Why Soy Foods
Is Critical During Menopause ?
by
Jerry Hall
In an 8 year study, Freeman's group tracked 231 women who were
about to enter menopause, none of whom had any history of
depression up to the time they enrolled. The Center for
Epidemiological Studies of Depression (CED-D) scale was used to
assess depressive symptoms during followup.
The probability of a high CES-D score (at least 16) was
four-fold greater during the menopausal transition than during
the premenopausal phase, the report indicates. Similarly,
entering menopause was tied to a more than doubled risk of
being diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
Soy foods contain several ingredients that may be useful in
preventing disease during the time where women lack the
protective hormones. Isoflavonoids, such as genistein and
daidzein are weak estrogens and may lessen the risk of
osteoporosis and heart disease. Protease inhibitors in soy
foods may reduce the risk of cancer.
Many women notice early symptoms while still having periods,
when the hormone production is declining very gradually. This
stage of gradually falling and fluctuating hormone levels is
often called the ‘climacteric’ or the ‘change’ and often begins
in the 4th decade and can last for several years. Because
ovarian function fluctuates, women may experience menopause
symptoms intermittently.
Some women experience an early, or premature menopause
following which, symptoms may occur immediately, depending on
the cause. Immediate onset of menopause symptoms often follows
a surgical menopause. The duration of ‘early’ symptoms is very
variable from a few months to many years and the severity
varies between individuals.
A study at Bowman Gray Medical School showed twenty grams of
soy a day decreased hot flashes. Compared to a placebo (sugar
pill) group it also lowered both blood pressure and
cholesterol. A study at the University of Illinois showed a
significant increase in bone density after six months of a high
soy diet. Thus, it is highly recommended that women go on high
soy diet following menopause.
About The Author: Hormones can affect many vital functions in
your body. That's why keeping your hormones in their proper
balance is essential to the way you live. Find out about
Balance Hormone at
http://www.smartreviewguide.com/balancehormone
Here are some recommended self help products that
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