MENO-SOY Phytoestrogen Complex 90 capsules


PHYTOESTROGENS: A NATURAL APPROACH TO ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT


Today millions of women do not replace the estrogen that they lose after reaching menopause. These women fear the increased risks of breast and ovarian cancers that are associated with hormone replacement. However, the remarkable benefits of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), such as strong bones, a more youthful appearance, smooth skin and a more active sex life must be carefully considered.

Natural estrogen replacement may help answer this dilemma by supplying phytoestrogens, or "plant hormones" that have estrogenic properties in the human body. Although the activity of phytoestrogens are weak, they do bind to estrogen receptor sites and elicit a hormonal response without the negative effects of synthetic hormones.

Soy Isoflavones:
It is well documented that individuals who consume relatively large amounts of soy foods show a significant reduction in the rates of coronary heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis and various symptoms associated with menopause. Research studies now indicate that these attributes of soy are related to the estrogenic activity of the Soya isoflavones.
Soybeans contain a group of phyto-chemical compounds called isoflavones. The most predominant isoflavones in soy are genistein and daidzein, and are considered nonsteroidal estrogens, and are chemically similar to the estrogen hormone produced by women. Soy isoflavones are a unique group of phyto-active compounds that have been validated for their role in the prevention of a variety of diseases and in mitigating the problems associated with menopause.

Phytoestrogens and Hot Flashes:
The symptoms of menopause can include hot flashes, night sweats and sleeplessness. Soy isoflavones and other phytoestrogens (from Black Co-hosh), can help reduce the hot flashes brought on by menopause. In an Italian study, researchers gave 104 women daily servings of either soy concentrates containing 75 mg of isoflavones, or a placebo, for a 12 week duration. Within just 3 weeks the women on the soy isoflavones averaged over a 26 percent reduction in hot flashes. By the end of the 12 week study, this same group saw over a 45 percent decrease in the number hot flashes reported.

In a randomized, double blind study, 58 post-menopausal women who were experiencing severe hot flashes were given either soy foods (equivalent to 45 mg of isoflavones), or a placebo for a period of 6 weeks. Even though the placebo group experienced a drop in the number of hot flashes, the soy group showed a rapid response with a 40% reduction in the number of episodes reported.

Black Cohosh and Menopause:
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga ra-cemosa), has been studied extensively in Germany where it is used to treat menopause. Research studies demonstrate that black cohosh extracts can bind to estrogen receptor sites in animals. Black cohosh can lower Lu-teinizing Hormone (LH), a hormone that is elevated in menopause and causes extreme changes in skin temperature which may result in hot flashes. Black Cohosh is more effective in a standardized form and should be part of every menopausal formula.

Phytoestrogens and Bone Loss :
The loss of estrogen activity in menopause is a major contributing factor to bone loss and osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens such as isoflavones from soy, may be helpful in preventing bone loss. The drug ipriflavone is used to prevent bone resorption in post-menopausal women. The major metabolite of this drug is daidzein, a primary isoflavone found in soy. Several studies on humans have demonstrated that soy isoflavones can help reduce calcium excretion and improve bone density and strength.

Red Clover and Other Herbs:
Other herbs that are useful in menopause are Red Clover, Licorice Root, Wild Yam and Damiana. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense), has been used by the native American Indians as an aid to gynecological problems. This herb contains a phyto-chemical compound called biochanin-A, a natural plant extract that demonstrates estrogenic properties. Licorice Root (glycyrrhiza glabra) contains the glycoside gly-crrhizin, which has a similar structure to human steroids and may explain why this herb is helpful in relieving menopausal discomfort.

References:
Jarry, H. et al.,"Studies on the endocrine effects of Cimicifuga racemosa; (2) In viro binding of compounds to estrogen receptors." Planta Medica 51:316-319, 1985.
Potter, SM. et al., " Soy proteins and isflavones: their effects on blood lipids and bone density in post-menopausal women." Am J. Clinical Nutr. 68:1375-1379; 1998.
Setchell, Kd.et al.,"Phytoestrogens: the bichemistry, physiology, and implications of isoflavones for human health. " Am J. Clinical Nutri. 68: 1333-1346, 1998.
Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the PDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have medical problems seek a professional.