The Soy Story Still Unfolding: Mental Booster In Menopause Or Not?
Interest in soy as a treatment for menopausal symptoms has increased dramatically as more women seek out “natural” alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is certainly the case for one common menopausal complaint: forgetfulness or “fuzzy thinking.”
But the idea that soy can help menopausal women think better may be a bit fuzzy in itself, according to a recent report from the University of Southern California.
Soy, as a “phytoestrogen” is a plant source rich in estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. These compounds mimic some of the positive actions of estrogen in humans without causing the negative effects linked to long-term HRT use such as increased risk for heart problems, stroke and some cancers.
Some research studies claim that dietary soy products improve concentration and mental funtion in menopausal women. Other clinical reports refute this finding and assert that brain function does not change in women on high-soy diets or given soy supplements compared to women given placebo treatments.
Researchers in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Southern California now offer some insights about soy and these conflicting data.
