“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 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 Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What’s the Bottom Line? the NCCIH note:
- “Phytoestrogens, herbs, and other natural products haven’t been clearly shown to relieve menopause symptoms”.5
In Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine 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”.6
Soy or Red Clover
Is there an association between soy or red clover and menopause symptoms?
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – Phytoestrogens the NCCIH explain:
- “Studies that tested isoflavones from soy or red clover for their ability to relieve menopause symptoms have had inconsistent results. Studies of flaxseed products found them to be no more effective than a placebo (an inactive substance) in reducing hot flashes”.7
In Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Approaches the NCCIH also note:
Gut Bacteria
Is there an association between gut bacteria and phytoestrogens?
In Phytoestrogens: Why Phytoestrogens May Be Beneficial for Women the JH elaborate on:
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 individuals have the gut bacteria that convert the phytoestrogens to a more potent form”.10
Safety
Are phytoestrogens safe?
In Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What the Science Says About Complementary Approaches for Menopause Symptoms: Natural Products – Phytoestrogens the NCCIH note:
- “Phytoestrogens appear to be safe for short-term use, but their long-term safety hasn’t been established. Because phytoestrogen supplements may have effects like those of the hormone estrogen, they may not be safe for women who shouldn’t take estrogen”.11
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”.12
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”.13
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Phytoestrogens?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Phytoestrogens?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
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
- Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- 9 Foods High In Phytoestrogens
- Apple & Berry Tofu Muffins
- Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Soy Isoflavones or Red Clover
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Dietary Supplements
- EMAS Menopause Essentials
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
- How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
- Impact of Phytoestrogens on Treatment of Urogenital Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
- Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
- Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
- Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
- Linseed, Banana & Date Muffins
- Looking After Yourself
- Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
- Managing Menopause
- Managing Your Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes
- Menopause Management Fact Sheet
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Using Dietary Supplements Wisely
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause – Fact Sheet
- Phytoestrogen Bread
- Phytoestrogens
- Recipes: Menopause
- Savoury Phytoestrogen Bread
- Soy Foods and Supplements
- Symptoms of Menopause
- The Effects of Phytoestrogens on Postmenopausal Health
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
- What To Expect In Each Stage of Menopause
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health http://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 01 March 2023
- 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: 01 March 2023
- Phytoestrogens. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health http://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 01 March 2023
- 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: 01 March 2023
- Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth – What’s the Bottom Line? Last Updated: May 2017. National Institute of Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/menopause/menopausesymptoms Accessed: 01 March 2023
- Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine. 07 August 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 Accessed: 01 March 2023
- 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: 01 March 2023
- Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Approaches. February 2021. National Institute of Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/menopausal-symptoms-and-complementary-health-approaches Accessed: 01 March 2023
- Phytoestrogens: Why Phytoestrogens May Be Beneficial for Women. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 01 March 2023
- Phytoestrogens: Key Points. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 01 March 2023
- 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: 01 March 2023
- Phytoestrogens: Key Points. Last Updated: 15 January 2020 | Last Reviewed: 17 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/phytoestrogens Accessed: 01 March 2023
- 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: 01 March 2023