You may want to reconsider that soy latte!

A new study out of North Carolina State University shows that both genistein and equol - present in soy products - result in the early disruption of the estrus cycle in rodents, which would be the corollary to the menstrual cycle in human females. Thus soy products may bring on early-onset menopause in a human female.

Neurotoxicologist Dr. Heather Patisaul, who co-authored the study, said the affected “circuitry” of the brain is similar in both rats and humans. She said her study shows that the female brain is “critically sensitive” to genistein and equol during this crucial stage of development. This may indicate that the brain is also especially sensitive during this period to all phytoestrogens and possibly other man-made chemicals, such as bisphenol-A.

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Today we’ll hear from a dietician who is concerned about her personal weight gain and a 17-year-old experiencing intense PMS. Also we’ll discuss Dr. Brizendine’s comments in a recent issue of “O” magazine about a critical time in childhood development to address self-esteem in young girls.

To listen click the play button on the blue Blog Talk Radio box on the right >>.

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Read This!
Babble.com’s Jeanne Sager explores why after a full day of children clinging to her legs, her husband’s touch is not as welcome as it once was.

Read This!
This Dutch study shows that hot flashes might bring more than sweating to menopausal women.

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Spotted On: MORE Magazine
Some women may be confused by various reports on the effects of hormone therapy, as this MORE magazine story points out. It’s important to remember that the information cited in this story was part of a combination therapy, and that estrogen alone has shown no increased risks. It is the impact of progesterone in combination with estrogen that is dangerous according to the study, for unknown reasons.

The jury is still out on which women, if any, can beneficially take hormones after menopause. The hope that hormone therapy will prevent the female brain from suffering from dementia is still a field of active research. So stay tuned, as this story is not over yet.

Dr. Brizendine responds to reader questions about the effects of menopause on childless women, how to manage a low libido, and severe PMS that causes debilitating mood swings. Listen here.