Evidence supporting the use of: Isoflavones
For the health condition: Menopause
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Isoflavones are plant-derived compounds found primarily in soybeans and other legumes. They possess a chemical structure similar to estrogen, allowing them to weakly bind to estrogen receptors in the body. This has led to their use as a potential treatment for menopausal symptoms, which are partly caused by declining estrogen levels. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have examined the efficacy of isoflavones for menopause-related symptoms, particularly hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms). Results are mixed: some randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews suggest a modest reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes compared to placebo, while others find minimal or no effect.
For example, a 2021 Cochrane review concluded that isoflavones may offer a small benefit in reducing hot flushes and night sweats, but the effect is likely less than that of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Safety profiles appear favorable, with few adverse effects reported in short-term studies. However, long-term safety data and effects on other menopausal symptoms (such as vaginal dryness or mood changes) are less robust. Overall, the use of isoflavones for menopause is supported by moderate scientific evidence, but they are generally considered less effective than conventional HRT. Their popularity is partly due to their "natural" origin and better safety profile for women who cannot or choose not to take HRT.
Other ingredients used for Menopause
27-deoxyactein7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)
8-Prenylnaringenin
Achyranthes
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Akebia
Alchemilla
Alfalfa
Aloe vera
amaranth
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
antler
Ashoka
ashwagandha
asparagus
astragalus
atractylodes
atractylone
banyan
barrenwort
bee pollen
bioflavonoids
black cohosh
black currant
black root
black seed
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
calcium
chaste tree
Chinese silkvine
Clary sage
Cnidium
cohosh
cordyceps
Crinum latifolium
Cynomorium
daidzein
damiana
danshen
DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dioscorea
dog rose
dong quai
dong quai root
durian
eleuthero
elk antler
equol (proprietary)
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Ficus religiosa
fish oil
flaxseed
fo-ti
genistein
genistin
Glycetein
goji berry
hibiscus
HMR lignan
hops
horny goat weed
Hypericum
Indian frankincense
isoflavones
jujube
knotweed
kudzu
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
licorice root
lignans
linden
lingzhi
Loranthus
lotus
Lycium
maca
macaenes
macamides
Marine lipid
Meadow sage
Melatonin
Miroestrol
Montanoa tomentosa
Moringa
Motherwort
Nettle
okra
omega-3 fatty acids
Ophiopogon
ophiopogon root
Phytoestrogens
pollen
Polygonum
pomegranate
Prickly Pear Cactus
Puerain
Pulsatilla
red clover
Rehmannia
rehmannia glutinosa
reishi mushroom
rhubarb
rockweed
Rooibos
root tuber
Rosa laevigata
rose
rose oil
royal jelly
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
rue
saffron
sage
seaweed
smilax
Soy
soy isoflavones
Soy Protein
soybean
Stone Root
Valerian root
Vervain
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Withanolides
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
