Effects of a Combination of Phytoestrogens on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Climacteric Women: A Randomized, Placebocontrolled Trial

Abstract

Background & Aims: The incidence of cardiovascular disease in the climacteric has increased, becoming the main cause of death in mature women. The use of phytoestrogens, isoflavone,s and lignans, derived from soy and flaxseed can be natural alternative treatments for this phase of life. This study investigates the utility of isoflavones and lignans derived from soy and flaxseed as natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Methods: A clinical, prospective, randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Forty-eight women aged 40 to 65 years were divided into two groups, Phytoestrogen (PHY), which received a cereal bar containing isoflavones and lignans for 90 days, and Placebo (PLA), which received expanded rice flake bar. The sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP) measurements, biochemical and hormonal tests were performed. Results: Forty-three women were studied (PHY=21 and PLA=22). There was a significant reduction of diastolic BP in the PHY group after the intervention (p <0.001). The frequency of BP fluctuations in the PHY group significantly decreased to 23.8% after the intervention period (p=0.027), with no significant differences for the other indicators studied. Conclusion: The combination of phytoestrogens showed a trend to reduce the blood pressure of climacteric women, however, no significant changes in cardiovascular risk factors were observed. The study was registered under essaclinicos.gov.br, Brazilian Clinical Trials, number 6z8qqy.