Effect of Exercise and Phytoestrogen on Bone, Metabolic Syndrome Criteria and Complaints of the Early Menopause

Effect of Exercise and Exercise + Phytoestrogen on Bone, Metabolic Syndrome Criteria and Complaints of the Early Menopause

The aim of the study is to compare the effect of a progressive, periodized exercise training designed to impact bone, CHD-risk-factors and menopausal complaints versus the combined effect of exercise and "phytoestrogen" (cimicifuga racemosa; CR). After randomization, 84 females 1-3 year postmenopausal with no medication or illness affecting bone metabolism exercise over 12 months (EG; 42 with, 42 without CR), 42 women serve as wellness-control. Three group training sessions/week will be performed in the EG. Both groups will be individually supplemented with calcium and Vit-D (cholecalciferol).

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1-3 years early postmenopausal
• Caucasian race

Exclusion Criteria:

• CHD-diseases
• thrombosis, embolism
• fractures at lumbar spine or hip
• secondary osteoporosis
• hyperparathyroidism
• medication, diseases with impact on muscle or bone
• cancer and hormone derived malign diseases
• weight reduction of > 5 kg during the last 6 months