Conclusions : Isoflavone treatments exert a moderately beneficial effect against  estrogen-deficient bone loss in women .
The effect appears dependent on whether isoflavone treatments are in aglycone form ; we conclude that beneficial effects against bone loss may be enhanced for isoflavone aglycones
Background : Age-related estrogen deficiency leads to accelerated bone resorption .
There is evidence that , through selective estrogen receptor modulation , isoflavones may exert beneficial effects against  estrogen-deficient bone loss .
Isoflavone aglycones show higher bioavailability than their glycosidic counterparts and thus may have greater potency .
Objective : To summarize evidence , we executed a systematic review and meta- analysis examining isoflavone therapies and bone mineral density ( BMD ) loss in peri- and postmenopausal women .
Breast safety and efficacy of genistein aglycone for postmenopausal bone loss: a follow-up study.
CONTEXT Genistein aglycone improves bone metabolism in women . However , questions about the long-term safety of genistein on breast as well as its continued efficacy still remain . OBJECTIVE We assessed the continued safety profile of genistein aglycone on breast and endometrium and its effects on bone after 3 yr of therapy . DESIGN The parent study was a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial involving 389 osteopenic , postmenopausal women for 24-months . Subsequently , a subcohort ( 138 patients ) continued therapy for an additional year . PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS Participants received 54 mg of genistein aglycone daily ( n = 71 ) or placebo ( n = 67 ) . Both treatment arms received calcium and vitamin D(3 ) in therapeutic doses . MAIN OUTCOMES Mammographic density was assessed at baseline , 24 and 36 months by visual classification scale and digitized quantification . BRCA1 and BRCA2 , sister chromatid exchange , and endometrial thickness were also evaluated . Lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density were also assessed . Secondary outcomes were biochemical levels of bone markers . RESULTS After 36 months , genistein did not significantly change mammographic breast density or endometrial thickness , BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression was preserved , whereas sister chromatid exchange was reduced compared with placebo .  Bone mineral density increases were greater with genistein for both femoral neck and lumbar spine compared to placebo . Genistein also significantly reduced pyridinoline , as well as serum carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide and soluble receptor activator of NF-kappaB lig and while increasing bone-specific alkaline phosphatase , IGF-I , and osteoprotegerin levels . There were no differences in discomfort or adverse events between groups . CONCLUSIONS After 3 yr of treatment , genistein exhibited a promising safety profile with positive effects on bone formation in a cohort of osteopenic , postmenopausal women
Conclusions : Isoflavone treatments exert a moderately beneficial effect against  estrogen-deficient bone loss in women .
The effect appears dependent on whether isoflavone treatments are in aglycone form ; we conclude that beneficial effects against bone loss may be enhanced for isoflavone aglycones
Background : Age-related estrogen deficiency leads to accelerated bone resorption .
There is evidence that , through selective estrogen receptor modulation , isoflavones may exert beneficial effects against  estrogen-deficient bone loss .
Isoflavone aglycones show higher bioavailability than their glycosidic counterparts and thus may have greater potency .
Objective : To summarize evidence , we executed a systematic review and meta- analysis examining isoflavone therapies and bone mineral density ( BMD ) loss in peri- and postmenopausal women .