Content
Isoflavones are natural compounds found abundantly mainly in soybeans Glycine max and in the red clover of the species Trifolium pratense, and less in alfalfa.
These compounds are considered a natural estrogen and can be used in their natural form or in supplements to relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, increased amounts of sweat or sleep disturbances. In addition, isoflavones can decrease PMS symptoms and prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Although isoflavones have several benefits for menopause, these compounds should not be used by women who have or have had breast cancer, or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Isoflavones can be consumed in food or purchased as supplements in health food stores, compounding pharmacies and drugstores. It is important to make an assessment with the gynecologist before starting treatment with these compounds.
What is it for
Isoflavones are indicated to reduce the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms such as night sweat, hot flashes and insomnia. In addition, they can be used to relieve PMS symptoms, lower bad cholesterol, or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Main benefits
The main benefits of isoflavones are:
1. Decrease the symptoms of menopause
Some studies show that isoflavones have a similar structure to estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries and that during menopause it stops being produced. These compounds can be an alternative treatment for menopausal symptoms that include excessive night sweating, hot flashes or hot flashes and insomnia. Learn other remedies for menopause.
2. Decrease PMS symptoms
Isoflavones can be used to decrease PMS symptoms such as irritability, nervousness or breast pain that occur due to hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle. These compounds can regulate estrogen levels, helping to reduce PMS. Check out other ways to relieve PMS symptoms.
3. Protect against cardiovascular disease
Isoflavones can lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides and therefore prevent cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. However, medications for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and coronary heart disease should be taken regularly and soy isoflavones can be used to complement these treatments.
4. Prevent osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common post-menopausal disease due to hormonal changes that occur at this stage, which can cause bone fractures, reducing the woman's quality of life. Isoflavones can be used to prevent and treat osteoporosis, especially for women who are contraindicated for hormone replacement therapy with contraceptives. See other osteoporosis treatment options.
5. Control blood glucose
Some studies show that the phenolic compounds present in isoflavones can reduce the absorption of carbohydrates by the intestine, reducing blood sugar levels. In addition, isoflavones can increase the body's sensitivity to insulin and can be an important ally in preventing diabetes. Learn 5 simple tips to control diabetes.
How to take
The most popular way to use isoflavones is in the form of supplements and the mode of use varies according to the type of substance contained in the supplements, the general guidelines being:
Dry extract capsules of Glycine max (Soyfemme): the dose is 150 mg once a day. The capsule should always be taken at the same time with a little water;
Dry hydroalcoholic extract tablets of Glycine max (Isoflavine): the dose varies from 75 to 150 mg once a day, or can be increased according to medical evaluation. The tablet should be taken with a glass of water, always at the same time;
Dry extract tablet of Trifolium pratense (Climadil, Promensil or Climatrix): you can take 1 40 mg tablet once a day with a meal. The dose can be increased to up to 4 tablets a day, depending on medical evaluation.
Although isoflavones have several benefits and help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause, it is important that a gynecologist is consulted before starting to use these substances, so that the dose is adjusted individually according to the woman's needs.
Isoflavone foods
Isoflavones can also be consumed on a daily basis through foods such as:
Soy: isoflavones are more prevalent in soy-based foods and can be consumed in the form of grain and flour, for example. In addition, soy can also be found in oil and tofu;
Red clover: this plant is a good source of isoflavones and its leaves can be eaten cooked and used in salads, for example, or you can use dried flowers to make tea;
Alfalfa: the leaves and roots of this plant can be eaten in soups, salads or tea, and the alfalfa sprout must be eaten raw in salads, for example.
Isoflavones can also be found in very small quantities in legumes such as peas, chickpeas, lima beans, broad beans and lentils, in addition to peanuts and flax seeds.
Possible side effects
The main side effects of isoflavones are stuck intestine, increased intestinal gas formation and nausea.
Who should not use
Isoflavones should not be used by children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, women who have or have had breast cancer and by people who are allergic to soy or any other plant that is the source of the supplement.
In addition, isoflavones can interact with:
Thyroid medications such as levothyroxine: isoflavones reduce the effectiveness of thyroid medications, requiring dose adjustment and frequent monitoring of thyroid hormones;
Antibiotics: antibiotics in general reduce the action of isoflavones;
Tamoxifen: Tamoxifen is a medication used to treat breast cancer. Isoflavones reduce the action of tamoxifen and therefore should not be used at the same time.
It is important to inform the doctor and pharmacist of all medications that are used to prevent interactions and the treatment to be effective.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- KRIZOVA, Ludmila; et al. Isoflavones. Molecules. 2019 Mar 19; 24 (6): 1076. 24. 6; 1076-1104, 2019
- PABICH, Marzena; MATERSKA, Małgorzata. Biological Effect of Soy Isoflavones in the Prevention of Civilization Diseases. Nutrients. 11. 7; 1660-1673, 2019
- NAHÁS, Eliana Aguiar Petri; et al. Effects of isoflavone on climacteric symptoms and lipid profile in menopausal women. Brazilian Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 25. 5; 2003