Exploring therapeutic avenues – an experimental study investigating the effects of soy isoflavone and estradiol valerate on HbA1c, lipid profile, urogenital complaints, vaginal maturity index, and sexual function in menopausal women: a comparative analysis using MENQOL-Quality of Life Assessment

ABSTRACT

Background. Menopause is characterized by the natural cessation of menstruation for a continuous period of 12 months. This biological transition triggers alterations in lipid profiles, resulting in a decrease in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and an increase in Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. These changes contribute to an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. Every year, 1.5 million women undergo the transition to menopause, which commonly includes bothersome symptoms like vasomotor symptoms, vaginal dryness, diminished libido, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and joint pain. This study aims to investigate the impact of soy isoflavone administration on HbA1c, lipid profile, urogenital complaints, vaginal maturation index, and sexual function and compare it with estradiol valerate with MENQOL in menopausal women.

Methods. This study is true experimental research with a pre-post test randomized between-group design involving 30 postmenopausal women divided into three groups (n=10 per group): soy isoflavone 50 mg/day, estradiol valerate 2 mg/day and placebo lubricant. The intervention lasted 90 days. Primary outcomes included changes in the HbA1c, Lipid Profile, Urogenital Complaints, Vaginal Maturity Index, and Sexual Function. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and Pearson Correlation test with significance set at p<0.05.

Results. The initial HbA1c levels did not exhibit significant differences across the three groups.; however, a significant difference in HbA1c levels was observed before and after the intervention in the soy isoflavone and estradiol valerate groups (p = 0.007).

Conclusions. The study suggests that women carry a lower risk of cardiovascular disease prior to menopause than men, yet this advantage diminishes post-menopause. Both soy isoflavone and estradiol valerate significantly reduced HbA1c levels, with estradiol valerate showing a significant decrease in total cholesterol. Soy isoflavone improved urogenital symptoms based on MBS scores. Post-intervention MENQOL analysis revealed significant improvements in both treatment groups’ psychosocial, physical, and total scores, with no significant differences observed in the vasomotor and sexual domains.