Phytoestrogens Not Effective in Relieving Hot Flashes
Placebo effect can be 20-35% in this area.
ACOG NEWS RELEASEFor Release: May 31, 2003
Phytoestrogens Not Effective in Relieving Hot Flashes
WASHINGTON, DC — A Finnish study in the June issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pure phytoestrogens did not alleviate menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients. Phytoestrogens, little studied but popularly used to treat menopausal symptoms, mainly consist of isoflavones, which are plant chemicals with estrogen-like properties found in plants such as soybeans or red clover.
The study looked at women with treated breast cancer because these women are usually unable to take hormone therapy and may suffer from tamoxifen-induced hot flashes in addition to the regular symptoms of menopause. The small, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial treated the patients for three months with either 114 mg of phytoestrogens or a placebo. The phytoestrogen regimen raised the circulating levels of phytoestrogens in women’s bloodstream, but it did not relieve hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms, nor did it change women’s menopause-related hormone levels (FSH, LH, or estradiol) or sex hormone-binding globulin levels. Researchers noted the need for long-term data on the effects of phytoestrogens.
Contact: Eini Nikander, MD, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland, at eini.nikander@pp.fimnet.fi.
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Studies published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of ACOG. ACOG is the national medical organization representing over 45,000 members who provide health care for women.