Evidence supporting the use of: Isoflavone (unspecified)
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Isoflavones, primarily derived from soy, are plant-based compounds classified as phytoestrogens due to their structural similarity to human estrogen. Their use in supporting or treating menopause is justified by a growing body of scientific research, though the overall quality and consistency of evidence is moderate rather than definitive. Isoflavones are thought to exert mild estrogenic effects, which may alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, particularly in women who experience a decline in endogenous estrogen levels.
Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of isoflavones for menopausal symptom relief. Some studies report modest reductions in the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to placebo, especially in women with more severe baseline symptoms. For example, a 2021 Cochrane review concluded that isoflavones may slightly reduce the frequency of hot flushes in menopausal women, but the clinical significance is uncertain and results are inconsistent. Other meta-analyses suggest benefits are greatest when isoflavone intake is sufficiently high and sustained over weeks to months.
However, not all studies show significant improvements, and there is considerable variability in results based on the population studied, isoflavone source, and dose. Safety profiles are generally favorable, but long-term effects remain under investigation. In summary, there is scientific evidence supporting the use of isoflavones for menopausal symptom relief, but it is moderate in strength and not universally conclusive.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)Alfalfa
Aloe vera
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
black cohosh
black currant
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
cordyceps
damiana
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dog rose
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
fish oil
flaxseed
genistein
genistin
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
knotweed
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
maca
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
pollen
pomegranate
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
seaweed
wild yam
red clover
atractylodes
smilax
rubia cordifolia
bee pollen
lingzhi
root tuber
dioscorea
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
anemarrhena asphodeloides
barrenwort
goji berry
amaranth
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
8-Prenylnaringenin
Akebia
Antler
Achyranthes
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Anemarrhena
Atractylone
Black Seed
Banyan
Bioflavonoids
Black root
Chinese Silkvine
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Danshen
Daidzein
Durian
Dong Quai
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Fo-Ti
Ficus religiosa
Glycetein
Horny Goat Weed
Hypericum
Isoflavones
Lycium
lemon balm
Lady's Mantle
Linden
Lotus
Loranthus
Labisia pumila
Macamides
Montanoa tomentosa
Meadow sage
Miroestrol
Macaenes
Ophiopogon
Puerain
Pulsatilla
Prickly Pear Cactus
Phytoestrogens
Polygonum
Rue
Rubus
Rockweed
Rehmannia
Rose
Rooibos
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb
Soy
Soy Protein
Stone Root
Vervain
Viburnum
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Other health conditions supported by isoflavone (unspecified)
Cancer (natural therapy for)Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Inflammation
Menopause
Osteoporosis
PMS (general)
Triglycerides (high)