Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with structures similar to estrogen, which give them the ability to cause estrogen-like effects on the body.  Examples include:

·         Isoflavones from soy, lentils, and legumes

·         Lignans from flaxseed, cereal grain, and vegetables

·         Coumestans from red clover, sunflower seeds, and bean sprouts

Research on phytoestrogens has been promising yet inconsistent in showing improvements in menopausal symptoms.  The variation in therapeutic effects of phytoestrogens in the treatment of menopause may be influenced by a woman’s intestinal bacteria and its ability to metabolize phytoestrogens into therapeutic substances in the body (i.e. converting daldzein into equol).¹

Hot Flashes.  The North American Menopause Society’s isoflavones report from 2011 concluded, “there are mixed results of the effects on midlife women.  Soy-based isoflavones are modestly effective in relieving menopausal symptoms.”²  Multiple meta-analyses have documented improved frequency of hot flashes with use of isoflavones in doses ranging from 50-100 mg daily.^1,3-6

Vaginal Dryness.  Soy isoflavones showed improvement in vaginal symptoms (dryness, irritation, painful intercourse) when compared to control in a systematic review of 17 trials.⁷

Overall Health.  A systematic review of 23 randomized controlled trials concluded that phytoestrogens likely have beneficial effects on bone health in menopausal women.⁸  A meta-analysis showed that soy isoflavone supplementation (60-120 mg/day) has a positive effect on cognitive function and visual memory in postmenopausal women.⁹