The effects of soy isoflavones on vasomotor symptoms and bone mineral density in climacteric women

Aim of the present prospective observational study was to determine the efficacy of phytoestrogens for relief of postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms and bone loss. 50 voluntary postmenopausal women (mean age 55 years; range 47-61) were daily supplemented with soy isoflavones (twice daily dose of tablets of 37,5 mg) for one year. Baseline and post-treatment assessment of estrogen deficiency symptoms, gynaecological and breast examinations, transvaginal ultra-sonography and bone mineral density measurement were thoroughly performed. When compared baseline data versus one year of therapy hot flushes and vaginal dryness were showed in 86.4% and 28% of women, respectively. Bone density was increased in 66% of women. No side effects were reported at all. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that phytoestrogens are an effective and safe therapeutic approach to reduce unpleasant postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms as well as to limit bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.