After their estrogenic properties were found, plant-derived isoflavones have been gaining rising popularity in treating ailments connected with menopause. Approximately 20% of women going through menopause transition seek doctor’s help to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms (1). As hormone replacement therapy involves certain risks, there is a significant need for a safe alternative. An increasing frequency of women choosing soy products is attributed to their belief that soy-derived supplements are natural, mild and efficient. Yet most studies cannot confirm the beneficial effects of soya. Soy Phytoestrogens as Replacement Estrogens (SPARE) trial was published recently in Archives of Internal Medicine (2). It suggests that phytoestrogens work as poorly as placebo. Did we get our hopes too high? Read full text »