Evidence supporting the use of: Soy
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Soy is primarily supported by scientific evidence for its role in the female reproductive system, particularly regarding menopausal symptoms. Soybeans contain isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds with estrogen-like activity. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have investigated soy isoflavones and their ability to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. For example, a 2015 meta-analysis in JAMA found that soy isoflavone supplementation modestly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in peri- and postmenopausal women. Some studies also suggest possible benefits for bone health due to the weak estrogenic effects of isoflavones, though results are inconsistent.
Despite these findings, the effect size is generally small, and not all studies show significant benefit. The variability in individual response is thought to be due to differences in gut microbiota, which affect isoflavone metabolism. Additionally, while soy isoflavones are sometimes marketed for menstrual or fertility support, robust evidence for these uses is lacking.
In summary, there is moderate scientific support (evidence rating: 3/5) for soy’s use in supporting the female reproductive system, particularly for symptom relief during menopause. However, its efficacy for other aspects of female reproductive health is less well established.
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain