A randomised double-blind controlled trial of oral soy supplements versus placebo for treatment of menopausal symptoms in patients with early breast cancer

Menopausal symptoms are a major survivorship issue for patients treated for breast cancer. There are increasing concerns over the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in this setting and a growing consumer interest in “natural” therapies. It had been suggested that soy phyto-oestrogens might be beneficial in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Seventy-two patients with a histologically confirmed pre-existing diagnosis of breast cancer who were having menopausal symptoms were randomised between 12 weeks of treatment with soy capsules or placebo. Quality of life and menopausal symptom scores were assessed at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. There was no statistical difference in menopausal symptom scores or quality of life between the two arms of the study.