3.3. Efficacy of phytoestrogens
A total of 10 studies with 19 independent reports were included in this meta-analysis, with 1,248 participants. The results indicated that phytoestrogens had a positive effect compared to placebo on depressive symptoms for postmenopausal women (SMD=-0.45; 95% [CI]= -0.60 to -0.29; Q=40.42, df=18, P =0.002; I2 =55.5%) (Fig.3).