Effect of menopausal hormone therapy and phytoestrogens on the oxidant/antioxidant profile of blood plasma in peri- and postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND: One of the most significant consequences of altered estrogen levels during the peri- and postmenopausal periods is the development of oxidative stress, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases. At present, the effects of menopausal hormone therapy and phytoestrogen therapy on antioxidant homeostasis are actively discussed. Available data are inconsistent, indicating that estrogen may exert both pro-oxidant and antioxidant effects, which makes this issue particularly relevant.

AIM: To investigate the effects of menopausal hormone therapy and phytoestrogens (soy isoflavones and resveratrol) on the oxidant/antioxidant profile of blood plasma in peri- and postmenopausal women.

METHODS: The study included 92 patients with climacteric syndrome who were divided into four groups: group 1, menopausal hormone therapy (n = 25); group 2, soy isoflavone therapy (n = 23); group 3, resveratrol therapy (n = 24); and a control group, no drug therapy (n = 20). The severity of climacteric syndrome was assessed using questionnaire-based scales before treatment and after 3 months. The antioxidant profile of blood plasma was analyzed using kinetic luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence.

RESULTS: The most pronounced reduction in climacteric syndrome severity was observed with menopausal hormone therapy using estradiol and dydrogesterone combination therapy. A positive clinical trend was also noted in the resveratrol group. Soy isoflavone therapy did not have a significant effect on the course of climacteric syndrome. Neither menopausal hormone therapy nor soy isoflavone therapy influenced antioxidant profile parameters. Resveratrol exerted a favorable effect on the thiol antioxidant system, and a correlation was identified between the status of the thiol antioxidant system and the severity of climacteric symptoms.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate high clinical relevance and indicate the safety of menopausal hormone therapy and resveratrol with respect to the oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis of the blood, as well as their pronounced clinical efficacy. Further studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes.