Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D.

The potential for soy protein or soy isoflavones to alter bone metabolism and bone loss is currently contradictory and inconclusive. Our two best measurements are bone density testing with DXA (an xray test) measures or bone metabolism markers. The lack of agreement in the literature is thought to be related to variations in study design [...]

This randomized, double-blind, controlled 3-month study in China enrolled 244 menopausal women aged 40-60. Women were assigned to either an isopropanolic extract of Black Cohosh containing 40 mg/day or one 2.5 mg tibolone tablet per day, a drug known to reduce hot flashes. Results: There was a significant trend (57.8%) that women given Black Cohosh [...]

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at three medical centers in Italy. The trial studied the effects of 54mg/day of pure soy genestein on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Bone density at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was tested after 24 months along with serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, markers [...]

Sixty postmenopausal women were randomized in a crossover trail to either a therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) diet alone consisting of 30% total fat (< 7% saturated fat, 15% protein, 55% carbohydrates, and < 200 mg of cholesterol). or a similar TLC diet which included one-half cup soy nuts containing 25 grams of soy protein and [...]

This was a prospective, non-randomized, open-label observational study conducted over two years, in Germany. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the use, safety and effectiveness of black cohosh alone or in combination with St. John’s wort on menopausal symptoms. 6141 women at 1287 outpatient gynecology offices were treated with recommended doses of black [...]

This population-based cased-control study in Philadelphia consisted of 949 breast cancer cases and 1,524 controls. Herbal supplements including black cohosh, ginseng and red clover were the most prevalent preparations. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, black cohosh use was associated with a 61 percent reduction in the risk of breast cancer with an odds ratio [...]

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at three medical centers in Italy. The trial studied the effects of 54 mg/day of pure soy genestein on bone metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Bone densities at the femoral neck and lumbar spine were tested after 24 months along with serum levels of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, [...]

Two recent longitudinal studies evaluated the onset of depression during the perimenopausal transition. The first study followed 436 women without a history of depression, over 8 years. Correlation of hormonal changes with any new onset of depression was recorded. 116 women developed an increase in depressed moods and 59 met the clinical criteria for a [...]

One of the more newsworthy items of late, has been the decline of breast cancer seen in 2003. The rate of breast cancer in women in the U.S. fell significantly by 6.7% in 2003, according to data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) registries. Data from 2004, showed a leveling off, with no real additional [...]

NAMS Board of Trustees. The role of calcium in peri-and postmenopausal women: 2006 position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause: The J of The N American Menopause Society 2006;12(6): 862-877 The last evidence based consensus opinion of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) was published in 2001. An expert panel of clinicians and [...]