國立臺灣師範大學人類發展與家庭學系Jou HJ, Wu SC, Chang FW, Ling PY, Chu KS, Wu WH*2014-12-022014-12-022008-07-010020-7292http://rportal.lib.ntnu.edu.tw/handle/20.500.12235/41315Objective:To evaluate the effect of soy isoflavones on menopausal symptoms in women who do and who do not produce equol, a daidzein metabolite. Method:A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted over 6 months with 96 healthy menopausal women. After taking take 135 mg of isoflavones daily for 1 week, the women in the study group were assigned to the equol-producing (EP) or the non-EP group according to the presence or absence of equol in their urine. Menopausal symptoms were evaluated using a modified Kupperman Index. Result:Compared with the placebo group, the scores for hot flashes and excessive sweating were significantly reduced after 3 months, and the scores for weakness, palpitations, limb paresthesia, and total symptoms after 6 months, in the EP group only. Conclusions:Isoflavone supplementation improves menopausal symptoms only in women with the ability to produce equol.EquolHot flashesIsoflavonesMenopausal symptoms