title: Effect of intestinal production of equol on menopausal symptoms in women treated with soy isoflavones.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones on menopausal symptoms in women who do and who do not produce equol, a daidzein metabolite.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted over 6 months with 96 healthy menopausal women. After taking take 135 mg of isoflavones daily for 1 week, the women in the study group were assigned to the equol-producing (EP) or the non-EP group according to the presence or absence of equol in their urine. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using a modified Kupperman Index.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the placebo group, the scores for hot flashes and excessive sweating were significantly reduced after 3 months, and the scores for weakness, palpitations, limb paresthesia, and total symptoms after 6 months, in the EP group only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Isoflavone supplementation improves menopausal symptoms only in women with the ability to produce equol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hei-Jen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Jou
authors.forename: Shiao-Chi
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Fang-Wei
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Pei-Ying
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Ling
authors.forename: Kung Shen
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Wen-Huey
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D060754:Equol; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects; D030262:Soybean Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: C007610:4',7-dihydroxy-3,4-dihydroisoflavone; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D030262:Soybean Proteins; D060754:Equol