor to atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside your arteries. This plaque can narrow the coronary arteries over time. When a coronary artery gets completely obstructed, it results in a heart attack.
Safety
Soy foods can make you sick if you have a food allergy. Soy allergy symptoms can range from skin redness and itching to more severe complications like nausea, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, wheezing, dizziness and low blood pressure. Soy isoflavones also interfere with the absorption of thyroid stimulating hormones and cause a hypothyroid state. Thus, soy products should not be taken if you have got thyroid problems.
References
- College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences: Menopause and Soy Review
- Cox College: Soy
- Creighton University Medical Center: Scientific Evidence
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Baylor College of Medicine: Educational Component
- University of Southern California; So Far Soy Good; Alicia Di Rado
