Menopause is a time of significant physical changes. Dietary changes may help with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and sleep problems. Soy has been purported to help a variety of health conditions, including menopause symptoms. Adding soy to your diet may influence symptoms of menopause, though nothing has been scientifically substantiated.
About Menopause
The lack of a menstrual cycle for 12 consecutive months is the hallmark of menopause. Typically, menopause is the result of changes in ovary and estrogen production in the body. Natural menopause occurs with age, typically around age 51, but menopause can be induced through surgery, too. Menopause symptoms, such as sleep changes, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and changes in bladder function and libido, are typically associated with lower estrogen levels.
Soy Foods
Soy has been linked to cancer and heart disease prevention, but no scientific studies back up these claims. The American Heart Association states that a review of research shows that soy has no direct effect on heart health. In fact, soy's benefits are tempered by claims that soy consumption is risky due to allergy concerns and links to breast cancer, according to the advocacy group Talk About Curing Autism. Soy foods, however, are rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins -- vital nutrients. Tofu, soy sauce, soy beans, soy milk and miso are sources of soy.
Phytoestrogens
Soy contains substances called phytoestrogens, which mildly mimic the action of estrogen in the body. Other sources of phytoestrogens include some cereals, vegetables and red clover leaf extracts. Eating these foods may help menopause symptoms because of phytoestrogen's similarity to estrogen. Hot flashes, an uncomfortable and common symptom of menopause, may decrease with phytoestrogen consumption, but more research is needed.
Considerations
Soy extracts don't appear to cause significant side effects, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, but long-term use can cause a thickening of the uterus lining. Soy and other foods containing phytoestrogens should be limited in women who are at high-risk for breast and uterine cancers, endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Women prescribed estrogen, birth-control pills or anti-cancer drugs such as tamoxifen should also be careful with phytoestrogen intake.
