Q: Is soya useful for women in the menopause?

A: Many women experience very positive results by eating soya. Soya foods contain isoflavones (natural plant oestrogens) that have similar properties to human oestrogen, but are much weaker. Isoflavones can bind to the body’s oestrogen receptors and help offset the drop in oestrogen that occurs at the menopause.

Scientists have shown that isoflavones function similarly to HRT without producing the risks associated with this controversial treatment. Soya foods offer women a more natural way to treat their menopausal symptoms. Research on soya indicates that it can help to relieve hot flushes, night sweats, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. Besides helping regulate oestrogen when it is declining, soya can also help with other conditions such as osteoporosis, heart attack, stroke and breast cancer.

There has been some negative press on soya but this is not the case when the soya is eaten in its traditional form. So choose products such as miso, tofu or organic soya milk.

Avoid gimmicky soya bars and snacks unless they are made from the whole beans and even then make sure the soya is organic otherwise it could be genetically modified.

Q: “I want to use natural remedies when I reach the menopause. When should I start?”

A: It’s never too early to start preparing by making sure you are getting a good daily balance of nutrients.Take a multi vitamin and mineral supplement and, if you are over 40, you should choose one specifically for the menopause as you may already have symptoms of peri-menopause. (I use a good one in the clinic called Meno Plus)

Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, lean protein and whole grain foods. You need lots of nuts, seeds and oily fish like salmon and trout to make sure you are getting essential fats. And include phytoestrogen rich foods like soya bean, chickpeas and lentils.

(Jane wins a copy of my Nutritional Health Handbook for Women and also a £10 gift voucher from the Natural Health Practice. To send me your questions please email: AskMarilyn@DrGlenville.com)