SYNTHETIC GENISTEIN IN ACTIVE FORM FOR THE THERAPY OF MENOPAUSAL SYNDROME

Phytoestrogens are used to treat menopausal symptoms in women who cannot or do not want to use hormone therapy. As of now, soya isoflavones have been most studied and genistein has been recognized to have the strongest effect on estrogen receptors. Soybean extracts have been gained widespread acceptance as dietary supplements, but the use of synthetic genistein has a relatively recent history. Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of synthetic genistein in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 23 women with menopausal syndrome whose severity was evaluated in accordance with the modified menopausal index (MMI). All the patients received synthetic genistein in a daily dose of 60 mg for 6 months. Its efficacy was evaluated from the changes in MMI, autonomic dysfunction, and quality of life; its safety was assessed from physical examination results, biochemical markers of liver function, and small pelvic, abdominal, and breast ultrasound findings. Results. Genistein showed a high efficacy in correcting mild and moderate menopausal disorders. After 6 months of therapy, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.005) decrease in MMI from 37.39±0.99 (pretreatment) to 6.96±0.67 (posttreatment). At the same time, there was a reduction in the mean index of autonomic dysfunction from 41.39±2.13 to 9.65±0.47 (p < 0.005) and positive health changes, as shown by the MOS SF-36 questionnaire. No adverse events or refusals to participate in the investigation during treatment were recorded. Conclusion. Synthetic genistein may be considered as the drug of choice in treating the neuroautonomic manifestations of mild and moderate menopausal syndrome.

climacteric syndrome, menopause, hot flushes, quality of life, autonomic dysfunction, phytoestrogens, soya isoflavones, genistein, menoril