Supplements that contain concentrated phytoestrogens -- plant-based estrogens found in soy -- do not appear to improve mood, memory or menopause symptoms in women over age 45. Some studies had suggested that a diet rich in soy may alleviate symptoms of menopause. However, daily dietary supplements of a concentrated soy isoflavone extract had no effect on a small group of postmenopausal women, reported Dr. Gail Hochanadel, of the Clinical Research Center at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, on Friday at the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society meeting in Carlsbad, California. Treatment with soy supplements failed to have an impact on menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, sexual functioning, or headache. The researchers found no significant changes in any symptoms tested using a concentrated isoflavone extract.. The researchers also found no changes in the women's blood cholesterol levels. Previous studies that have shown that a diet high in soy could be beneficial, used soy flour instead of the isoflavone extract, which could account for the different findings..

COMMENT: Most of you know that I am not a big fan of soy. There is a concerted effort by the multi-billion dollar edible oil industry to promote soy as a major health food. This industry is a 70 billion dollar a year industry that has major influence on what studies are published and what gets disseminated to the media. Do not be fooled as there are some significant problems with soy. If you have not read the article by Dr. Enig, one of the best trans-fat researcher in the world, on my web site Articles page on soy, I would advise you to do so. The hidden factor that most people do not recognize is that of the edible oil industry. With respect to relief of menopausal symptoms: previous newsletters have detailed better alternatives to soy for menopausal hot flashes. This would include phytoestrogens from black cohosh or red clover (Promensil).