Soy Supplement Reduces Hot Flashes, Muscle/Joint Pain In Menopausal Women

A study among American women showed for the first time that daily intake of at least 10 mg of a whole soy germ-based nutritional supplement (Natural S-equol) reduced hot flashes as well as muscular and joint pain in menopausal women. A second study among Japanese women found that the supplement improved bone density. Some women, particularly those who consume high levels of dietary soy, can produce S-equol naturally. Japanese women, who consume more soy in their diets, have milder menopausal symptoms than American women. The study involved 102 women from 45 to 65 years of age who had begun menopause in the prior five years. Some side effects of Natural S-equol included stomach distention, constipation and thickening of the uterine lining. No serious side effects were encountered.