[Phytoestrogens in menopausal women: a review of recent findings].
Many women seek alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal compounds with estrogenic or antiestrogenic properties. Six of the 16 clinical trials suggest a significant reduction in alleviating symptoms but to a lesser degree than HRT. A meta-analysis showed that phytoestrogens improve lipid profile. The 14 recent clinical trials led, however, to divergent findings. Small clinical trials suggested a protective effect of phytoestrogens on bone metabolism. High concentration of phytoestrogens was associated with a reduction in breast cancer risk in case-control studies.
Dodin
Sylvie
S
Département d'obstétrique et de gynécologie, Université Laval, Hôpital St-François d'Assise, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ), Québec, Canada. sylvie.dodin@ogy.ulaval.ca
Blanchet
Claudine
C
Marc
Isabelle
I
D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D007529:Isoflavones; D008055:Lipids; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations