Soy contains a variety of isoflavones including two potent ones called genistein & daidzein. Red clover in comparison has two additional ones called formononetin and biochanin. Red clover also contains flavonoids compounds called coumestans which some studies suggest have six times more estrogen like activity than most isoflavones.

Red clover is rich in phytoestrogens which are thought to help decrease hot flushes and inhibit osteoporosis. These plant-based chemicals act similarly to estrogens in the body. A high intake of phytoestrogens is thought to explain why hot flushes and other menopausal symptoms rarely occur in cultures in which people eat a plant-based diet.

The herb has shown to suppress hot flushes associated with menopause and through its phytoestrogens helps balance body hormone levels.

Menopause increases a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis (significant bone loss). Some studies suggest that red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in pre- and perimenopausal women.

Red clover, just as soy, is a member of the legume family. The unique point of difference between isoflavones derived from red clover and those extracted from soybeans is that red clover extracts contain all 4 different isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, biochanin, and formononetin), while soybeans contain only 2 (genistein and daidzein).

1. Aldercreutz H, Mazur W. Phytoestrogens and Western Diseases. Ann Med. 1997; (29): 95 120.

2. Graedon J, Graedon T. Red Clover: Trifolium pratense. The People's pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies. 
    St. Martin's Press. 1999. Duke, J. The Green pharmacy. Rodale Press. 1997; 328.

3. Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Prima Publishing. 1998; 636-7