Menopause is a natural physiological process marking the end of menstrual cycles that typically occurs between ages 45- 59 and may significantly affect women’s quality of life. It is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that ultimately lead to a reduction in estrogen and progesterone levels, which results in biological changes and subsequent symptoms. Symptoms vary considerably among women, due to individual, genetic and lifestyle factors, and commonly include vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), sleep disturbances, cognitive and mood changes, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, bone and muscle loss, metabolic and cardiovascular alterations and skin modifications.

Menopausal hormone therapy (HT) has long been considered the most effective treatment for alleviating menopausal symptoms and reducing the risk of osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, however, concerns regarding its safety profile, especially a possible cardiovascular risk, have led to an individualized benefit-risk evaluation and increased interest in non-hormonal alternatives.

Soy isoflavones have been extensively investigated clinical and preclinically to be a potential alternative treatment for the management of midlife symptoms. Due to their structural similarities to estrogen, isoflavones modulate estrogen receptors. Moreover, they have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Regulatory assessments, including EFSA risk assessment, support the safety of soy isoflavones at established intake levels.

SOLGEN® is an ingredient containing the isoflavones genistin, daidzin, genistein, daidzein, glycitein and glycitin and has been investigated in clinical studies in women.

This review summarizes the current scientific evidence on soy isoflavones/SOLGEN® supplementation for menopausal symptoms and other conditions, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome.