Published evidence supports a role for phytoestrogens in menopause

EDITOR—In her editorial on phytoestrogen therapy for menopausal symptoms Davis has overlooked published information that would have argued against claims that there is no good evidence that isoflavone phytoestrogens are any better than placebo.1 In fact, good published evidence shows that they are effective not only for managing acute symptoms of the menopause but also for improving cardiovascular and bone health.

According to Davis, the published data cited showed that an over the counter tablet preparation of isoflavones extracted from red clover had no greater benefit than placebo for vasomotor symptoms.2 Although it is correct that in this study …