March 22, 2002 – A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology reinforces the hypothesis that the isoflavones contained in soy could reduce symptoms of menopause and improve the cardiovascular system.1
A group of 80 women with climacteric symptoms (related to menopause) were divided into two. Half of the women took 100 mg of soy isoflavones daily for four months and the other half took a placebo. Measurements were taken at the start and at the end of the study based on four criteria: symptoms of menopause, cardiovascular risk factors, endogenous hormone levels (which come from inside the body) and the thickness of the endometrium. Menopause symptoms were assessed using the Kupperman index2, which is a questionnaire that examines 11 symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances and nervousness. Measurements of plasma lipids, body mass index, blood pressure and glucose levels were used to estimate cardiovascular risk factors.
Taking isoflavones had an impact on menopausal symptoms and LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) levels, which were reduced and were lower than those obtained with the placebo. No effect was observed on the other measures. These results support the thesis that taking phytoestrogens, here soy isoflavones, can be an effective and safe replacement solution to hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women.
Élisabeth Mercader – PasseportSanté.net
According to Medscape, March 4, 2002
1. Han KK, Soares JM Jr, Haidar MA, de Lima GR, Baracat EC. Benefits of soy isoflavone therapeutic regimen on menopausal symptoms. Obstet Gynecol 2002 Mar; 99 (3): 389-94.
2. GyneWeb. Hormonal treatment “ready to wear”. Effectiveness of combined HRT. [Consulté le 21 mars 2002]. http://pro.gyneweb.fr/Sources/congres/jta/95/menop5.htm
