Managing the menopause: Phyto-oestrogens or hormone replacement therapy?

Abstract

Menopause is a natural event, and understandably many women would like to take a natural therapy rather than a drug for managing their menopause symptoms as well as preventing the long-term sequelae of oestrogen deficiency. In this respect phyto-oestrogens show a lot of promise. However, at this point in time clinical data are inconclusive. There are some data supporting the contention that isoflavones improve hot flushes; however, there are also negative studies. Soy protein has been shown to lower cholesterol, and isoflavones improve arterial compliance. Clinical studies suggest that isoflavones have little impact on menopause-induced bone loss.