[Effect of soy isoflavones on peri-menopausal symptom and estrogen].

Objective: To study the effect of soy isoflavones (SI) on improving peri-menopausal symptoms and the secretion of estrogen.

Methods: Fifty women accompany with peri-menopausal symptoms were single-blindly randomized into two groups, the SI group with a daily 120 mg/d of soy isoflavones for eight weeks and the control group with placebos. Serum 17 beta-estrodiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, testosterone and prolactin (PRL) were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of observation. The symptoms, such as the frequency of hot flash and sweating, insomnia and Kuppermann scores were observed.

Results: By the end of the trial, BMI was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Hot flashes, Kuppermann scores and other index were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and E2, progesterone and testosterone were significantly increased (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). FSH was significantly decreased in SI group (P < 0.01). In comparison with control group, hot flash frequency, vaginal dryness, Kuppermann scores and other index were significantly decreased in SI group, E2, PRL and testosterone were also significantly increased in SI group and FSH, 2H were decreased.

Conclusion: Menopausal symptoms and the secretion of estrogen were improved in peri-menopausal women on a daily dosage of 120 mg of soy isoflavones.