Soybeans Ease Hot Flashes
Khaodhiar L, et al. Daidzein-rich isoflavone-aglycones are effective in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women. Menopause. 2008;15:125-134.
Research recently uncovered the benefits that a certain soybean compound has on reducing hot flashes in menopausal women. This particular compound, daidzein-rich isoflavone-aglycone (DRI), has a chemical structure that is very similar to the body's own estrogen. It also does not cause any significant changes in endogenous sex or thyroid hormones or pose cardiovascular risk.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 190 women ages 38 to 60 years in various stages of menopause, who had 4 to 14 hot flashes daily. The women randomly received either one of two DRI concentrations or placebo.
The number of hot flashes in the DRI groups was reduced by 52% and 51% at the end of 12 weeks, while the placebo group experienced a 39% reduction. Other than minor gastrointestinal side effects in some women, DRI safely reduced hot flashes.
Researchers note that not all soy products are the same in efficacy or safety. This study only examined DRI.