Phyto-ostrogens are natural oestrogens found in plants. Research carried out by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has demonstrated the powerful effects of soy, a source of phytoestrogens, on menopausal hot flushes. 104 postmenopausal women took part in the trial where half the subjects took 60g of isolated soy protein daily while the other half took 60g of placebo (casein) daily. After 12 weeks, frequency of hot flushes was significantly reduced amongst the women taking the soya protein supplement compared with the placebo group.
“Soya contains high levels of phyto-oestrogens and where soya forms a large part of the diet, there is less occurrence of menopausal symptoms.” says Urbod Nutritionist, Amanda Michie. “In Japan, for instance, there is not even a word for The Menopause.”
Soya is not the only source of phyto-oestrogens explains Amanda, “Most plant based foods contain these compounds. Phyto-oestrogens have a mild oestrogenic effect on the body so are able to both provide the body with oestrogen, when it is lacking, whilst blocking harmful oestrogens via a process called competitive inhibition. So they play an extremely important role when it comes to The Menopause and Oestrogen-receptive diseases.”
Amanda Michie works for Urbod in the City of London and Canary Wharf and is available for lunchtime and evening appointments.
