The effects of phytoestrogens on postmenopausal health

Abstract

Phytoestrogens are a group of non-steroidal polyphenolic plant-based substances, commonly used for the treatment of menopause-related conditions. They have both genomic and non-genomic effects, displaying weak affinity for estrogen receptors (ER) and preferentially binding to ER-B over ER-A. However, evidence for the benefits of phytoestrogen consumption has been limited. We conducted a review of recent literature, focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting on postreproductive health effects of phytoestrogens. While many trials concerning dietary and supplementary phytoestrogens have been conducted, evidence of clinical efficacy is heterogeneous and inconclusive. There appears to be reduction in the vasomotor symptoms of menopause with phytoestrogen intake; however, it is likely small and slow in onset. Phytoestrogens also appear to improve bone mineral density and markers of cardiovascular risk; however, there is inadequate research regarding long-term outcomes. There appear to be no harmful effects of phytoestrogens on breast, endometrial cancer or colorectal cancer and phytoestrogens intake may in fact be protective. Research regarding the effect of phytoestrogens on cognition is mixed, with most studies reporting no significant association. Overall, individual variations in the metabolism of phytoestrogens and age-related genomic effects may account for the considerable variability in the measured effects of phytoestrogens.

摘要

植物雌激素是一组非甾体多酚类植物性物质, 通常用于治疗绝经相关疾病。它们同时具有基因组和非基因组效应, 与雌激素受体（ER）的亲和性较弱, 优先与ER-B结合而非ER-A。然而, 摄入植物雌激素益处的证据是有限的。我们对最近的文献进行了归纳汇总, 重点关注植物雌激素对健康的影响的系统性综述和荟萃分析。虽然已经进行了许多关于膳食和补充植物雌激素的实验, 但是临床疗效的证据是不同的且不确定。摄入植物雌激素后, 绝经期血管舒缩症状似乎有所减轻：然而他可能性很小并且治疗缓慢。植物雌激素似乎也能提高骨密度和心血管风险的标志物；然而, 关于长期研究的结果还不充分。植物雌激素对乳腺癌、子宫内膜或结直肠癌似乎没有有害影响, 摄入植物雌激素还可能有保护作用。关于植物雌激素对认知的影响研究比较混杂, 大多数的研究报告认为是没有显著的相关性。总而言之, 植物雌激素代谢的个体差异与年龄相关的基因组效应可能解释了植物雌激素影响效应差异较大的原因。

Keywords:

• Phytoestrogens
• isoflavones
• menopause
• cancer
• cognition
• vasomotor symptoms
• bone health

Potential conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Source of funding

Nil.