Soy vs hormone therapy to treat hot flushes
Researchers at San Marcos University, in Lima, Peru, conducted a meta-analysis of their effect on the severity of hot flushes in postmenopausal women.
First, the details.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of hormone therapy and soy extracts vs placebo in the reduction of hot flushes in postmenopausal women were conducted.
And, the results.
- Both hormone therapy and soy extracts are better than placebo in reducing hot flushes.
- But hormone therapy was significantly better than soy.
The bottom line?
Overall, the results of this study and others suggest that a soy protein diet might be a good dietary menopause reduction strategy including reduction of hot flashes and night sweats.
Of course, there are other considerations.
For example, researchers at Kaiser Permanente report that the results of 3 epidemiological studies (2 from the US, 1 from China) provide evidence that healthcare professionals no longer need to advise against soy consumption for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Regarding phytoestrogens and bone health, researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, in Florida, report; “published data are inconsistent and do not support soy’s protective effect against bone loss.”
3/2/11 22:15 JR
