Menopause relief - Goodnews: essential natural health news - Brief Article

Better Nutrition, April, 2004

After reviewing the evidence, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) published its position on treating menopause vasomotor symptoms--hot flashes--in the January/February 2004 issue of its journal. NAMS now endorses dietary isoflavones as an acceptable option for menopause symptoms.

Controversy has surrounded menopause treatment since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was definitively linked with breast cancer.

Isoflavones are found in many plant foods, including soybeans, flax meal, red clover and black cohosh. They have been used for menopause symptoms in women and enlarged prostate in men.

Soybeans and soy products are high in isoflavones--compounds similar to estrogen--long used for hot flashes. However, studies suggesting a link to estrogen-dependent cancers threw isoflavones into disfavor.

Newer research shows soy phytoestrogens actually block estrogen receptors from absorbing excess natural estrogen--preventing some cancers. The evidence now seems clear. Plant estrogens do not behave like natural estrogens in the body--and do not hold the risks of natural estrogens.

Although the NAMS statement does not address efficacy, it concludes isoflavones are totally safe for long-term use. For hot flashes, file bean is back.