A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial of Soy versus Estrogen in Alleviating Post-Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms

Abstract

Introduction: Estrogen therapy has long been prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms. It has been extensively studied,
and it is the most consistently effective therapy for vasomotor symptoms. Soy has been investigated, mainly over the past 10
years, because of their potential effects on the health of postmenopausal women.
Objectives: To compare the efficacy of soy and estrogen in alleviating post-menopausal vasomotor symptom
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Materials & Methods: A total of 122 post-menopausal women, 40 to 65 years of age were included. Patients on hormone
replacement therapy, tamoxifen or receiving chemotherapy/radiation therapy or taking any dietary supplements were
excluded. Then selected patients were placed randomly into Group A (estrogen) & Group B (soy), by using lottery method.
Patients were called for follow up after 12 weeks and data was collected of the number of hot flushes average per day and
efficacy.
Results: The mean age of women in group A was 52.82 ± 6.08 years and in group B was 52.09 ± 6.90 years. The mean hot
flushes/day in group A was 2.56 ± 1.19 and in group B was 2.85 ± 1.25. There was 50% post-treatment reduction in hot flushes
as compare to number of hot flushes average per day at pre treatment in 57 (93.44%) patients in Group A (Estrogen) while in
Group B (Soy), it was seen in 46 (75.41%) patients with p-value of 0.006.
Conclusion: This study concluded that use of estrogen therapy was more effective in alleviating post-menopausal vasomotor
symptom compared to soy therapy.