CLEVELAND (July 5, 2000) The North American Menopause Society(NAMS) -- the leading nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to promoting the understanding of menopause, has published a formal consensus opinion regarding the role of isoflavones for acute or chronic health conditions associated with menopause and aging. Isoflavones represent a major type of phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens). The primary sources of isoflavones include whole soy foods (i.e., soybeans, soy milk, tofu), isoflavone supplements available without a prescription, and isoflavone-fortified foods. These products are being used bywomen in an effort to improve well-being and prevent disease. "Many animal and human studies have evaluated the effects of isoflavones on short-term menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, vaginal dryness) and on various diseases in women (e.g., osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer)," commented Sadja Greenwood, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California,San Francisco, and chair of the panel of experts who assisted the Society in developing this consensus opinion. "Our review found that scientific data are inconclusive regarding whether the observed health effects in humans are attributable to isoflavones alone or to isoflavones plus other components in whole foods," reported Dr. Greenwood. The NAMS consensus opinion concluded that women may wish to consume whole foods that contain isoflavones, especially for potential cardiovascular benefits. However, scientific data supporting the use of isoflavones for hot flashes are conflicting, and inadequate data exist to evaluate their effect on breast and other female cancers, bone mass and vaginal dryness. The most convincing health effects have been attributed to the actions of isoflavones on lipids. Studies have associated isoflavones with statistically significant reductionsin low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides, as well as increases in high-density lipoproteins. In 1999, these dataled the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the health claim that 25 g/day of soy protein, as part of a dietlow in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. "Our evaluation also pointed out that a level of caution needs to be observed, especially in the use of isoflavone supplements, powders and pills," commented Dr. Greenwood. "More studies documenting benefits and safety need to be conducted." "In developing this and other consensus opinions," explained NAMS Executive Director Wulf H. Utian, MD, PhD, "NAMS is responding to the critical need among healthcare providers for guidance regarding elements of clinical care where research may be lacking for definitive answers." This consensus opinion is published in the July/August 2000 issue of the Society's journal, Menopause. NAMS is North America's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding of menopause and thereby improving the health of women as they approachmenopause and beyond. The Society's unique multidisciplinary membership of 2,000 includes experts frommedicine, nursing, sociology, psychology, anthropology, epidemiology, nutrition, education and basicscience -- making NAMS the preeminent resource on all aspects of menopause to healthcare providers and the public.