Soy isoflavones, lactobacilli, vitamin D3 and calcium. Observational study in menopause

An observational study in clinical practice was carried out to draw an updated profile on the actual trend in menopause management and to detect the clinical activity of a new phytoestrogen. Each gynaecologist observed up to 10 consecutive menopause women, and collected the data concerning history, life style, past and actual treatments, HRT refusal/withdrawal, current therapy, symptoms, visits/exams in the previous 3 months, through the website www.estronet.net, by a confidential and protected individual access. The 181 gynaecologists collected a sample of 1398 menopause women of which 607 not treated, 327 on estrogens, and 464 on phytoestrogens. The most usedphytoestrogen in the study (87.1%) contains genistin and daidzin (30+30 mg) + lactobacilli, Ca and vit. D3 (Estromineral, EM) and was administered to 392 women (aged 54.1 years, BMI 24.8) for 112.9 days (mean) up to 1 year. Menopause symptoms improved on EM independently from their baseline severity and the improvement increased with treatment duration: flushing improved up to 96.2% at 1 year; nocturnal sweating 100%, palpitations 63.6%, and vaginal dryness 56%. Tumour fear, absence of symptoms and fear of weight gain were the most frequent reasons for refusal/withdrawal of HRT. Women treated (HRT or phytoestrogens) were more controlled both before and during the treatment. In presence of concomitant clinical conditions, EM was preferred. Phytoestrogens plus lactobacilli and mineral supplement showed a satisfactory clinical activity and safety.