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

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:
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:
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
- Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [16 October 2024]
- Foods for Menopause [August 2024]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [22 February 2024] [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Should You Eat Soy After Menopause? U of T Researchers Dispel Myth About Soy and Cancer [03 December 2024]
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- What Are Phytoestrogens? Benefits and Foods [24 May 2024]
- 9 Foods High In Phytoestrogens
- Are Phytoestrogens Good for You?
- BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Bioaccessibility Evaluation of Soymilk Isoflavones With Biotransformation Processing
- Breast Cancer Prevention: It’s Never Too Late To Make Changes
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms: Soy Isoflavones or Red Clover
- Complementary & Alternative Therapies
- Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Healthcare Visit
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Dietary Supplements
- Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
- Experts Answer Your Menopause Questions In New Video
- 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]
- Flaxseed: A Little Seed With Big Health Benefits
- Foods for Menopause
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
- 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 Menopause
- Managing Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Managing Your Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video]
- 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]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Perimenopause and Menopause [+ Video]
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause
- 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 and Natural Therapies
- Menopause: Identification and Management [NICE Guideline Published: 12 November 2015 Last Updated: 07 November 2024]
- Menopause: Identification and Management: NICE Guideline [NG23] [07 November 2024]
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- 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: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
- 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
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Nutrition In Menopause
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh
- Perimenopause
- Perimenopause
- Recipes: Menopause
- Savoury Phytoestrogen Bread
- Should You Eat Soy After Menopause? U of T Researchers Dispel Myth About Soy and Cancer
- Soy Foods and Supplements
- Symptoms of Menopause
- The Effects of Phytoestrogens on Postmenopausal Health
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Updated 2024 NICE Menopause Guidance Summary [08 November 2024]
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – A Simple Approach To Menopausal Assessment and Management
- Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
- What Are Phytoestrogens? Benefits and Foods
- 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
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine. 25 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 Accessed: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 07 January 2025
- 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: 29 August 2024