Q. What is IsoRel?

 IsoRel is a soy isoflavone supplement that has been scientifically formulated to help reduce the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes.* IsoRel is produced from Novasoy^®, a whole soybean extract, which means that each capsule provides the naturally occurring soy isoflavones (genistin, daidzin, and glycitin) in the same isoflavone ratio as found in soybeans.

Q. How is IsoRel different from other supplements for hot flash relief?

 Many products marketed for relief of hot flashes add other vitamins, minerals, or herbal ingredients that have not been well studied or shown to be effective. If you are looking for a natural solution for hot flashes, there is no reason to pay extra for ingredients such as St. John's Wort, cranberry, B vitamins, or various herbal blends that have not been shown to be effective in clinical trials.

IsoRel is produced from 100% Novasoy^®, a whole soybean extract, which means that each capsule provides the naturally occurring soy isoflavones (genistin, daidzin, and glycitin) in the same isoflavone ratio as found in soybeans. IsoRel provides 100 mg of soy isoflavones in only one small capsule per day.

IsoRel is independently tested and certified by NSF International, a not-for-profit organization that is the world leader in standards development and product certification for public health and safety. NSF has implemented the highest quality control standards in the supplements industry. The NSF mark is your assurance of a dietary supplement's content accuracy, purity, and freedom from contaminants. Most other products have not been certified by NSF.

Q. What is the recommended dosage of IsoRel?

 The recommended dosage of IsoRel is one small capsule per day, which contains 100 mg of soy isoflavones. The amount of soy isoflavones found in IsoRel is equivalent to approximately 4 cups of soy milk or 2 cups of tofu.

Q. Why doesn't IsoRel contain black cohosh?

 Although a few studies have shown that black cohosh may improve menopausal symptoms, most well-controlled studies with black cohosh have shown no consistent benefit. A recent year-long study comparing black cohosh to red clover, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and placebo (sugar pill) showed no benefit. The number of hot flashes initially decreased for women in all groups during this study, though after six months, women taking black cohosh actually had more severe hot flashes than women taking placebo.

There is also concern that black cohosh might cause liver damage in some people. Several reports have linked black cohosh to liver failure or autoimmune hepatitis.

For these reasons, IsoRel does not contain black cohosh.

Q. Can IsoRel be taken along with other nutritional supplements?

 Yes, IsoRel can be taken along with most other nutritional supplements. If you have questions about taking IsoRel with other supplements, please call toll-free (888)899-3899, x4 or email one of our Registered Dietitians.

Q. Can IsoRel be taken along with prescription medications?

 Most prescription medications are safe to take with IsoRel, and can even be taken at the same time without any interactions. However, soy isoflavones may decrease the absorption of thyroid hormone medication (levothyroxine sodium, Synthroid) when taken at the same time. It is recommended to take thyroid medication 2-3 hours prior to taking IsoRel. For example, if you take thyroid medication on an empty stomach before breakfast, you could take IsoRel at lunch or dinner. It is also recommended that women taking tamoxifen avoid soy.

Q. What should I expect when taking IsoRel?

 Studies have shown that hot flash reduction from soy isoflavone supplementation will vary. Some women may have a dramatic reduction in hot flashes, while others will have little response. Recent research with soy isoflavones suggests that the difference may stem partly from individual variations in our body's ability to metabolize soy. Keep in mind that while soy isoflavones may reduce the frequency and severity of the hot flashes, they aren't as likely as HRT to eliminate them completely. Herbal products in general seem to take longer to work; it may take up to a few months to see benefits.

Q. Does IsoRel have side effects?

 Soy isoflavones are generally well tolerated. While most women will not experience any adverse effects, a small percentage of women may experience gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or nausea). IsoRel should be taken with food to minimize the risk of any gastrointestinal complaints.

Q. Is there anyone who should not take IsoRel?

 IsoRel contains soy isoflavones, therefore, if you are allergic or sensitive to soy you should not take IsoRel.

Q. I have trouble swallowing pills. Will I be able to take IsoRel?

 IsoRel capsules are relatively small in comparison to many other dietary supplements. If you are not sure whether you will be able to swallow IsoRel, and your doctor's office did not give you a sample, please call us at (888)899-3899 ext 4.

If after trying a sample you find that you cannot swallow IsoRel, try opening the capsules and sprinkling the soy isoflavone powder onto pudding, yogurt, applesauce, or other food.

Q. Is IsoRel safe for women who have had breast cancer?

 The effects of soy isoflavones on women with a history of breast cancer are unclear. Studies show that girls who eat soy foods during childhood and adolescence are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer later in life. Large studies of Chinese women who have been treated for breast cancer have shown that those who eat more soy foods have a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence and death from the disease than those who consume low amounts of soy. A recently published study of U.S. and Chinese women showed similar results. Another small U.S. study showed that women with breast cancer who took a 200 mg soy isoflavone extract for two weeks prior to surgery did not have any change in breast cancer cell growth, showing that this high dose of soy isoflavones did not affect their breast cancer. However, until more is known, women with a history of breast cancer should not take a soy isoflavone supplement such as IsoRel, but may benefit from eating soy foods regularly.

Q. What type of gelatin is used to make the IsoRel capsules?

 The IsoRel gelatin capsules are made from kosher, certified BSE-free (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) bovine gelatin. In other words, the source of the gelatin used is certified to contain no mad cow disease.