Frequently Asked Questions

What is menopause?

Menopause literally means “cessation of periods,” and most women reach natural menopause between ages 45 and 54. Sometimes called “puberty in reverse,” it is a time when a woman’s ovaries shut down. During this transition, hormone levels fluctuate greatly, causing many of the symptoms we associate with menopause.

What are the most common signs of menopause?

Menopausal symptoms vary greatly among women, but hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruption are the most common. Other symptoms include:

• Mood swings
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse
• Decreased sex drive

What can women do to ease menopausal symptoms?

Women should first make positive lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Additionally, whole soybean-based soy isoflavone extracts have been shown to ease some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

How do soy isoflavones help ease menopausal symptoms?

Soybeans, soy-based foods, and soy isoflavone extracts derived from the whole soybean contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are a class of plant-based compounds structurally similar to estrogen which can have moderate estrogen-like effects.

What is an effective dose of soy isoflavones?

Generally, 50 to 55 mg total daily isoflavones as found in Novasoy products provides the amount of genistein shown to be clinically effective to reduce hot flashes.

Can women get enough soy isoflavones through soyfoods?

Yes, but for some women it would not be easy. Women would need to eat the equivalent of one-half pound of tofu daily to get enough soy isoflavones for effective hot flash relief. Not surprisingly, women often find supplements easier to incorporate into their active, busy lifestyles.

How do we know soy isoflavone extracts are effective?

Many previous studies have been inconclusive about the efficacy of soy isoflavones. However, a recent critical analysis of previously published studies found that supplements with high genistein contents (15 mg or above) are consistently effective in reducing the frequency and severity of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.

How do I find the right type of soy isoflavone?

Because manufacturers do not always include individual isoflavone components on the ingredient panel, the best and easiest way to ensure that you get the correct level is to look for the Novasoy leaf on packaging. Novasoy soy isoflavones are derived from essentially the whole soybean and therefore include the kind and amount of soy isoflavones that were shown in multiple studies to be effective. See the Where to Find section of this site for a list of soy isoflavone supplements that contain the right soy isoflavones.

Where do I find whole soybean-based soy isoflavones?

Most health stores, supermarkets, and drug stores carry supplements. For a complete list of brands and where to buy, go to the Where to Find section of this site.