HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is generally effective for hot flashes during menopause, but the concerns about increased cancer risk make HRT unacceptable to many women.
Soy isoflavones have been used as a potential alternative for menopause symptoms. In this study, 147 women were separated into three groups: 40 mg. of soy isoflavones per day, 60 mg. per day, and a placebo group. The 40 mg. and 60 mg. reduced hot flashes by 52% and 51%, respectively after 12 weeks of the study. Interestingly, the 40 mg. soy isoflavone supplement was slightly more effective than the 60 mg., indicating that just a small amount of isoflavones can help balance the women’s endocrine system during the transition.
The study authors concluded:
“Daidzein-rich isoflavone supplementation may be an effective and acceptable alternative to hormone treatment for menopausal hot flashes.”