THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF USING ISOFLAVONES IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Menopause is marked by the end of a woman's reproductive cycle and is related to decreased production of the hormone estrogen. The consequences of this hormonal reduction are physical symptoms that are harmful to the woman's health and well-being, requiring the adequate replacement. Isoflavones are similar to female estrogen and therefore exert estrogenic action. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible benefits of using isoflavones as an alternative to hormone replacement. An integrative literature review was carried out with a qualitative approach and descriptive character in  Pubmed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, using the descriptors Women, Isoflavones and Postmenopause. As inclusion criteria, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials in Portuguese, Spanish and English, published between 2011 and 2021, were selected, resulting in 26 articles. The results include articles related to classic postmenopausal symptoms, as well as general quality of life, cognitive health, prevention of osteoporosis, performance on vaginal tissue and triglyceride levels, in addition to the best form of use and dosage. The benefits are greatest observed in the action in the classic systems of menopause, insomnia, prevention of osteoporosis and maintenance of the vaginal epithelium, with few being associated with triglyceride levels and cognitive health. It is concluded that more research is needed, although the use of isoflavones proves to be an interesting therapeutic alternative in postmenopausal women.