IMR Press / CEOG / Volume 44 / Issue 4 / DOI: 10.12891/ceog4095.2017

Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (CEOG) is published by IMR Press from Volume 47 Issue 1 (2020). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with S.O.G.

Original Research
Phytoestrogens for menopausal vasomotor symptoms: efficacy of soybean isoflavones supplements for alleviating menopausal symptoms is positively related to hot flushes frequency
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1 Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, S. Leonardo Hospital, Castellammare di Stabia, Naples
2 ASL Napoli 3 Sud, Naples, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Studies of Naples, Naples, Italy
3 ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Naples, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Studies of Naples, Naples, Italy
4 ASL Salerno, Salerno, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Studies of Naples, Naples, Italy
5 Department of Woman, Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Second University of Studies of Naples, Naples, Italy
Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2017, 44(4), 521–523; https://doi.org/10.12891/ceog4095.2017
Published: 10 August 2017
Abstract
Purpose of investigation: This study was designed to measure the beneficial effects of a combination of nutraceutics containing soy isoflavones (80 mg) and to evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones on hot flushes (HF) and quality of life in a clinical setting, as the authors conducted an observational study. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 92 patients with complaints of hot flashes, divided into two groups of 46 each. Group 1 received no therapy and group 2 received 80 mg of isoflavones daily for six months. The patients were interviewed to calculate hot flashes, global and depression scores and were rescored after 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure was a change in the HF score from baseline. Results: A total of 92 patients, 46 (50%) in the treated group and 46 (50%) in the untreated group, entered the study. Extracts containing high levels of genistein (a substance derived from soy) appeared to reduce the number of daily HF and need to be investigated further. No indication suggested that discrepant results were due to the amount of isoflavones in the active treatment arm, the severity of vasomotor symptoms or trial quality factors. Also, no evidence indicated that these treatments caused oestrogenic stimulation of the endometrium or of the vagina or other adverse effects when used for up to one year. Conclusions: This observational trial suggests a possible beneficial effect of a dietary soy supplement containing 80 mg of isoflavones/day in the management of menopausal symptoms such as HF.
Keywords
Neurovegetative symptoms
Menopause
Isoflavones
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