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By Jane Hart, MD

 

Research has shown that soy provides relief for some women after menopause. A study in the Journal of Women’s Health suggests the form of soya a woman takes may be important and found that 10 mg per day of a soya metabolite brought hot flush relief to a group of Japanese women.

 

Soya improves symptoms

 

In this study, 160 postmenopausal Japanese women with at least one hot flush per day were randomly assigned to receive a soya supplement produced from fermentation of soya germ, twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks. The women’s symptoms were recorded through questionnaires and diaries at the beginning, during, and after the intervention.

Results showed that among women who had at least three hot flushes per day, the decrease in the number of hot flushes was greater for women in the soya group compared with the placebo group. For those women who reported no hot flushes at the end of the study, 44% were in the soya group and 28% were in the placebo group.

The study authors comment, “The mechanism underlining the reduction in hot flush frequency and severity observed in this study has yet to be identified, although soya binds to and activates oestrogen receptors.” They add that their study results suggest that “soya may serve as a promising alternative to conventional hormone therapy for alleviation of hot flushes.” They recommend further research to understand more about the benefits and long-term safety of this soya product.

Easing hot flushes naturally

 

Hot flushes may be mild or severe in women and can be a daytime annoyance and a night-time thief of sleep. While short-term hormone replacement therapy may be an option for some, other women prefer to use natural treatments. Here are some tips for finding relief:

• Talk with a doctor. Tell your doctor about your hot flushes, confirm the cause, and ask about therapies that may help. If you are considering supplements such as vitamins or herbs, talk with a knowledgeable doctor about the benefits and risks of such supplements. Research is still emerging about the benefits and safety of supplements, so it is important to see a healthcare professional who is up to date with the latest information.

• Explore complementary therapies. A few complementary therapies may provide relief for women’s menopausal symptoms including hot flushes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) suggests that therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, and qi gong may reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

• Find what is right for you. It is important to remember that what helps one woman may not help another. In other words, not all of the above therapies will help all women. We are individuals who respond differently to various therapies, so you may have to search a bit until you find the therapies that work best for you.
  
  

(J Women’s Health 2012;21:92-100)

Jane Hart, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, serves in a variety of professional roles including consultant, journalist, and educator. Dr. Hart, a Clinical Instructor at Case Medical School in Cleveland, Ohio, writes extensively about health and wellness and a variety of other topics for nationally recognised organizations, websites, and print publications. Sought out for her expertise in the areas of integrative and preventive medicine, she is frequently quoted by national and local media. Dr. Hart is a professional lecturer for healthcare professionals, consumers, and youth and is a regular corporate speaker.

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