Femarelle and restless legs

Q I have been taking Femarelle, a soya supplement, to help with hot flushes and night sweats and have found it very effective. However, I am wondering if there are any counter-indications for taking soya to help with menopause symptoms. I am 56 and have just had a very heavy period, the first in five months, and am wondering if there might be a connection to the soya. I believe that Femarelle has recently been taken off the market in Ireland although still available in Britain. I would appreciate your advice.

A Femarelle is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, which is promoted as a method of alleviating menopause symptoms and strengthening bones. The ingredients, as you mention, are a soy-based extract and flaxseed.

It is very common for menstruation to be a little stop-and-start as your body transitions into menopause. While it is a shock to have a period after a five-month break, it certainly isn’t cause for alarm. If you are happy with this supplement and feel that it is working for you without any negative side-effects, then stay with it. I’m not a great fan of soya products personally — particularly since it requires such a huge amount of processing before it is ready to consume as a food or dietary supplement. There are also a number of studies showing an increased link between soya products and breast cancer, thyroid imbalance, kidney stones, weakened immunity, and there is also the issue of genetically modified soybeans.