| Postmenopausal Genistein Reduces Bone Resorption and Increases Bone Formation in Postmenopausal Women Reference: Morabito N, Crisafulli A, Vergara C, et al. Effects of genistein and hormone-replacement therapy on bone loss in early postmenopausal women: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Bone Miner Res 2002;17:1904-12. Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Participants: Ninety healthy postmenopausal women (47-57 years) Duration: One year Key Findings: After one year of treatment, both the genistein and HRT groups had significantly increased BMD in the femoral neck (p < 0.001), in Ward's triangle (p < 0.0006), and in the lumbar spine (p < 0.04) compared to placebo (there was a decrease in BMD in the placebo group in all three areas). Genistein significantly reduced the urinary excretion of pyridinium cross-links (PYR and DPYR) at both 6 (p < 0.001) and 12 (p < 0.001) months. A similar, but not statistically significant (compared with the genistein-treated group) decrease in PYR and DPYR excretion was observed in women receiving HRT. Excretion of PYR and DPYR was not significantly modified at 6 or 12 months in the placebo group. Genistein did not cause any change in the endometrial thickness or the breast (no patient in any of the groups showed significant change in the mammography exams at one year of follow-up).Vaginal bleeding and breast tenderness were present in a significant number of patients taking HRT but not in patients taking genistein or placebo. Women taking HRT had marked decrease in hot flashes while those taking genistein or placebo did not. Practice Implications: The results of this interesting clinical trial suggest that 54 mg/day of genistein prevents bone loss associated with estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women without causing any adverse effects on either the uterus or breast. The result also suggest that it reduces bone resorption markers and enhances new bone formation with a net gain of bone mass. |
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