Soybeans can be made into a variety of different products, including tofu, tempeh and soy milk. You can also consume soybeans whole or take supplements that are derived from soy. Some women consume soy products to balance hormones or to treat other health problems, but these products may not be effective and there are some concerns about their safety.
Isoflavones
Sybeans, foods made with soy and other soy-based products contain a variety of different compounds. One set of chemicals which have garnered interest are isoflavones. Isoflavoones are compounds which have antioxidant capabilities and also function as phytoestrogens, the Harvard School of Public Health explains. Phytoestrogens are chemicals that plants make that are similar to human estrogen. In some cases these phytoestrogens may be able to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, though they may also be able to block estrogen signaling.
Soy and Menopause
One popular use for soy products is for the treatment of some of the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and decreased bone mineral density, also known as osteoporosis. When you develop menopause, your ovaries stop producing as much estrogen. This change in hormonal levels can cause hot flashes, weakened bones and other health problems. Women may take soy in the hopes that the phytoestrogens will help reduce menopausal symptoms, but there is conflicting evidence as to whether soy can be effective when used this way, the University of Maryland Medical Center states.
Soy and Cancer
The ability of isoflavones to mimic the effects of estrogen also makes them relevant for certain kinds of cancer. The cells involved in endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer can divide.more rapidly in the presence of estrogen. This means that women who consume soy products.could be more susceptible to thesentypes of cancer, the American Cancer Society notes. On the other hand, soy products could also block estrogenic signaling, which could help prevent these cancers. Currently, scientists do not know what the effects of soy are in regards to cancer in humans.
Soy and Cholesterol
Soy could play a role in reducing another health problem in women: atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the result of cholesterol accumulating in the walls of the arteries and can lead to an increased risk of coronary artery disease and a stroke. The isoflavones in soy can help reduce your cholesterol levels, which can help lower your risk of developing atherosclerosis, the Harvard School of Public Health reports.
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