Soy isoflavones to treat hot flushes in menopausal
Hot flushes are the most frequent menopause symptom, and are characterized by sudden or mild waves of heat on the upper part of the body that last from 30 seconds to a few minutes,
Researchers at San Marcos University, in Lima, Peru, reviewed the evidence for taking soy isoflavones.
First, the details.
- 19 studies were included in the review.
- All compared soy isoflavones to placebo over 12 weeks.
- The postmenopausal women included in these studies were suffering from hot flashes attributed to menopause (without cancer background).
- Treatment included soy, as “soy dietary supplement,” “soy extract,” or “isoflavone concentrate” (genistein or daidzein).
And, the results.
- The results were expressed as the number of hot flashes, average score of vasomotor symptoms, or average percent reduction in hot flashes within a time unit (day, week, or month).
- There was significant benefit reported with soy, as well as for the “concentrate,” “extract,” and “dietary supplement” vs placebo.
The bottom line?
These studies did not follow a standard design; therefore, this heterogeneity made it difficult to come to firm conclusions.
“However,” concluded the authors, “combined results and the results by subgroups (according to the type of supplement used) showed a significant tendency in favor of soy.”
8/7/10 14:48 JR