The effect of soy isoflavones given to women in the climacteric period on menopausal symptoms and quality of life: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

ObjectiveThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effect of soy isoflavones on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in climacteric women. MethodThe literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Science Citation Index (Web of Science) until September 2023. This study is based on the recommendations of the Cochrane guidelines. The data were analysed using the Review Manager computer software (Version 5.4). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the RoB-2 tool. ResultsThis analysis was completed with five studies and 425 climacteric women. According to the results of the analysis, menopausal symptoms (SMD: −0.49, 95 % CI: −1.13 to 0.16, Z = 1.47, p = 0.14), physical component (MD: −1.10, 95 % CI: −4.22 to 2.01, Z = 0.70, p = 0. 49) and mental component (MD: 0.81, 95 % CI: −6.73 to 8.35, Z = 0.21, p = 0.83), but there was a significant difference in depression level (SMD: −0.41, 95 % CI: −0.73 to −0.09, Z = 2.53, p = 0.01). ConclusionAccording to the results of the analysis, soy isoflavones had no effect on menopausal symptoms (vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual, and urogenital complaints) and quality of life in climacteric women but did reduce the level of depression. There was a high risk of conflict of interest in the included studies. PROSPERO databaseRegistration: CRD420234479700.