Menopause is characterised by reduction in endogenous oestrogens, which brings about many changes in a woman’s body. Some of them, like hot flushes, are discomfort but not life-threatening. Others, like loss of bone density and decline in cardiovascular function have serious health threatening consequences. Many of these changes can be eliminated or reduced by the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
However, facing contraindications and side effects of HRT as well as considering the latest results from WHI and HERS studies, many women are afraid of conventional HRT. As a result, there is a growing interest among patients about natural compounds, and the group of phytoestrogens is the most promising alternative for HRT.