The is no doubt that the earlier a girl experiences menarche, the scarier it is. This greatly increases the risks of estrogen related cancers like endometrial and breast cancers.
Early menarche also means that the hormonal disturbances that caused the early onset of menses are NOT due to “Mother Nature-planned” physiological changes. In other words, hormonal disturbances are only the beginning of the problem. Overall, anything we can do to slow the onset of menarche the better.
In this particular study, researchers found that in girls, the higher her levels of isoflavones were (found principally in soy) the later they reached menarche. Seems strange, doesn’t it? The “they” who say soy is evil would have us believe that it is loaded with hormones that interfere with normal development, but in this study (and many others…) we actually see soy intake intake protecting normal development.
As usual, I have to include the typical disclaimer when talking about soy–not the processed, GMO laded textured vegetable protein that makes up the bulk of veggie burgers that you can buy in the grocery store. Rather, organic or GMO-free soy in all its forms–tofu, edamame, miso, natto, etc…