What Are the Benefits of Soy for Menopause?

In Japan, soy products are consumed almost on a daily basis. Japanese women report one-third fewer hot flashes than women in the United States and Canada according to Health Castle.

Bones

• A study published in 2005 by the Archives of Internal Medicine claimed that taking soy helped recently post-menopausal women prevent the occurrence of bone fractures and also decreased the risk of osteoporosis.

Hot flashes

• The North American Menopausal Society recommends 40 to 80 milligrams of soy isoflavones be taken daily to prevent the onset of hot flashes.

Heart

• A woman's natural defense against heart disease decreases with the loss of estrogen associated with menopause. Soy has been found to lower cholesterol levels in women who are menopausal or post-menopausal according to the Menopause Infocenter, thereby decreasing risk of heart attack.

Mimics

• Soy naturally contains phytoestrogens, which are chemicals that naturally mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Eating a diet high in soy enhances hormone replacement therapy.

Night Sweats

• Phytoestrogens like those found in soy are very effective in fighting night sweats and hot flashes according to Menopause RX.