Menopause marks the end of a woman's fertility. If you're fortunate, your periods end as effortlessly as they began in your youth. But you may experience a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, decreased sex drive, vaginal dryness and mood swings. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, incontinence, depression, breast tenderness, joint pain and headaches. Some research suggests soy may relieve symptoms of menopause, but results of scientific studies remain inconsistent.
Estrogen
When you enter menopause, your levels of estrogen drop. Traditional menopause treatment includes drug therapy, often in the form of estrogen, and sometimes progestin. Soy contains isoflavones, chemically similar to estrogen. If you choose to take soy in food or supplement form, aim to keep your daily dose between 30 mg and 60 mg of isoflavones. Do not exceed 150 mg of isoflavones.
Menopause Study
Studies examining the benefits of soy on menopause symptoms remain inconclusive. Some studies show considerable benefit, others none. The product, dosage, length of study and the formulation of the products varied considerably between studies. Stacie E. Geller, director of the National Center of Excellence in Women's Health, led a review of studies dating from 1966 to 2004 and concluded that soy provided minimal relief for symptoms of menopause. Geller's study, published in the January 2007 edition of "Journal of Women's Health," examined a variety of botanical supplements used in the treatment of menopause.
Menopause Treatments
If you experience menopause symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. In addition to hormone replacement therapy, medical remedies include antidepressants, gabapentin, clonidine, bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Natural treatments other than soy include phytoestrogens, vitamin E and black cohosh. All types of treatment, both prescribed and over-the-counter, may affect your body or interfere with medication you take. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine supports additional research about soy's possible benefits -- and potential for harm -- in the treatment of menopause symptoms and cardiovascular problems.
Considerations
Simple lifestyle changes may help relieve mild menopause symptoms. To ease hot flashes, wear layers of lightweight fabrics and clothes with loose necklines. Keep a cold drink handy, and adjust the room temperature when possible. Avoid caffeine to improve your sleep. Do Kegel exercises to increase the strength of your pelvic floor muscles. Eat a well-balanced diet, and exercise regularly. Most importantly, schedule and attend regular doctor's appointments and seek professional advice whenever necessary.
References
- 34 Menopause Symptoms
- Isoflavones.info: Isoflavones
- "Journal of Women's Health"; Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn't; Stacie E. Geller; January 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Menopause; July 23 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Soy; July 2010
- Physorg; Integrative Medicine: Soy Offers Natural Estrogens; Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden; May 1 2009
