Phytoestrogens and menopause

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7328.52

BMJ 2002;324:52 ( 5 January )

Letters

Phytoestrogens and menopause

Published evidence supports a role for phytoestrogens in menopause

Pharmacological attributes of plant based drugs should be discussed widely

Published evidence supports a role for phytoestrogens in menopause

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ In her editorial on phytoestrogen therapy for menopausal symptoms Davis has overlooked published information that wouldhave argued against claims that there is no good evidence thatisoflavone phytoestrogens are any better than placebo.¹ Infact, good published evidence shows that they are effective notonly for managing acute symptoms of the menopause but also forimproving cardiovascular and bonehealth.

According to Davis, the published data cited showed that an over the counter tablet preparation of isoflavones extracted fromred clover had no greater benefit than placebo for vasomotor symptoms.²Although it is correct that in this study the mean response inthe placebo group was not statistically different from the treatmentgroup, this was not because of a lack of effect in the treatmentgroup but because of inadvertent or deliberate consumption ofisoflavone containing foods in the placebo group. Both groupsresponded with reduced flushing. . . . [Full text of this article]