Phyto-oestrogens & Menopause Symptoms
For more than 20 years, much interest has focused on phyto-oestrogens as an alternative therapy for relief of menopausal symptoms, particularly vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes. These symptoms of menopause are caused by low oestrogen levels. Oestrogens play a role in the body temperature control. Soy isoflavones can through their oestrogen-like effect possibly exert an influence on these menopausal symptoms.
Epidemiological data show that Asian women suffer less from hot flashes and night sweats compared to Western women. This has been linked with diet; typical Japanese diets may contain 20-50mg per day of phyto-oestrogens, while the Western diet probably contains less than 1mg per day. However topical delivery also appears to provide an effective administration route for isoflavones.
Are Isoflavones Similar to Human Oestrogen?
Isoflavones are plant hormones that have a similar structure to human oestrogens.
Around a thousand different plant isoflavones have been identified, but only five with oestrogenic activity are found in the diet in significant amounts, and of these Genistein, daidzein and glycitein are mainly derived from soya. Genistein is the isoflavone to be found in Yin Yang soya based products. Compared with estradiol [a component of human oestrogen], the affinity of genistein for oestrogen receptors is 0.82% (around 100 times weaker binding ability than estradiol). Isoflavones represent one main group of phyto-oestrogens and have been shown to have anti-oxidative and photo-protective effects in studies.
Evidence for Topical Administration of Isoflavones
A paper looking at the ex-vivo human skin permeation of genistein found that pure genistein can be effectively administered transdermally. The researchers suggested that both “daidzein and genistein are captured in the skin following repeated transdermal application”. This may be a good thing, perhaps providing a ‘depot’ prolonged release effect. Topical delivery may serve as a potent route for soy isoflavones against photo-ageing and photo-damage. The skin is an oestrogen dependant organ, and isoflavones are believed to help work against aging and wrinkles resulting from the changes in hormone levels at menopause.”
Phyto-oestrogens Protect Against Aging
Yin Yang Wild Yam & Soya Cream contains 5.98% soy protein by weight. If soy protein concentrate contains 40% isoflavones by weight then Yin Yang’s Wild Yam & Soya Cream contains 2.39% isoflavones by weight.
These useful phyto-oestrogens provide a natural defence against photo-ageing, photo-damage and wrinkling. Products for skin age protection in the Yin Yang range include Rich Skin Food, Skin Renew, and Wild Yam & Soya Cream.
To read more, read Dr Sarah’s Brewer’s Paper at yinyangskincare.co.uk