A randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of soy protein containing isoflavones on quality of life in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: Postmenopausal estrogen decline is implicated in several age-related physical and psychological changes in women, including decreases in perceived quality of life (QoL). A number of trials with hormone therapy showed beneficial effects of the intervention on parameters of quality of life. However, because of known or suspected serious side-effects of conventional hormone therapy there is a need for alternatives.Design: We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with soy protein, containing 52 mg genistein, 41 mg daidzein, and 6 mg glycitein (aglycone weights), or milk protein (placebo) daily for 1 year. For this trial, we recruited 202 postmenopausal women aged 60 to 75 years.Results: At baseline and at final visit, participants filled in the Short Form of 36 questions (SF-36), the Questionnaire on Life Satisfaction Modules (QLS M ), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). For the placebo group scores on all dimensions of the SF-36 and the QLS M decreased during the intervention year, except for the dimension ''role limitations caused by physical problems.'' The soy group showed increases on two dimensions of the SF-36 (''social functioning'' and ''role limitations caused by physical problems'') and on one dimension of the QLS M . There were however no statistically significant differences in changes of scores between the two intervention groups. For the GDS similarly, no significant differences were found between the groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings in this randomized trial do not support the presence of a marked effect of soy protein substitution on quality of life (health status, life satisfaction, and depression) in elderly postmenopausal women.

Quality of life and climacteric complaints amongst women seeking medical advice in Taiwan: assessment using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire

“…We find those who sought help for climacteric symptoms through traditional Chinese medicine reported more physical and psychological problems than the reference group, but none of the 21 most frequent complaints were related to the items on general health in the WHOQOL. Following adjustment for the major determinants, none of the existing vasomotor symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweating, were related to quality of life, which is largely consistent with the findings of a number of prior studies 4,25 , including clinical trials [26][27][28][29][30] .…”

Soy Protein Containing Isoflavones and Mammographic Density in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Postmenopausal Women

“…For the present study, we made use of data from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that was initiated to study the effect of soy consumption on bone mineral density, cardiovascular disease, cognitive function, performances in daily life, and well being (16)(17)(18)(19). Detailed information about the study is given elsewhere (17).…”

Effect of Daidzein 120 Mg Supplementation to Menopausal Symptoms and Quality of Life in Non Equol Producer Women

“…Epidemiology studies concluded Asian women, who consumed soy, experience lesser menopausal symptoms compared to Western women [9][10][11][12][13]. Soybean possesses Daidzein, one form of isoflavone substance.…”