Soybeans are rich in protein and can be consumed whole or processed into other food products, such as soy protein isolate, tempeh, soy milk and tofu. Some women consume soy-based foods or take supplements with soy compounds to treat menopause. Although in theory soy can reduce some of the symptoms of menopause, there is no conclusive evidence that soy is effective in this regard.
Menopause
Menopause occurs later in life when a woman's reproductive cycle shuts down. This usually occurs in women in their late 40s or early 50s and results in the ovaries no longer producing viable eggs, the Cleveland Clinic explains. When this happens, the amount of estrogen that the ovaries produce also drops, which can cause hot flashes, increases in cholesterol and a loss of bone density and strength. Not all women develop these symptoms, however.
Soy and Isoflavones
Many of the potential health benefits derived from sating foods made with soy are due to the effects of compounds known as isoflavones. Isoflavones are potent antioxidants and they are also phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are chemicals which come from plants and are chemically similar to human estrogen, the Harvard School of Public Health explains. Because of this chemical similarity, these isoflavones can mimic the effects of estrogen in some of the body's tissues.
Isoflavones and Menopause
Because the isoflavones in soy can mimic the effects of estrogen, soy foods or soy supplements may be able to reduce the symptoms of menopause. Consuming 50 mg of isoflavones each day can lower cholesterol and improve bone health, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Getting between 40 and 80 mg of isoflavones from soy may also keep blood vessels healthy and reduce hot flashes. More research still needs to be done to determine if isoflavones actually are effective at treating menopausal symptoms.
Considerations
Some people have allergies to soy, which means that consuming soy products can cause nausea, hives, tingling in the mouth, swelling of the face and lips, dizziness, fainting or wheezing. Soy allergies can also lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition which results in impaired breathing. There are also concerns that soy products can increase your risk of developing breast cancer, though some studies have shown that increased soy intake actually lowers your risk of developing breast cancer, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.
