Daidzein-Rich Isoflavones Improve Menopause Symptoms

BOSTONDaidzein-rich isoflavone (DRI) aglycones are potentially effective in reducing hot flashes in menopausal women, according to a new study in Menopause (2007 Jul 18; ePub ahead of print). After a one-week run-in period, 190 menopausal women (age 38 to 60) experiencing four to 14 hot flashes a day were randomized to receive a placebo or 40 or 60 mg/day DRIs for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was mean change in the frequency of hot flashes as recorded by the participants. The secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life and hormonal profiles.A total of 147 women (77 percent) completed the study. Results showed 40 and 60 mg of DRIs improved hot flash frequency and severity equally. At eight weeks, hot flash frequency was reduced by 43 percent in the 40-mg DRI group and 41 percent in the 60-mg DRI group, compared with 32 percent in the placebo group. The corresponding numbers for 12 weeks were 52 percent, 51 percent and 39 percent, respectively. Mean daily hot flash frequency dropped significantly in the two treatment groups versus placebo, but DRI intervention did not cause any significant changes in endogenous sex hormones or thyroid hormones. Menopausal quality of life improved in all three groups, although there were no statistically significant differences between groups.