Soy Estrogens Do Not Negatively Affect Menopause-Related Changes
Isoflavones are a plant form of estrogens found predominantly in soy products. A study published in Advances in Nutrition reviewed 40 clinical trials, including 3,285 post-menopausal women, and found that soy isoflavones did not have a negative effect on estrogen-related changes such as endometrial thickness, vaginal health, and hormone levels compared to placebos.1 In a recent study, the combination of a low-fat vegan diet and half a cup of soybeans daily led to an 88% reduction in moderate-to-severe hot flashes in menopausal women.2
References
- Viscardi G, Back S, Ahmed A, et al. Effect of soy isoflavones on measures of estrogenicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv Nutr. 2024:100327. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100327
- Barnard ND, Kahleova H, Holtz DN, et al. The Women's Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms (WAVS): a randomized, controlled trial of a plant-based diet and whole soybeans for postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2021;28(10):1150-1156. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001812