Women's perception of the efficacy of a soy extract with probiotic: The M3 study

OBJECTIVES: To determine women's perception of soy extracts containing a probiotic on climacteric-related symptoms. DESIGN: A prospective multi-center survey. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 2044 women aged 40-65 years, who were recruited at random by a group of 198 Spanish gynecologists. The women completed a self-report survey at baseline and after 6 months' use of the soy extract (30 mg genistein and 30 mg daidzein) with probiotic (500 million spores of Lactobacillus sporogenes), calcium (141 mg) and vitamin D (5 microg). The questionnaire included 15 items on menopause and health and four about sexuality from the Cervantes scale. Patients and gynecologists completed an assessment about the clinical state. RESULTS: After 6 months, the studied soy extract improved climacteric symptoms and sexuality. Both patients and gynecologists were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: Peri- and postmenopausal patients usually experience common menopausal symptoms and many believe that soy extract improves their menopause symptoms. Physicians should be aware of patients' positive attitude to such products.