Do not use phytoestrogens for menopausal-related sexual symptoms.

Do not use phytoestrogens for menopausal-related sexual symptoms.

Type of practice

Drugs

Age

Adult

Topic Area

Andrology and Sexuality Medicine

There is no strong scientific evidence for the use of phytoestrogens in the treatment of menopausal-related sexual symptoms (e.g. hypoactive sexual desire disorder, excitement disorder, orgasmic disorder, dyspareunia, vaginismus) and/or hot flushes. Biological actions of these molecules can be affected by: multiple action sites, relative number of subtypes of receptors, different distribution among target tissues of functional co-activators and co-repressors, potential non-genomic action of estrogens even in cells without specific receptors. Phytoestrogens have the same general contraindications of on-label estrogen compounds.

Sources

1. Worsley R, Santoro N, Miller KK, Parish SJ, Davis SR. Hormones and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Beyond Estrogens and Androgens--Findings from the Fourth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine. J Sex Med 2016; 13: 283-90.
2. Stuenkel CA, Davis SR, Gompel A, Lumsden MA, Murad MH, Pinkerton JV, Santen RJ. Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100: 3975-4011.
3. Wierman ME, Arlt W, Basson R, Davis SR, Miller KK, Murad MH, Rosner W, Santoro N. Androgen therapy in women: a reappraisal: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99: 3489-510.

Attention. Please note that these items are provided only for information and are not intended as a substitute for consultation with a clinician. Patients with any specific questions about the items on this list or their individual situation should consult their clinician.