Soya to rid women of post menopausal symptoms: Study

New Delhi, Mar 19 (UNI) Women suffering from post menopausal symptoms can now count on soya to get rid of the discomfort without undergoing the side-effect prone hormone replacement therapy (HRT), according to a study.

Consumption of soya would eventually rid women of their dependence on HRT by re-stimulating the entire endocrine system of the body and help them live a better life, the AIIMS study said.

Menopause, a transitional time for women, occurs after the age of 40 when estrogen production falls below a certain level and ovulation stops.

To overcome symptoms like chest pain, backaches, joint aches, hot flushes and mood swings, women all over the world have submitted to HRT which has severe side effects.

The AIIMS research concluded that soya is a natural alternative to HRT as it contains a high level of phytoestrogens which are related in structure to estrogen.

''Soya is very useful in reducing the post-menopausal symptoms...

Phytoestrogens are a large family of plant derived molecules possessing degrees of estrogen like activity,'' it said.

The study, conducted over two and a half years, recommended consumption of soya products such as tofu, soya milk, tempeh, roasted soya nuts, with the exception of soya sauce as it contains very little phytoestrogens, to battle the symptoms in a natural and effective way.

It also pointed out that the changes associated with menopause could contribute to a number of health concerns such as increased risk for cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone loss, joint aches, hot flushes and mood swings.

''The degree to which women have these experiences varies greatly. Some women adapt quickly to the new low levels of estrogen but one in four suffers badly from the unpleasant symptoms of menopause,'' it added.

Quoting a study by the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), it said HRT makes women susceptible to heart attack, breast cancer, blood clots, and other problems including endometrial cancer.

''In addition to these life threatening side effects, women occasionally suffer from a constant stream of nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and bloating.'' ''International studies and surveys have shown that hormone replacement therapy for the treatment of menopause may only postpone the symptoms, instead of treating or preventing them,'' it added.

As many as 180 women over the age of 45 were made part of the research programme, conducted by the gynecology and dietetic divisions of AIIMS.

Half of these were administered 30 gms of soya in their daily meals while the other half was studied without changing their diets. At the end of six months, hot flushes were reduced by 8 per cent in the first group. The result at the end of one year showed a decline of 18 per cent.

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