The benefits of dietary phyto-oestrogen intake. A randomised intervention with respect to cardiovascular disease, fracture risk, ability to perform activities of daily life, well-being and cognitive function.

Supplementation of oestrogens after menopause is an interesting option for prevention or postponement of chronic conditions, such as fractures, cardiovascular diseases or dementia. The commonly used drugs give rise to renewed vaginal bleeding and carry a greater risk of getting breast and uterine tissue cancer. Several parts of our daily food happen to contain considerable amounts of oestrogens, such as soy, green vegetables, whole grain cereals, beer and red wine. These plant oestrogens seem to reduce breast and uterine tissue cancer as well. It might be possible to increase intake of such products, and thereby, plant oestrogen intake, and thus prevent chronic diseases. A feasible way to study effectiveness of plant oestrogens is administering them in a beverage. We plan to give women one year plant oestrogens, in a daily beverage, and study effects on well-being, cognitive function, ability to live independently, bone mineral density, blood vessels, breast and uterine tissue. The plant oestrogens do not cause vaginal bleeding.