1. Introduction
overactive bladder, Overactive Bladder
OVERACTIVE BLADDER, INCONTINENCE, OVERACTIVE BLADDER, URINARY INCONTINENCE, OVERACTIVE BLADDER
Postmenopausal women are at risk of developing an overactive bladder (OAB). Conventional vaginal estrogen has shown promise for symptom relief. Isoflavones have proven effective as an alternative to estrogen treatment against menopause-related symptoms. However, its effect on OAB symptoms has not been studied. This study investigates if fermented red clover isoflavones reduce OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, women were administered red clover extract (RCE) or a placebo twice daily for three months. Women filled out the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), together with a fluid intake and voiding diary. A total of 33 women (16 in the RCE group and 17 in the placebo group) were included in the analysis. Baseline demographics and OAB characteristics were comparable across groups. Intake of RCE did not lead to significant relief in most urinary bladder symptom measures, although a significant reduction in the bother of urinary urgency (Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common medical condition that may significantly reduce quality of life [Isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens, are estrogen-like compounds naturally occurring in legumes such as soybeans and red clover. The primary isoflavones in soybeans are daidzein and genistein, while formononetin and biochanin A are the major isoflavones found in red clover [Evidence of the effect of isoflavones or other phytoestrogens on OAB symptoms is sparse [This study aimed to investigate the effect of isoflavones on OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women. Isoflavones were administered using a biofermented red clover extract (RCE) with high concentrations of the aglycone forms of the isoflavones formononetin and biochanin A.