I don't know if you know Dr. Phil on TV. He had a program on this very subject. His wife went through this and she told of her experience. Her formula's are on his web site. I am 51 and suffer from hot flashes and have had headaches at least 2 weeks out of the month ever since I can remember(Dr. said period related). Once I started taking them I noticed no headaches. I stopped taking them they came back. I started they went away. I have done this again same thing. I also don't have the sweats either. I plan on staying on them I feel so much better.

WATCH WHAT YOU READ THE TRUTH IS, SOY IS GOOD FOR YOU! According to Maureen Kennedy Salaman, President of the National Health Federation, even people who should know better have been jumping on the conventional medicine bandwagon to blast soy products. Numerous websites warn that soy products which are very popular contain chemicals, toxins, and growth inhibitors - but when you do research on these so-called dangers, you discover that every negative assumption is based on a healthy truth. And therein lies the problem. One of the arguments against soybeans is the allegation that the phytic acid in soybeans also called phytates blocks the absorption of minerals in the intestine. Although phytates do bind with minerals, they do so in order to stop free radicals and keep the minerals at safe levels in the body. Phytates shield us from dangerously high levels of iron. In some animal studies it has been shown that phytates even stop the growth of cancerous tumors. Phytates are found in foods high in fiber. Since fiber rich foods protect against colon and breast cancers, it is now thought they are the protective agent in fiber. It appears that binding minerals in the intestines that phytates inhibit the cancer process, especially when it comes to iron. Iron generates free radicals and phytates act as an antioxidant. Excessive iron is also known to increase the risk of heart disease. Even a small amount of phytates in food can reduce iron absorption by half; but the effect is less marked if a meal is supplemented with ascorbic acid, which can also help in the absorption of zinc and calcium. Phytates are also known to help prevent cancer by building the immune system. By working directly to control cell growth, pyhtates may be an ideal protective agent against a wide range of cancers. Fiber, along with its associated phytates, also provide benefits by regulating the absorption of glucose from starch. Soybeans are unique among plants foods in supplying all of the essential amino acids that the human body needs. In addition soy contains genistein and daidzein, plant hormones that seem able to either mimic or counter the effects of estrogen. A Harvard study states that soy products are associated with fewer hot flashes and because soy isoflavones-bioflavonoids have certain estrogenic effects, women and researchers have looked to soy as a possible hormone replacement therapy. The same study also showed an increase in bone-mineral content and density after postmenopausal women took an isoflavinoid rich soy preparation. Another published study claimed that 'soys estrogenic effects are associated with elevated rates of breast cancer'. The authors claim was based on a study of women with 'estrogen receptive positive' cells. This means they were already sensitive to estrogen. Its like giving milk to someone who is lactose intolerant then proclaiming milk to be harmful. Another interesting fact is that soy isoflavones resemble tamoxifen, already used for breast cancer prevention but is a much healthier alternative. One of the most nefarious claims about soy is that infants of both sexes who are fed soy milk MAY later develop hormonal abnormalities such as early menstruation or delayed male genital development. This has just not been shown to be true in any study. In one study on osteoporosis, post-menopausal women showed an increase in bone-mineral content and density in the lumbar spine after taking an isoflavone rich soy preparation. But rather than highlight the truth, the authors of one study chose to emphasize the fact that there was no increase in the thigh bone. Six months is too short a period of time to see results using food products. Eating 25 grams of soy protein a day has been shown to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease - according to the FDA (and you know how conservative they are) Vegetarians have long used soy protein as meat substitutes because soybeans offer all the amino acids essential to human nutrition something other beans and plants do not. So enjoy Soy! Drink it, eat it, snack on it, cook with it - and profit from its many wonderful properties.

I take soy isoflavones (pure plant estrogen) and have been on it for 3 years - it has made a tremendous difference. I added black cohosh for a month and saw no difference so dropped it and continued with the soy isoflavones (you can buy them at Costco, healthfood stores and pharmacies). It makes a tremendous difference in my hot flashes.

Hi - I don't know if HRT causes facial hair, but I do know that menopause can. I've lost it where I want it and gained it where I don't. So I guess it's called FEmale pattern baldness. As we age, our bodies produce more androgens (male-like) properties which may cause an increase in hair growth on our chin and upper cheeks. Just what I want - to shave as often as my husband - NOT! Increased testosterone and decreased progesterone. How much change can our bodies go through? Soy Isoflavones seem to help me. Over 40 million women in the US have unwanted facial hair. I think if we can get our hormones balanced we should be okay. Bobbi