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When Eileen Haraminac, 53, of St. Clair Shores, Mich., began experiencing symptoms of menopause - intense hot flashes, as many as 15 a day, waking in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and fitful sleep - she knew she needed help. But she was also aware that there were problems with hormone therapy, the standard treatment for menopause symptoms. Studies have linked it to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer. This concern, combined with Mrs. Haraminac's general philosophy about medications - avoid them if possible - persuaded her to try a more...

CHICAGO, July 6 (Reuters) - Soy protein, a supplement many doctors recommend as a substitute for hormone therapy for postmenopausal women, did not decrease bone loss or affect other symptoms in a study of Dutch women, researchers reported Tuesday. Naturally occurring compounds called isoflavones, which are found in soybeans, are thought to mimic estrogen compounds in hormone therapy. Some women want to avoid hormone therapy because recent studies have indicated that long-term use could raise the risk of stroke, dementia and some forms of cancer. In the new study, which followed 175 Dutch women for a year, half the participants...