Effects of a red clover extract (MF11RCE) on endometrium and sex hormones in postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a non-prescription red clover extract (MF11 RCE, Melbrosin International, Vienna, Austria) on selected sex hormones and endometrium in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
One-hundred and nine postmenopausal women with an age > or =40 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups either two capsules of MF11RCE (80mg isoflavone) per day for a 90 day period, or placebo of equal design. After a 7 day washout period, medication was crossed-over for another 90 days.


RESULTS
Combined evaluation demonstrated that supplementation with MF11RCE (verum), in contrast to placebo, significantly increased plasma testosterone levels and decreased endometrial thickness.


CONCLUSIONS
MF11RCE exerts a moderate effect on testosterone levels in postmenopausal women, while estradiol levels remained unchanged. The observed reduction of endometrial thickness provides further support for a safe role for isoflavones in terms of endometrial hyperplasia.
Imhof
Martin
M
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. martin.imhof@meduniwien.ac.at
Gocan
Anca
A
Reithmayr
Franz
F
Lipovac
Markus
M
Schimitzek
Claudia
C
Chedraui
Peter
P
Huber
Johannes
J
D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D029921:Trifolium
D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D007529:Isoflavones; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013739:Testosterone