Clinical Nutrition

Introduction & Aim: Estrogen defi ciency due to menopause can lead to perimenopause syndrome in most women. Isofl avone is natural phytochemical compound contained in several types of plants and has partial agonist or antagonist effects on the estrogen receptor. Intake of foods containing isofl avone for example: Soy products can help reduce the symptoms of perimenopause syndrome. Th e aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between soy isofl avone intake and the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome in Surakarta.

Methods: An analytical observational cross sectional study was conducted in Surakarta. Subjects were collected by consecutive sampling method, and then 163 qualifi ed subjects were recruited based on inclusive and exclusive criteria. Data collected were intake of soy isofl avone in mg per day as independent variable and total score of perimenopause syndrome as dependent variable. Data were obtained using semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) questionnaire, respectively. Statistical analyses were assessed by running Rank Kendall Tau test using SPSS 22 for windows program.

Results: It was statistically stated that the intake of soy isofl avone associated with the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome in Surakarta with correlation value 0.677 and signifi cance value 0.01.

Conclusion: Intake of soy isofl avone associated with the prevalence of perimenopause syndrome in Surakarta. Perimenopausal women who eat foods containing soy isofl avones more frequently and in larger serving sizes tend to experience less significant perimenopause syndrome.