Phytoestrogens

“Phytoestrogens are substances from plants that have
chemical structures similar to those of the female hormone
estrogen. The isoflavones found in soy and red clover…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Phytoestrogens Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Flaxseed
  • Isoflavones
  • Phytoestrogens
  • Plant Estrogens
  • Red Clover
  • Soy Isoflavones

Definition

What are phytoestrogens?

DotS the definition of phytoestrogens may vary. The (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s (NCCIH) 2017 definition is:

  • “Phytoestrogens are substances from plants that have chemical structures similar to those of the female hormone estrogen. The isoflavones found in soy and red clover are examples of phytoestrogens. Flaxseed is another phytoestrogen source”.2

In Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Are Phytoestrogens?, published 05 June 2023, the authors’ definition is:

“Phytoestrogens are plant-derived substances that can show oestrogen-like activity when ingested.

There are numerous types including isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. These can be consumed in the form of food (from whole soybeans, soy-based foods such as tofu and soy milk, legumes, wholegrains, flaxseeds, fruits and vegetables) and in commercially produced supplements. In the latter category, extracts from soy and red clover yield isoflavones and flaxseed gives us lignans.

Because declining oestrogen levels drive menopausal symptoms, the theory is that consuming a “natural”, plant-based substance that acts like oestrogen will provide relief”.3

Menopause Symptoms

Is there an association between menopause symptoms and phytoestrogens?

In Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Buyer Beware: Unproven, Nonscientific “Treatments” for Hot Flashes according to the (United States) National Institute on Aging (NIA):

“Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like substances found in some cereals, vegetables, and legumes (like soy), and herbs. They may work in the body like a weak form of estrogen, but they have not been consistently shown to be effective in research studies, and their long-term safety is unclear”.4

In Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine, dated 23 May 2023, the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

  • “Phytoestrogens. These estrogens occur naturally in certain foods. Two main type of phytoestrogens are isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are found in soybeans and other legumes and red clover. Lignans occur in flaxseed, whole grains, and some fruits and vegetables. There are also plant-derived compounds that have estrogen-like properties. Studies on phytoestrogens — whether from food or supplements — conflict on whether they help reduce menopausal symptoms. Studies also conflict on what beneficial impact, if any, phytoestrogens may have on breast cancer risk”.5

Gut Bacteria

Is there an association between gut bacteria and phytoestrogens?

In Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Does the Evidence Say? the authors’ elaborate on:

“However, several factors may influence the effect of dietary phytoestrogens on menopausal symptoms. This includes gut microbiota, with research showing only around 30% of women from Western populations possess the gut microbiota needed to convert isoflavones to their active form, known as equol, compared to an estimated 50–60% of menopausal women from Japanese populations”.6

In Foods for Menopause: Here Comes the ‘But’ the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health also note:

Phytoestrogens“It’s important to know that phytoestrogens may help to ease menopausal symptoms in only one in three women. For the remaining two in three women, they may not see relief of symptoms. Why only one in three?

Ms Villella says it is due to the different gut bacteria people have. “Only about one in three women have the particular type of gut bacteria that can turn the phytoestrogen in soy into a stronger and more useable form, called equol,” she says”.7

Hot Flushes

Is there an association between hot flushes and phytoestrogens?

In Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Does the Evidence Say? the authors’ also note:

“Overall, evidence regarding the benefit of phytoestrogens for hot flushes is fairly mixed. A Cochrane review synthesised study results and failed to find conclusive evidence phytoestrogens, in food or supplement form, reduced the frequency or severity of hot flushes or night sweats in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women”.8

Health Care Provider

What if I increase phytoestrogens in my diet?

If you increase phytoestrogens in your diet, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Buyer Beware: Unproven, Nonscientific “Treatments” for Hot Flashes the NIA caution:

“Always talk with your doctor before taking any herb or supplement. Currently, it is unknown whether these herbs or other “natural” products are helpful or safe to treat your hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms. The benefits and risks are still being studied”.9

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Phytoestrogens?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Phytoestrogens?

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Links

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New or Updated

  1. 9 Foods High In Phytoestrogens
  2. Are Phytoestrogens Good for You?
  3. BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
  4. Bioaccessibility Evaluation of Soymilk Isoflavones With Biotransformation Processing
  5. Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
  6. Can Hot Flashes Be Managed Through Diet?
  7. Complementary Medicines and Therapies for Hot Flushes
  8. Complementary Medicines and Therapies: Options for Menopausal Symptoms
    Phytoestrogens
  9. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Soy Isoflavones or Red Clover
  10. Complementary & Alternative Therapies
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
  13. Did You Know? Supplements and Medications Can Interact In Unexpected Ways
  14. Dietary Supplements
  15. Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
  16. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  17. Find An AMS Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. Flaxseed: A Little Seed With Big Health Benefits
  20. Foods for Menopause
  21. Handling Hot Flushes and Night Sweats| Dr Louise Newson
  22. Hot Flashes
  23. Hot Flashes
  24. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  25. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  26. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  27. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  28. How To Manage Menopausal Symptoms
  29. Impact of Phytoestrogens on Treatment of Urogenital Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
  30. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
  31. Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
  32. Linseed, Banana & Date Muffins
  33. Looking After Yourself Around the Time of Menopause
  34. Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  35. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  36. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  37. Menopause
  38. Menopause
  39. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Phytoestrogens
  40. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  41. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  42. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  43. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  44. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  45. Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
    Phytoestrogens
  46. Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
  47. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  48. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
  49. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  52. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  53. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  54. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  55. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  56. Nutrition In Menopause
  57. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  58. Perimenopause
  59. Perimenopause
  60. Phytoestrogens (Dietary Estrogens)
  61. Recipes: Menopause
  62. Savoury Phytoestrogen Bread
  63. Should You Eat Soy After Menopause? U of T Researchers Dispel Myth About Soy and Cancer
  64. Soy Foods and Supplements
  65. Supplements: What Works, What Doesn’t and the Truth About Menowashing
  66. Symptoms of Menopause
  67. The Effects of Phytoestrogens on Postmenopausal Health
  68. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  69. Treatments for Menopause
  70. Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary
  71. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  72. Webinars: Previous – IMS & ISE Symposium: What’s Hot? Options for Treatment of Hot Flushes 2025
  73. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  74. What Are Phytoestrogens? Benefits and Foods
  75. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  76. What To Expect In Each Stage of Menopause

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: May 2017. National Institute of Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 09 August 2025
  2. Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: May 2017. National Institute of Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/menopausal-symptoms-in-depth Accessed: 09 August 2025
  3. Gurvich, C., Varney, J., and Kulkarni, J. Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Are Phytoestrogens? Published: 05 June 2023 https://theconversation.com/hot-flushes-night-sweats-brain-fog-heres-what-we-know-about-phytoestrogens-for-menopausal-symptoms-204801 Accessed: 09 August 2025
  4. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Buyer Beware: Unproven, Nonscientific “Treatments” for Hot Flashes. Content Reviewed: 30 September 2021. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-flashes-what-can-i-do Accessed: 09 August 2025
  5. Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine. 25 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 Accessed: 09 August 2025
  6. Gurvich, C., Varney, J., and Kulkarni, J. Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Does the Evidence Say? Published: 05 June 2023 https://theconversation.com/hot-flushes-night-sweats-brain-fog-heres-what-we-know-about-phytoestrogens-for-menopausal-symptoms-204801 Accessed: 09 August 2025
  7. Foods for Menopause: Here Comes the ‘But’. Last Updated: 18 December 2024 | Last Reviewed: 18 December 2024. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/foods-for-menopause Accessed: 09 August 2025
  8. Gurvich, C., Varney, J., and Kulkarni, J. Hot flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms: What Does the Evidence Say? Published: 05 June 2023 https://theconversation.com/hot-flushes-night-sweats-brain-fog-heres-what-we-know-about-phytoestrogens-for-menopausal-symptoms-204801 Accessed: 09 August 2025
  9. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? Buyer Beware: Unproven, Nonscientific “Treatments” for Hot Flashes. Content Reviewed: 30 September 2021. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-flashes-what-can-i-do Accessed: 09 August 2025
Topic Last Updated: 09 August 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 09 August 2025

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