Non-hormonal strategies for menopausal health: the role of phytoestrogens

Menopause is characterized by hormonal decline, increasing susceptibility to osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and metabolic dysfunction. Phytoestrogens, plant-derived bioactive compounds with estrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, have emerged as potential alternatives to hormone therapy for mitigating these risks. This review critically examines their molecular mechanisms, bioavailability challenges, and clinical applications. Their impact on bone mineral density, cardiovascular function, neuroprotection, and metabolic regulation is evaluated, alongside safety considerations. However, inconsistencies in clinical outcomes underscore the need for standardized dosing strategies and precision-based approaches informed by genetic and microbiome profiling. Beyond clinical utility, their role in sustainable nutrition and global health equity is also considered. By integrating molecular insights with translational applications, phytoestrogens represent a promising, non-hormonal strategy for improving menopausal health.