Nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator, has cardioprotective effects, including regulation of blood flow and inhibition of platelet aggregation. In vascular endothelium, oestrogens increase synthesis of NO and expression of NO synthase (NOS) [1]. In this issue of Clinical Science, Teerlink et al. [2] report the results of a long-term controlled trial in healthy postmenopausal women, which show...

who follow natural diets and a holistic lifestyle appear to escape menopausal symptoms. Japanese women, for example, rarely experience hot flushes and other associated menopausal complaints (Aldercreutz et al 1992, Beyene 1986). On balance and considering the health risks, natural alternatives may be the best and safest option towards management of patients. However, in some instances HRT suppl...

Phyto-oestrogens have emerged from their esoteric role in animal husbandry following the hypothesis that the human Western diet is relatively deficient in these substances compared with societies where large amounts of plant foods and legumes are eaten. Evidence is beginning to accrue that they may begin to offer protection against a wide range of human conditions, including breast, bowel, pros...