Phytoestrogens
What are Phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that are similar to female hormones. Phytoestrogens should not be confused with hormone replacement therapy. They are found in a variety of foods such as:
- soy products
- beans
- milk
- yogurt
- tofu
- tempeh
- miso
- soy flour
- legumes
- chickpeas
- lentils
- mung beans
- green vegetables
- spinach
- broccoli
- cabbage
- brussel sprouts
- green beans
- celery
- cauliflower
- fruits
- nuts
- flaxseeds and linseed
- whole grains/cereals
- dried seaweeds
- sprouts
Phytoestrogens are also found in certain herbs. Modern technology allows the extract of these herbs to be used in herbal supplements. Look for herbal supplements that contain:
- sage
- hops
- red clover
- alfalfa
- wild yam
- liquorice root
How does Phytoestrogens work?
Phytoestrogens are thought to work by a balancing estrogen effects. It acts similar to estrogen when estrogen levels are low, and it can block estrogen activity when estrogen levels are high.
Phytoestrogen activity is much weaker than the natural estrogens our bodies produce.
What are Phytoestrogens used for?
Phytoestrogens are used to relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. They do not work in all women with menopause, but some women will find a benefit. Phytoestrogens DO NOT have the ability to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women, that is, they do not prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Do Phytoestrogens have any side effects?
Phytoestrogens are well tolerated with no known side effects reported.
September 28th, 2005 at 12:34 am
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association also suggests that pytoestrogens may also lower the risk of lung cancer.
October 12th, 2005 at 12:36 am
Quote: “Phytoestrogens DO NOT have the ability to prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women”
This isn’t true. I read an article from Google news that said women who ate soy foods had fewer bone fractures. So phytoestrogens DO prevent bone loss.
The doctor who did the study into this said that phytoestrogens from soy foods may prevent bone loss but won’t strengthen weakened bones.
I’m trying to eat more soy foods, but I find it hard because I don’t like tofu much.
December 31st, 2005 at 10:06 am
I have had a “surgical Hysterectomy” do to a cancerous cyst on my ovary (stage 1).. Since I can NOT take HRT I need to know other options.. A friend told me to search the internet and I found your site… Thank You Janae