other · for hot flashes
Soy Isoflavones
Plant compounds that weakly bind oestrogen receptors, meant to steady the brain’s thermostat.
Say that in clinical terms
Isoflavones are plant compounds that weakly bind estrogen receptors, partially compensating for the estrogen decline that destabilizes the brain's temperature-control center; genistein binds estrogen-receptor-beta more selectively than other soy isoflavones.
How strong is the research?
The Menopause Society names soy foods and soy extracts as not recommended for hot flushes.
4 papers read, 2 supporting, 2 against.
Tested as: standardized soy isoflavone extracts, 40-100 mg total isoflavones/day in most trials; the more consistent positive signal came from genistein-predominant extracts specifically (30-54 mg genistein/day), not mixed isoflavone blends or soy food/diet counseling.
Who was studied: Women around and after menopause, within roughly ten years of their last period.
How much to take
30–100 mg