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 womans 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 Societys 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][4][5][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]
Some women may find that eating a diet high in phytoestrogens helps their menopausal symptoms, in addition to providing other health benefits. In some Asian cultures, where women consume 50-200 mg of isoflavones daily, hot flashes are rare as compared to Americans, whose typical diets contain only 3-5 mg daily. Soy, in particular, improves cholesterol levels and is a great plant source of protein. The highest quantities of isoflavones are found in less-processed foods and fermented soy products. The best food sources include soybeans or edamame, soy nuts, tofu, tempeh, and miso (refer to Table 1).
Table 1. Amount of Isoflavones per Serving of Soy
| Soy product | Approx. amount of isoflavones (milligrams) |
|---|---|
| Tofu, 3 ounces | 20 |
| Soy beans, cup | 47 |
| Soy milk, 8 ounces | 30 |
| Miso, cup | 59 |
| Tempeh, 3 ounces | 37 |
