Soybean Isoflavones for Menopausal Hot Flashes

A 2012 review and meta-analysis found that soy isoflavones (median 54mg) were significantly more effective than placebo at reducing frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes. Almost 20 trials were analyzed with a duration of up to 1 year. Supplements containing more than 18.8mg genistein, an isoflavone, were more effective. Soy isoflavones affect estrogen receptors. Soy and soy isoflavones may actually reduce overall cancer risk and risk of recurrence for breast cancer.

Taku K, Melby MK, Kronenberg F, Kurzer MS, Messina M. Extracted or synthesized soybean isoflavones reduce menopausal hot flash frequency and severity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2012 Jul;19(7):776-90. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3182410159. PMID: 22433977.

Wang C, Ding K, Xie X, Zhou J, Liu P, Wang S, Fang T, Xu G, Tang C, Hong H. Soy Product Consumption and the Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Nutrients. 2024 Mar 28;16(7):986. doi: 10.3390/nu16070986. PMID: 38613019; PMCID: PMC11013307.

van Die MD, Bone KM, Visvanathan K, Kyrø C, Aune D, Ee C, Paller CJ. Phytonutrients and outcomes following breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. JNCI Cancer Spectr. 2024 Jan 4;8(1):pkad104. doi: 10.1093/jncics/pkad104. PMID: 38070485; PMCID: PMC10868383.