ISOFLAVONES
Place in Therapy
Phytoestrogens, which includes isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans, are nonsteroidal plant compounds that demonstrate estrogenic effects. Based on this mechanism of action, phytoestrogens have been extensively studied for reducing the frequency and severity of menopausal hot flashes. A number of randomized-controlled trials have shown efficacy for isoflavones in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes when compared to placebo, but many of these trials were poorly designed and under-powered.[1] A meta-analysis concluded that there may be a modest reduction in the frequency of hot flashes with isoflavone supplementation, but also that there was a large placebo effect across trials.[2]
The evidence for the efficacy of phytoestrogens in decreasing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women is inconsistent, and additional well-designed trials are required before firm conclusions can be made.[1] However, due to the plausible mechanism of action and favourable safety profile, the use of phytoestrogens for the relief of menopausal hot flashes can be recommended as a first-line alternative to hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in women who prefer not to take HRT or who have experienced adverse effects to treatment. Studies indicate that the benefit from isoflavones may be more apparently in women experiencing a baseline number of hot flashes greater than 5 per day, so isoflavone use may be particularly beneficial in these women.[2]
References:
1 Lethaby A, Marjoribanks J, Kronenberg F, Roberts H, Eden J, Brown J. Phytoestrogens for vasomotor menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007;4
2 Howes L, Howes J, Knight D. Isoflavone therapy for menopausal flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 2006;55:203-211
The evidence for the efficacy of phytoestrogens in decreasing the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women is inconsistent, and additional well-designed trials are required before firm conclusions can be made.[1] However, due to the plausible mechanism of action and favourable safety profile, the use of phytoestrogens for the relief of menopausal hot flashes can be recommended as a first-line alternative to hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in women who prefer not to take HRT or who have experienced adverse effects to treatment. Studies indicate that the benefit from isoflavones may be more apparently in women experiencing a baseline number of hot flashes greater than 5 per day, so isoflavone use may be particularly beneficial in these women.[2]
References:
1 Lethaby A, Marjoribanks J, Kronenberg F, Roberts H, Eden J, Brown J. Phytoestrogens for vasomotor menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007;4
2 Howes L, Howes J, Knight D. Isoflavone therapy for menopausal flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Maturitas. 2006;55:203-211