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Many women swear by chemicals found in
soy to relieve the effects of the menopause - but research
has undermined evidence of some benefits.
The research found that there was no
difference in the hormone levels of women taking the supplements
compared with other women.
Soy is said to work because it contains
plant hormones called phyto-estrogens - which are similar
in structure to a sex hormone produced by women.
When the menopause diminishes the production
of female sex hormones, it is claimed the phyto-estrogens
can partially mimic them and relieve symptoms such as hot
flushes and night sweats.
Proponents of soy claim they can also
reduce cholesterol levels in the blood stream, perhaps extending
the protection against heart disease enjoyed by pre-menopausal
women. However, a team of researchers from the University
of Illinois School of Public Health in Chicago carried out
tests on 73 postmenopausal women, none of whom was taking
HRT.
They were given diets including either
low or high doses of soy chemicals, or one containing a milk
protein. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of
the study and after three and six months on the diets. However,
over time, there was no significant difference in the levels
of several hormones between the three groups.
The researchers concluded that there
was no evidence that soy intake was having any effect on levels
of key sex hormones in the blood, which might bring
relief from menopausal symptoms. 'More research needed'
American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 2002
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