I have been suffering from night sweats. I am currently taking HRT. Is it safe to combine soy, soy supplemental vitamins, or folic acid at the same time as being on hormone pills?

 

Answer:

 

Since this is a question about your overall health and safety, you should definitely discuss your concerns with your doctor. Since I am not a doctor, I cannot tell you whether or not you can couple hormone replacement therapy with natural supplements.

 

Typically, women either choose to use one treatment or the other. Since hormone replacement therapy is already working to restore the hormonal balance in your body, other treatments should not be needed as well. However, some treatment options may include a combination of both relief methods, but again, this needs to be monitored by and discussed with your doctor.

 

Soy or isoflavone supplements are also known as phytoestrogens. They are naturally occurring plant extracts that have estrogen properties. They are thought to bring relief during menopause as they help to contribute estrogen hormones to the body.

 

A number of studies have shown that soy products do have quite an effect on menopausal symptoms. There is evidence that soy helps to reduce the frequency of hot flashes in some women, while in others, completely relieve this symptom altogether. The study also showed that soy supplements need to be taken in a higher dosage to produce the desired effects. Soy is usually used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.

 

Folic acid is naturally found in green leafy vegetables. It is essential for the development of a healthy nervous system. Folic acid has also been thought to ease depression. To ease menopausal symptoms, a relatively high dose of folic acid is needed and would require a prescription from a doctor.