found to have the most potent of estrogenic effects. Studies from the 1970s discovered the estrogenic effects of isoflavones, and their ability as a form of selective estrogen receptor modulator. Phytoestrogens offer relief from mild menopause symptoms. In a study with 177 women taking 50 mg/day of isoflavones genistein and daidzin (12 weeks), hot flush severity ratings were reduced by 30%, compared to 18% for placebo. Nightsweats were reduced 60%, compared to 30% for placebo (1).
Walling reports that soy contains more than one phytoestrogen, and it is not clear which are having the strongest effect on menopausal symptoms; main subgroups include lignans, isoflavones, and coumestrans. In a study of 104 women with moderate or severe hot flashes daily, dietary soy was given as a supplement for 12 weeks; subjects received 60 g of soy powder or placebo. At the end of this period, serum levels of equol, genistin, and daidzi
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