Phytoestrogens and endometrial hyperplasia.
(1) Short-term clinical trials have shown that soy phytoestrogens have a slight preventive effect on hot flushes. However, this finding is based on a low level of evidence. (2) A double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving about 300 women and lasting 5 years showed that phytoestrogens were associated with an increase in the incidence of endometrial hyperplasia (3.8% versus 0%). (3) In practice, the risk-benefit ratio of phytoestrogens has not been adequately assessed. Their effect on the endometrium, and the many unknowns concerning the risk of thromboembolism and breast cancer, may offset the modest effect of phytoestrogens on hot flushes.
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017698:Postmenopause; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens