Use of Phytoestrogens for the Treatment of Psychiatric Symptoms Associated with Menopause Transition

Abstract

Menopause transition is recognized as a vulnerable period in women life to develop or aggravate symptoms of psychiatric disorders. Several treatments including antidepressants and hormonal restitution with estrogens have been suggested to ameliorate the symptoms. Also, in this period of life is frequent the use of other drugs to treat is also frequent the use of other drugs to treat comorbid pathologies that might even increase the risk of drug-drug interactions. Literature reports that some phytochemicals with estrogenic activity have beneicial efects during menopausal transition without collateral events. This chapter shows evidence about the use of phytoestrogens as an alternative therapy for the treatment of some psychiatric symptoms associated with the menopausal transition. Data derived from preclinical research related to the use of classical phytoestrogens (isolavones), considering the beneicial efects, as well as adverse events, are discussed. Also, the use of polyphenols and organosulfurate compounds as an alternative for the treatment of anxiety-and depressive-like behavior as well as ibromyalgia is included. A narrative review was conducted using bibliography reporting the use of isolavones (genistein, daidzein, equol), coumestans or lignans for the reduction of depressive-like or anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, it is described if the use of this compounds impact in other signs of menopause, i.e. vasomotor and osteoporosis. In addition, due to the high frequency of comorbid pathologies as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome with psychiatric disorders, the use of these phytochemicals is discussed.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Individual and Combined Cytotoxic and Estrogenic Effects of Zearalenone, Its Reduced Metabolites, Alternariol, and Genistein

“…Due to its structural similarity to 17β-estradiol, GEN can activate estrogen receptors and is considered as a phytoestrogen [17]. Therefore, numerous dietary supplements contain GEN, which are applied in the alternative treatment of perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal symptoms [17,18].…”

Genistein as Potential Therapeutic Candidate for Menopausal Symptoms and Other Related Diseases

“…Phytoestrogens are biologically active plant-derived compounds that are similar in chemical structure to 17β-estradiol and mimic estrogen-like properties [7]. Among the phytoestrogens, isoflavones and lignans are commonly used to relieve menopausal symptoms, as they are abundant in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and soy [8,9]. A study on soy intake in various countries revealed that the average daily soy intake is nine times higher in Asian countries compared to North American and European countries, resulting in a higher life expectancy on average [10].…”

Dietary supplement for relieving menopausal symptoms in Egyptian perimenopausal women

“…Functional foods contain many bioactive compounds as phytochemicals that proved their health effects (Fouad et al 2018). Phytochemicals are results of secondary metabolism of a plant which are biologically active in humans and other animal species assuming more prominent valuable effects in health more than just nutritional properties (Gonzalez-Laredo et al 2012).…”