I was reading in a thread here on PS that flax and soy could make peri symtoms worse. I read the same thing in a magazine article recently. Among other things, the article said they could bring on or worsen thyroid symptoms. (Can't recall the magazine's name. I was reading it in a waiting room, something "Health...").

Why is this? I thought phytoestrogens were good things when used in moderation.

I think everyone's different and what works for one may not work for another....you'll never know until you try.

Exactly....

I was told that if you already have too much estrogen that the soy and flax would make your
symptoms worse.

Well I have very little estrogen since my ovaries were removed and I tried soy capsules and other phytos. They made me worse-hot flashes were more prolonged and I felt very tearful and depressed.
I didn't know about the thyroid connection at the time and I used them for ages. Interestingly I did have a thyroid cyst and nodules diagnosed later so the two could be connected.

They do seem to work for some though so they are worth trying

janet c

I had tried just adding about a tablespoon of ground flax to my morning yogurt a year or so ago. My face broke out, my breasts became sore and I started getting horrible menstrual cramps about the same time. The flax must have aggravated things. It was the only thing I was trying for peri. at the time.

Hi,
I drink plain soy every once in awhile. It makes me feel much better. I take omega three about once a week if I need it. It cleans things out.

Neither one seemed to make a difference for me.