Soy and Menopause

Research has shown that populations reporting less severe menopause symptoms eat more soy. Researchers are investigating whether isoflavones, natural substances found in soy, decrease common problems associated with menopause.

• Bowman Gray Medical School showed twenty grams of soy a day decreased hot flashes
• the University of Illinois showed a significant increase in bone density after six months of a high soy diet
• 60 grams of soy protein daily for three months reduced the number of hot flashes by 45 percent
• soy consumption reduced the severity of hot flashes by about 20 percent
• Asian women are one-third less likely than women in the United States to report problems with menopause

Soy can be a nutritious addition to a healthy diet. Soy food is known to lower cholesterol levels

Soy foods are available at most grocery and specialty food stores.