Modulation of Postmenopausal Steroid Hormone Levels by Phytoestrogens and Correlation with Breast Proliferative Activity and Menopausal Symptoms

摘要

Overall 5-year survival from breast cancer is now 85% and most surviving women are postmenopausal. Nearly half of postmenopausal American women take estrogen replacement to relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause but this is contraindicated in women with breast cancer. Phytoestrogen supplements can be used as an alternative, but their effect on the risk of cancer recurrence is unknown. Given the mixed results of phytoestrogen studies regarding breast cell stimulation and inhibition in the medical literature the effect of phytoestrogen on postmenopausal breast cancer survivors is unclear. To evaluate the effect of a phytoestrogen supplement on steroid hormones and breast epithelial proliferation 23 disease-free post- therapy postmenopausal women with in-situ or early invasive (Stage 0-11) breast cancer were randomized to either 100mg/d isoflavone tablets or placebo for one year. Hormone levels were measured at baseline Smonths and one year. Changes in menopausal symptoms and vaginal maturation were also measured.