Phytoestrogens

“Phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) are substances
that occur naturally in plants. They have a similar
chemical structure to our own body’s oestrogen…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Phytoestrogens Umbrella include?

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

  • 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) 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

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) are substances that occur naturally in plants. They have a similar chemical structure to our own body’s oestrogen (one of the main female hormones), and are able to bind to the same receptors that our own oestrogen does”.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“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 Phytoestrogens: Why Phytoestrogens May Be Beneficial for Women the JH elaborate on:

“Some studies have shown potential benefits of phytoestrogens in regard to cardiovascular risk, bone density and menopausal symptoms. About a third of women who eat a diet that delivers amounts of phytoestrogens typical of an Asian diet (particularly from soy foods) find that their menopausal symptoms improve. This is because only about one third (and possibly up to a half) of all people have the specific gut bacteria that converts soy isoflavone (phytoestrogen) diadzien, to the more potent form, equol”.6

Hot Flushes

Is there an association between hot flushes and phytoestrogens?

In Phytoestrogens: Key Points the JH explain:

  • “The effect of phytoestrogens on menopausal hot flushes varies between individuals, as only a third to a half of ondividuals have the gut bacteria that convert the phytoestrogens to a more potent form”.7

Safety

Are phytoestrogens safe?

In Phytoestrogens: Key Points the JH also note:

  • “It is not recommended that woman at high risk of breast cancer, or who have had breast cancer, take soy supplements”.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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 9 Foods High In Phytoestrogens
  2. Apple & Berry Tofu Muffins
  3. BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
  4. Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
  5. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Soy Isoflavones or Red Clover
  6. Complementary & Alternative Therapies
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  8. Dietary Supplements
  9. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  10. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  11. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  12. Hot Flashes
  13. Hot Flashes
  14. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  15. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  16. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  17. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  18. Impact of Phytoestrogens on Treatment of Urogenital Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
  19. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
  20. Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
  21. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  22. Linseed, Banana & Date Muffins
  23. Looking After Yourself
  24. Managing Menopause
  25. Managing Your Symptoms
  26. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video]
  27. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  28. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  29. Menopause
  30. Menopause
  31. Menopause
  32. Menopause & Herbs
  33. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes
  34. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Phytoestrogens
  35. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  36. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  37. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  38. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  39. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  40. Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
  41. Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
  42. Menopause Wellness Hub
  43. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  44. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
  45. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  48. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  49. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  50. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  51. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  52. Nutrition In Menopause
  53. Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
  54. Perimenopause
  55. Perimenopause
  56. Phytoestrogen Bread
  57. Phytoestrogens
  58. Recipes: Menopause
  59. Savoury Phytoestrogen Bread
  60. Soy Foods and Supplements
  61. Symptoms of Menopause
  62. The Effects of Phytoestrogens on Postmenopausal Health
  63. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  64. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  65. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  66. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  67. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  68. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  69. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  70. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopausal Assessment and Management
  71. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  72. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  73. 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. Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health http://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 18 September 2023
  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://nccih.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms Accessed: 18 September 2023
  3. Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health http://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 18 September 2023
  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: 18 September 2023
  5. Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine. 25 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 Accessed: 18 September 2023
  6. Phytoestrogens: Why Phytoestrogens May Be Beneficial for Women. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 18 September 2023
  7. Phytoestrogens: Key Points. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 18 September 2023
  8. Phytoestrogens: Key Points. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 18 September 2023
  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: 18 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 19 October 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 18 September 2023

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