Its by-products are generally very popular with vegans and vegetarians, but Properties and benefits of soybeans For health go far beyond what we have traditionally thought.
Surely you who are reading this article, your mother or your partner may be suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms related to the early arrival of the dreaded menopause. So let me tell you that there are natural alternatives to alleviate those disgusting discomforts, and one of the best without a doubt is Soy or Soy.
What is Soy or Soy?
Soy is an annual legume (legume), whose highest nutritional value lies in its high protein concentration, which is the highest among all legumes, not only by quantity but also by its quality. Soy provides sulfur amino acids as Methionine Y Cysteine In quantity more than enough to satisfy the requirements of a normal adult.
Soy and its relationship with menopause
Before going into the subject, we must go over some concepts. At the beginning you may have heard of"climacteric", this is a period in the life of women that includes perimenopause, menopause And postmenopause, stage characterized by physical changes caused by the progressive decrease of female hormones.
As a consequence, the woman has irregular menstrual periods, besides disorders of the regulation of body temperature, excessive sweating, hot flashes or hot flashes, among other vasomotor symptoms.
Menopause refers to the permanent or definitive cessation of menstrual activity, which must be at least 12 months Amenorrhea (Without periods) to have a conclusive diagnosis. Amenorrhea is triggered as a result of decreased ovarian follicular function, which is manifested by the deficiency of Estrogens (Sex hormones).
After this, in the years corresponding to the postmenopause happen some events like the progressive and accelerated aging of the skin (in particular of face, neck and back of the hands), increase of weight, greater risk to manifest osteoporosis , Fractures against simple falls, and even suffer cardiovascular problems.
Traditionally, various hormone replacement therapies have been Estrogens , Progestins And others, to prevent or treat these complications. However, many medical research warns that prolonged hormone therapy, which lasts more than 5 years, exposes women to the risk of acquiring different types of cancer, including endometrial, breast, ovary, and increased risk of cancer. Cardiovascular diseases (angina, encephalic vascular accident and others).
Due to this reality, treatment options have been sought through other therapies with less unwanted effects and it is in this context that emphasis has been placed on diet and alternative medicine, being soy or soya ( Glycine max ) One of the options with better prospects, since it would not carry the risks of the treatment with steroidal hormones.
General characteristics of the period
He Climacteric Is a stage of transition in the life of women, characterized by physical, psychological and social changes. The physical changes are triggered by a progressive deficiency in the levels of estrogens, and if you have noticed they affect each woman differently, since some suffer them close to 40 years and others that already run over the 5 decades still do not notice Any kind of symptom.
Menopause per se is a biological and natural landmark, which separates the life of women in two major stages: reproductive and non-reproductive, given that the product of cessation of ovarian function is lost fertility. The average age of menopause, according to studies, is approximately 49 years.
Manifestations in the menstrual cycle
Once anomalies occur in your life in the menstrual cycles, the most common is that there are alterations in the duration of the periods, the so-called oligomenorreas, much more than a sudden amenorrhea.
The changes usually begin with polimenorrea, which means a number of more frequent cycles, then an oligomenorrhea appears, which means that they have long cycles of more than 35 days and finally the amenorrhea is finally installed, which marks the definitive cessation of the menstruation. Perhaps you have already identified with any of these conditions.
Vasomotor manifestations
One of the symptoms classically associated with this period are the vasomotor manifestations (related to the circulatory system). South American research reports that hot flashes are the most talked about climactic expression by women.
More than 85% of perimenopausal women have hot flashes or excessive nocturnal sweating; Of this group, of them 10% persists in this despite receiving hormone replacement therapy.
Manifestations in sexuality
An issue that surely interests us all, as sexual life usually deteriorates significantly in women during the climacteric. The most frequent alterations in this sense are the diminution of sexual desire, excitation disorders, and the inability to reach orgasm.
The hormonal decrease produces less vaginal lubrication, alterations in the pelvic floor dynamics, changes in body structure and mood alterations, which can lead to decreased self-esteem and sexual desire.
What happens to hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
Hormone replacement has been the most suitable treatment for the symptoms of climacteric and of course many of you are already using it, as indicated by your GP.
Some observational studies suggest that The HRT Is effective in treating climacteric symptoms and in preventing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, Alzheimer disease .
However the cost / benefit ratio of HRT has been highly questioned. This has resulted in the reduction of HRT doses, the incipient evaluation of other therapeutic regimens, the change in the route of administration when using dermal patches of estrogen and in the evaluation of alternative therapies to hormonal therapy.
Phytoestrogens; Natural alternative against osteoporosis
The Phytoestrogens Have a weak hormonal type effect and come from plant organisms (hence the prefix"phyto"). From a clinical point of view, they have been considered as an alternative treatment in menopausal women and their associated symptoms.
Estrogens are primarily responsible for maintaining optimal levels of bone mass in women (actually in both men and women), avoiding bone destruction through their interaction with the Osteoblasts .
Therefore, the reduction of their levels during menopause will constitute a great risk factor for the development of osteoporosis in women after definitive cessation of menses.
For all these considerations, it seems logical and pertinent to raise the question of whether or not phytoestrogen therapy constitutes a therapeutic tool because of its potential estrogenic effect in the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
How do these compounds work?
I will explain to you in a simple way its possible mechanism of action. Phytoestrogens, and in particular Soy isoflavones , Show a considerable similarity in their chemical structure with estrogens. Hundreds of different isoflavones are now known, although not all of them are of equal therapeutic relevance.
Isoflavones have a chemical structure very similar to estrogens, which explains their relative adhesion to estrogen receptors. This fact conditions the greater effect of the isoflavones in tissues in which the receptors are abundant, such as the bone, the central nervous system and the Vascular endothelium , Which makes them so effective in the subject that we are dealing with.
In short, these compounds present in soy, manage to partially deceive the body of the woman, making her believe that estrogen is still present.
Demonstrated benefits of your consumption
The most concrete that is rescued from its implementation through the diet of many women around the world, is undoubtedly the decrease in loss of bone density, typical of age and leading to osteoporosis.
After the ovarian function is over, the protective effect of estrogen on the bones decreases. This results in an imbalance between the process of bone formation and bone destruction, promoting the latter. The result of this is the appearance and development in a large number of patients with Osteopenia And osteoporosis that often end up suffering frequent fractures, especially of wrist or hip.
Are you interested in knowing more? Different studies have shown the benefits at this level of targeted therapy with a type of phytoestrogens, the isoflavones, since they increase the processes of proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation (formation and remodeling of bone).
This seems to be explained by the effect that isoflavones have on certain receptors. Studies with rats subjected to a soy-rich diet have shown a decrease in bone loss.
Soy or Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Other studies have analyzed the efficacy of a soy-rich diet for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis compared with hormone replacement therapy. The results show that the diet achieves an effect in the spectrum of mild to moderate compared to hormone replacement therapy, in order to decrease bone destruction, clearly observing how it contributes positively to stimulate care workers Of the osseous system (osteoblasts).
However, it is necessary and prudent to think about the need to develop more clinical trials in order to verify more solidly the importance and effects of phytoestrogen therapy on the bone loss processes characteristic of postmenopausal women.
Although a balanced diet as a preventive mechanism should be the first therapeutic step in patients at risk of osteoporosis (actually throughout the life cycle), even supplementation of this diet with soy may have additional benefits, using it as a complement to the Hormone replacement therapy.
Other benefits of soy consumption
One symptom that may be partially alleviated by phytoestrogen therapy in postmenopausal women is vasomotor symptoms. Its incidence is higher among the group of menopausal women in countries with low levels of soy consumption and derivatives, compared to women in Asian countries, where dietary intake is much higher.
Another symptom often shown by these patients is genital atrophy accompanied by permanent vaginal dryness. This circumstance means one of the most frequent and worrying problems in the menopausal woman. Well, numerous studies have shown a decrease in vaginal dryness through isoflavone therapy.
Options to include soy in your diet
- Soy Beans : They can be included in preparations like: Burgers, stews, salads, pudding and soup.
- Tofu : It is widely used by vegans or vegetarians. Can be used as a main course, ingredient for salads or added sandwiches.
- Soy Juice : Because it is of plant origin it does not contain cholesterol or lactose. Good choice for breakfasts and snacks.
All these products are usually found in warehouses and large markets. Likewise I recommend you prefer local producers and of known origin. Vegan or vegetarian shops are usually a good alternative.
Soy sauce? No, this product is practically a sodium pump.
What do I recommend finally?
Based on current evidence, we can conclude that phytoestrogens, and especially isoflavones, are an alternative to hormone replacement therapy in women with menopause.
If you have already started a hormone replacement treatment, you can complement and try to consume regularly (3-5 times per week) soy foods or derived directly from it.
Personally, I have the experience of having indicated their consumption in some menopausal patients, who have reported a slight relief of their symptoms and have shown a moderate adherence or acceptability to their consumption, especially tofu or soy milk.
If you have doubts, I recommend absolutely consulting your specialist about the feasibility of applying this natural treatment alternative.
And what other benefits of soy have you observed?
References
- Speroff L, Fritz MA. Clinical gynecologic endocrinology and infertility 7 Th Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005. P.17-23.
- Nachtigall LE. Isoflavones in the management of menopause. J Br Menopause Soc. 2001; S1: 8-11.
- Kristine M. Shedd-Wise, The Soy Isoflavones for Reducing Bone Loss Study: 2011
- Messina M. Emerging evidence on the role of am in reducing prostate cancer risk. Nutr Rev 2003; 61: 117-3
- Setchell KD, Brown NM, Lydeking-Olsen E. The clinical importance of the metabolite equol-a clue to the effectiveness of soy and its isoflavones. J Nutr 2002; 132 (12): 3577-84.
- Brincat MP, Baron YM, Galea R. Estrogens and the skin. Climacteric. 2005; 8: 110-23.
- Han KK, Soares JM Jr, Haidar MA, de Lima GR, Baracat EC. Benefits of soy isoflavone therapeutic regimen on menopausal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol. 2002; 99: 389-94.
- Hall G, Phillips TJ. Estrogen and skin: the effects of estrogen, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy on the skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005; 53: 555-68.
- Moutsatsou P. The spectrum of phytoestrogens in nature: our knowledge is expanding. Hormones (Athens). 2007; 6: 173-93.