The benefits of isoflavones for women in menopause

Abstract

Menopause is a natural stage that affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, presenting symptoms such as intense heat, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness, and bone loss. These symptoms occur due to the decrease in estrogen levels in the female body, making it necessary to seek new safe and effective pharmacological treatments. Emphasizing the benefits of using isoflavones as a safer alternative for menopause treatment, a narrative literature review was conducted. The search strategy used descriptors such as "isoflavone," "menopause," and "phytoestrogens" in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases, covering publications from 2014 to 2021. A total of 1,671 articles were found, with 3 articles selected for discussion. Isoflavones are nutraceuticals found in legumes, especially soy, and exhibit antioxidant and anti- inflammatory activities. They have been the subject of studies as a safer alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Their bioactive compounds, lignans and isoflavones, show selective affinity for estrogen receptors, making their structure analogous to estrogen. This aids in improving climacteric symptoms while also providing protection against bone loss and heart diseases. Compared to HRT, isoflavones offer a more reliable long-term treatment, though professional counseling is still necessary. Therefore, considering their beneficial effects, it is crucial to conduct additional studies to fully understand their effects and efficacy.