Insights & Discussion
Isoflavone supplementation noticeably impacts menopausal symptoms and hormonal changes in postmenopausal women.
In order to examine isoflavones effects on menopausal symptoms and the associated hormonal alterations, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. To do this, the PubMed and EMBASE databases were used, but the selected studies were restricted to random controlled trials (RCTs) assessing isoflavone supplementation's impact on menopausal symptoms. Overall, 11 studies were chosen for the final quantitative evaluation, and the isoflavone intervention amount varied among these studies.
The Meta-analysis displayed that supplementing isoflavones meaningfully increased estradiol levels and the Kupperman index (a composite scoring of multiple menopausal symptoms intensity). Yet, there were no significant impacts observed on hot flashes, or the release of two specific hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. It should be noted that there was a significant inconsistency in estradiol levels and Kupperman index findings among different studies.
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A combination of soybean germ extract and a probiotic significantly improved menopause-related conditions and mood in an ovariectomized rat model.
2023 Nutrients Anti-Menopausal Effect of Soybean Germ Extract and Lactobacillus gasseri in the Ovariectomized Rat Model Lee SH, Lim TJ, Yun EJ, Kim KH, Lim S
Animal Study Bacillus Menopause Soybean
The study employed an ovariectomized rat model to understand the effects of a combination of soybean germ extract containing 30% isoflavone and a probiotic. The methodology included assessing the effects of this combination on several health markers including body weight, estrogen markers, uterine and bone health, vascular markers, and neurotransmitter levels in these rats.
Once implemented, the combination of soybean germ extract and the probiotic showcased significant improvement in body weight and uterine and bone health of the rats. There were also noticeable effects on the lipid profile, liver function, and vascular markers. Most interestingly, the combination had a positive impact on the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, indicating potential mood-enhancing effects, which are crucial in managing symptoms post-menopause. This essentially shows the potential of a dietary approach towards menopausal management, especially given the observed benefits without the side effects typically associated with hormone replacement therapy.
Soy protein, bioactive peptides, and isoflavones are generally safe for consumption and may help reduce the risk of several significant health conditions.
2023 PharmaNutrition Soy protein, bioactive peptides, and isoflavones: A review of their safety and health benefits Tan ST, Tan SS, Tan CX
Review Article Cholesterol High Blood Pressure Isoflavone
Methodology: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. It began with a sophisticated multi-database search, featuring resources like Google Scholar, Scopus, and others. This search targeted articles published from 2017 to March 2023 and used specific keywords for accuracy. Forty-three articles were handpicked from this process after excluding reviews, conference reports, duplicates, inaccessible texts, and any non-English publications.
Discussion of Results: A thorough examination of the chosen articles resulted in the conclusion that soy proteins, soy bioactive peptides, and soy isoflavones are typically safe for human consumption. Furthermore, it was found that the consumption of these compounds may have beneficial effects, potentially lowering risk factors for ailments such as osteoporosis, various cancers, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and more.
Soybean lettuce extract effectively reduces symptoms of menopause syndrome without notable side effects.
2022 Nutrients Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Fermented Soybean-Lettuce Powder for Improving Menopausal Symptoms Han AL, Lee HK, Chon HS, Pae HO, Kim MS, Shin YI, et al.
Randomised Controlled Trial Lettuce Menopause Soybean
The study targeted adult women suffering from menopausal syndrome with a Kupperman index of 15 or more. Participants were split into two groups – the experimental group and the placebo group. The research spanned over a four-week period and embraced a total of 39 participants (with one dropping out). Measurements of body mass index, waist circumference, and several cholesterol levels were taken before and after the study, but these didn't show any significant changes.
In the results discussion, the most notable finding was a significant reduction in the Kupperman index in the experimental group. They were given the natural nitric oxide-containing soybean lettuce extract. This decrease denotes the alleviation of menopausal symptoms, offering an effective, natural alternative to hormone therapy. Conversely, the placebo group didn't show any substantial change, reinforcing the efficacy of the soybean lettuce extract.
Equol, a powerful estrogen-like compound derived from soy, could be key to better health in postmenopausal women if gut microbiome could be altered to facilitate its production.
2022 Nutrients Maximizing the Estrogenic Potential of Soy Isoflavones through the Gut Microbiome: Implication for Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women Leonard LM, Choi MS, Cross TWL
Review Article Equol Gut Microbiota Isoflavone
The methodology of this research involved looking closely at the properties and actions of equol, a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein. This substance is produced through the process of intestinal bacterial metabolism, but the ability to produce it is not present in over half of the human population due to the absence of specific equol-producing bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Given that the make up of the gut microbiome varies from person to person, understanding the effects of equol and daidzein in the human body has been a complex task. Furthermore, the fact that rodents easily produce equol complicates the matter, as findings from rodent models may not directly apply to humans.
While interpreting the results, it was found that equol, due to its strong estrogenic activity, could potentially be an excellent means to manage postmenopausal symptoms and overall health. However, the ability to produce equol varies significantly among people, based on the bacterial microflora of their gut. Therefore, the benefits of equol could potentially be amplified by finding effective methods to manipulate the gut microbiome to foster equol production, a strategy that could lead to improved health outcomes for postmenopausal women.
Phytoestrogens, used in various forms, have shown improvement in urogenital menopause symptoms and improved women's sexual function, promoting overall quality of life.
2021 European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology Impact of phytoestrogens on treatment of urogenital menopause symptoms: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials Abdi F, Rahnemaei FA, Roozbeh N, Pakzad R
Systematic Review Female Sexual Function Flaxseed Menopause
A thorough and systematic review was conducted on databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Scopus and ProQuest, spanning from the years 2000-2020. The focus was solely on randomized clinical trials. An evaluation of the quality of selected papers was carried out using the CONSORT checklist. In total, 33 high-quality papers were reviewed which discussed the different forms and uses of phytoestrogens.
The results of this systematic review reveal that phytoestrogens including Pueraria Mirifica, fennel, Hop plant, Glycine Max, soy, red clover, black cohosh, ginsing, cimicifugaracemosa, genistein, diadzein, glycitein and isoflavone, used as various products such as oral capsules, pills, food supplements, enriched powders, vaginal gels, creams and suppositories, improved menopausal urogenital symptoms. Particularly, the recovery rate was found to be higher when these were applied vaginally. Further implication of these findings is the enhancement of women's sexual function following treatment, validating the use of phytoestrogens as a safe, low-risk and accessible method to alleviate urogenital symptoms.
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