The Effects of Soy on Perimenopause

During perimenopause (the 10 to 15 years before menopause sets in), changes in hormone levels in a woman's body can cause unwanted and uncomfortable side effects, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness and weight gain. Recent studies, such as one in 2003 by the Women's Health Institute, have shown that supplementing your diet with soy may help relieve these symptoms.

Effects of Soy

• Tofu contains isoflavones that resemble estrogen.

  During perimenopause and menopause, falling estrogen levels coupled with above-normal follicle-stimulating hormone cause changes in a woman's body. Traditionally, physicians have turned to synthetic hormone replacement therapies in an effort to prevent discomfort. The Women's Health Institute study showed that the synthetic hormones did not significantly improve mood or lessen symptoms. The estrogenlike isoflavones in soy supplements, as well as foods such as tofu, soy milk and soybeans, can all contribute to a more natural approach to hormone replacement.

Preventing Hot Flashes

• Try substituting soy milk on cereal.

  Around the age of 48, perimenopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats in 70 to 85 percent of women, making trying to sleep very uncomfortable. Dr. Susan Lark recommends vitamin E supplements containing 50 to 100 mg of soy isoflavones. You can get the same effect by adding half a cup of soy milk to your breakfast each day.

Vaginal Lubrication

• Soy can help you get the pleasure back.

  The drop in estrogen can cause vaginal walls to thin, making the vagina sensitive to touch. This can interfere with intercourse. They phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogen compounds) can plump up the walls of the vagina and urethra and rid them of dryness.

Boosting Collagen and Eliminating Dry Skin

• It's easy to add tofu to your diet.

  Collagen is the compound in the skin that adds elasticity, but in perimenopause, it begins to dry up, leaving skin dry and loose and wrinkles more apparent. According to Dr. Christiane Northrup, the isoflavones in just half a cup of tofu a day can help boost collagen and hydrate and revitalize the skin.