Clipping Board » Dangerous Medicinal Tonics ─ Nutrients should be moderate in the body—excessive supplementation only becomes a burden.
China Times, Feng Huitian / Taichung Report, March 31, 2009
In recent years, soy isoflavones have been touted as a holy grail for women's anti-aging, with many beauty-conscious women purchasing over-the-counter soy isoflavone tablets to supplement female hormones. However, doctors have found that some women take them too early, leading to frequent visits from "Aunt Flo" and even anemia in some cases. Physicians caution against self-administering soy isoflavones without experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Numerous studies suggest that soy isoflavones are a natural form of female hormones, effectively preventing osteoporosis, combating aging, and reducing wrinkles—particularly in alleviating menopausal symptoms. As a result, many direct sales and beauty stores have introduced tablet-form health supplements, claiming to be concentrated extracts of natural ingredients.
Lai Chaohong, a gynecologist at Taichung Veterans General Hospital and director of Qingliang Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, has recently treated three young women for menstrual irregularities over the past six months. Their periods occurred three times a month, causing discomfort. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that these women had been taking soy isoflavone tablets recommended by friends for two to three months, leading to abnormal menstruation.
Lai explained that tablet supplements are highly concentrated, delivering much higher doses than natural foods like soy milk or yams. The issue is that young women generally do not need high doses of soy isoflavones unless they have undergone ovary or uterus removal or suffer from premature ovarian failure. Otherwise, excessive intake can lead to side effects.
Chen Jinhui, chairman of the Taichung Pharmacists Association, emphasized that while commercially available soy isoflavones are inexpensive, it’s sufficient to obtain them from a diet rich in soy-based foods for anti-aging purposes. If opting for tablet supplements—though not classified as medication—it’s best to consult a specialist or pharmacist beforehand.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=4,26& id=5509
Excessive Soy Isoflavones Cause Frequent Periods
In recent years, soy isoflavones have been touted as a holy grail for women's anti-aging, with many beauty-conscious women purchasing over-the-counter soy isoflavone tablets to supplement female hormones. However, doctors have found that some women take them too early, leading to frequent visits from "Aunt Flo" and even anemia in some cases. Physicians caution against self-administering soy isoflavones without experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Numerous studies suggest that soy isoflavones are a natural form of female hormones, effectively preventing osteoporosis, combating aging, and reducing wrinkles—particularly in alleviating menopausal symptoms. As a result, many direct sales and beauty stores have introduced tablet-form health supplements, claiming to be concentrated extracts of natural ingredients.
Lai Chaohong, a gynecologist at Taichung Veterans General Hospital and director of Qingliang Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, has recently treated three young women for menstrual irregularities over the past six months. Their periods occurred three times a month, causing discomfort. Upon inquiry, it was discovered that these women had been taking soy isoflavone tablets recommended by friends for two to three months, leading to abnormal menstruation.
Lai explained that tablet supplements are highly concentrated, delivering much higher doses than natural foods like soy milk or yams. The issue is that young women generally do not need high doses of soy isoflavones unless they have undergone ovary or uterus removal or suffer from premature ovarian failure. Otherwise, excessive intake can lead to side effects.
Chen Jinhui, chairman of the Taichung Pharmacists Association, emphasized that while commercially available soy isoflavones are inexpensive, it’s sufficient to obtain them from a diet rich in soy-based foods for anti-aging purposes. If opting for tablet supplements—though not classified as medication—it’s best to consult a specialist or pharmacist beforehand.
Source: http://health. chinatimes. com/ contents. aspx? cid=4,26& id=5509