Menopause news

Compound from soybeans may help flushes

26 February 2007

Much attention has been paid to the use of alternative diets and therapies for reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and sweats. Despite a lack of information on both safety and effectiveness of alternative therapies, many women have chosen to use alternative therapies, particularly over the last few years. A trial from Sweden recently reported in Menopause has demonstrated some evidence that isoflavones, the main effective compounds in soybeans, may reduce menopausal symptoms. 60 healthy postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to receive either 60mg isoflavones or placebo (inactive tablet) daily for 3 months. The women taking isoflavones had a greater reduction in flushes and night sweats than placebo, though the difference was not great. No side effects were observed. Again, larger trials and trials of longer duration are required to clarify the effectiveness and safety of such therapies. [ref]

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