Soy Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: Higher Doses and More Frequent Dosing May Help

Studies assessing the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for the treatment of menopause-related hot flashes have yielded conflicting results.  Most studies have demonstrated that treatments such as soy and black cohosh are not likely to be effective in most women; however, a new study suggests that women who take higher doses (100 to 200 mg)of isoflavones and more frequent dosing (2-3 times per day) may experience a greater reduction in the frequency of hot flashes.

Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD

Crawford SL, Jackson EA, Churchill L, et al.Impact of dose, frequency of administration, and equol production on efficacy of isoflavones for menopausal hot flashes: a pilot randomized trial.Menopause, May 2013.

Reviewed in Medscape