Effects of dietary phytoestrogens in postmenopausal women

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that increased dietary intake of phytoestrogens reduces the health impact of the menopause. To test this hypothesis, a double-blind, randomized, entry-exit, cross-over study was conducted to assess the effects of three dietary manipulations - soy and linseed diets (high in phytoestrogens) and a wheat diet (low in phytoestrogens). Postmenopausal women were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the three dietary regimens. Urinary phytoestrogen concentrations, hot flush rate, vaginal smears, bone mineral density and bone mineral content were assessed for two 12-week periods. Comparative analysis showed no significant differences, but, when analyzed separately, groups consuming high phytoestrogen diets had between 10 and 30 times higher urinary excretion of phytoestrogens compared to those consuming the low phytoestrogen diet (p<0.01). Study participants consuming soy, linseed and wheat diets had a 22% (not significant, n.s.), 41% (p < 0.009) and 51% [p < 0...