Three of the study's seven authors declared conflicts of interest.

Looking at the baseline characteristics between the intervention and control groups, the average years in menopause were 3.7 vs. 5.6, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. According to one longitudinal study, the average duration of hot flashes is about 5.2 years.^[1] Hot flashes tend to lessen or completely resolve in later menopause. The intervention group saw a greater reduction in hot flash frequency and severity, and this may have been because they were in a stage of menopause when hot flashes are more prevalent and severe than the control group.

The weight loss seen in the control group could have also played a role in reducing hot flashes. Fat loss has been shown to reduce vasomotor symptoms, as has a low-fat diet.^[2]

Finally, without knowing whether the women in this study were equol producers, we cannot be certain whether the soybeans played a meaningful role in reducing hot flashes. Certain gut bacteria metabolize soy isoflavones into equol, a nonsteroidal estrogen known to reduce hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Roughly 30 to 50% of women do not produce this compound^[3] and can take it as a supplement.

Hot Flashes

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