New hope for alleviation of menopausal hot flushes and sweats may stem from the study of phytoestrogens, plant chemicals with estrogen like activity. Japanese women, who typically eat a high soy food diet, report fewer menopausal symptoms than women in Western countries. The characteristic Japanese diet, low in fat, high in fiber and vitamins, might also contribute.
Soy foods contain plant substances called isoflavonoids and lignans.
Isoflavones and lignans are phytoestrogens - compounds that bind to estrogen receptors and might reduce a woman's need for estrogen replacement. In addition to the phytoestrogenic substances in soy, there are other healthful plant chemicals present in soy foods. For example, saponins in soy foods interfere with cancer cell multiplication and therefore, may be useful in cancer prevention. More research is needed to determine whether women experience fewer symptoms of menopause when they consume a high soy diet. There are, however, no known side effects should a woman choose a trial of phytoestrogen containing food sources to relieve menopausal symptoms.