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Study, 2014

Does soy extract containing isoflavones help with premenstrual symptoms?

Soy isoflavone supplements improved some symptoms during menstruation but made mood symptoms worse during the luteal phase. Different treatments may work better at different times of the cycle.

Early or limited evidence Healthy young women (sample size not stated)

What they did

This research tested soy extract containing isoflavones in healthy young women. The study looked at mood, aggression, and thinking problems that change across the menstrual cycle.

What they found

Soy isoflavone supplementation improved some symptoms during menstruation but made symptoms worse, particularly mood, during the luteal phase. Women using oral contraceptives reported fewer symptoms across all phases of the cycle.

What it means for you

Soy supplements do not appear helpful for premenstrual symptoms overall. They improved symptoms during menstruation but made symptoms worse during the luteal phase, when PMS symptoms are most severe. Oral contraceptives seemed more effective. The abstract does not state the sample size or study length.

About the study

Original title
Chronic effects of isoflavones on cognition and aggression in a female population across the menstrual cycle
Authors
Naomi Perry
Journal
Swinburne figshare (Swinburne University of Technology)
Year
2014
Study design
Study
What was tested
Soy extract containing isoflavones
Open access
Yes

Topics