Thailand Doctors and Researchers Reveal Natural Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 04, 2025 2 hours, 58 minutes ago
Thailand Doctors: Hormone Imbalance and Health Risks
As women age and approach menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is often used to manage these symptoms, but long-term use has raised concerns over increased risks of breast cancer, stroke, and heart attacks.
Thailand Doctors and Researchers Reveal Natural Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Now,
Thailand Doctors and researchers have identified safer, plant-based alternatives that may offer similar benefits without the same health risks. This Medical News report highlights the growing evidence surrounding two specific natural compounds—daidzein and genistein—that act like estrogen in the body.
Who Conducted the Research
The research was carried out by scientists from Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Faculty of Medicine, the Kanchanabhishek Institute of Medical and Public Health Technology (Praboromarajchanok Institute), the College of Public Health Sciences at Chulalongkorn University, and other associated centers in Thailand.
Soy-Based Compounds as Natural Estrogen
Daidzein and genistein are plant-based isoflavones found in soybeans and red clover. These compounds closely resemble human estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, especially to ERβ—a receptor known for its positive effects on bone health, brain function, and cardiovascular protection.
Unlike synthetic hormones, these phytoestrogens appear to act selectively, meaning they stimulate estrogen-like effects in some tissues (like bone) while avoiding others (like the breast and uterus), where overstimulation could lead to cancer risk.
Key Study Findings
The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of over 100 in vitro (lab-based), in vivo (animal-based), and clinical studies. Their findings revealed:
-Symptom Relief: Genistein and daidzein can reduce hot flashes and night sweats in many menopausal women, especially those with certain gut bacteria that convert daidzein into an even more active form called equol.
-Bone Protection: Daidzein was shown to outperform genistein in protecting against bone loss, by enhancing bone-building proteins and reducing bone breakdown.
-Antioxidant Effects: Both compounds help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to aging and chronic diseases.
-Cancer Risk: While earlier concerns existed, newer data shows no increased risk of breast or uterine cancer when these compounds are consumed in normal dietary amounts. In fact, women in Asia who consume more soy have lower rates of certain cancers.
Cautions and Future Potential
Although generally safe, high doses of these compounds—especially from supplements—are not recommended for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers. The effectiveness of genistein and daidzein varies depending on genetics, diet, and gut microbiome.
Conclusion
Thailand Doctors and researchers believe that daidzein and genistein hold promise as safer, natural alternatives for managing menopause-related symptoms and protecting long-term health. While they may not replace conventional HRT entirely, these phytoestrogens can offer significant benefits for women seeking non-hormonal options. Further research is needed to refine dosing strategies and evaluate long-term safety across different populations.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/14/6973
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/menopause-news-american-study-finds-that-low-fat-vegan-diet-with-soy-decreases-hot-flashes-by-95-percent
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/crushed-flaxseed-a-natural-boost-for-heart-health-in-menopausal-women
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/menopause
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