Soy Supplement for Menopause
With menopause a plethora of unusual, bothersome and just plain uncomfortable symptoms may arise. Hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, tiredness, headaches and rapid heartbeats may occur. Although most symptoms fade and pass without the need of any medical help or alternative treatment, some women have found relief and benefits by taking soy.
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Hot Flashes
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A study by the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in North Carolina found that women taking phytoestrogen soy supplements had a 50 percent decrease in hot flashes, a major complaint of women during their menopause years.
Natural Alternative
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Many women turn to soy during menopause because it is a natural alternative to hormone replacement. Soy's other benefits, such as promoting strong bones and a healthy heart, also make it an ideal choice for this group of women.
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Prevention/Solution
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Soy is most beneficial as a preventive measure against hot flashes and other menopause symptoms rather than a cure. In Japan, where soy is consumed on a daily basis, there is not even a word for hot flashes. Only one-third of Japanese women report any menopausal symptoms.
Isoflavins
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Soy contains isoflavones. They can emit estrogen-like benefits to the body. Because soy can mimic estrogen it may help reduce hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, improve blood pressure, decrease the risk of cancer and diabetes and improve cholesterol levels.
Reduced Risk Of Osteoporosis
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Osteoporosis International published a study of soy protein intake by Japanese women and bone density. The results show a correlation to higher bone density and soy intake. Osteoporosis risks increase with menopause and soy may help ward off the debilitating disease.
Considerations
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Many women experience depression along with night sweats and hot flashes during menopause yet still do not want to take hormone replacements. Soy is an alternative treatment that may do the entire body good while alleviating some of these discomforts.
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