What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that can have mild oestrogen stimulating and also oestrogen blocking properties.  One of the more widely known group of phytoestrogens are the Isoflavones.  Their oestrogenic activity is over 1000 times less active than the body's own oestrogens.

 

In women where the body's oestrogen is too high, phytoestrogens can block the action of their own oestrogen, effectively reducing the risk of such diseases as breast cancer.  It is this oestrogen blocking action that also assists in the prevention of prostate enlargement in men.

 

When the body's own oestrogen is fluctuating, as during peri-menopause, phytoestrogens can help stabilise these fluctuations and reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. During menopause, phytoestrogens can be used as mild oestrogen stimulators that can assist bone growth and help resist bone depletion.

 

Due to their very low potential for oestrogen stimulation, the action of phytoestrogens is one of balance, blocking oestrogen in many cases and only having a mild stimulatory action when the oestrogens are extremely low.  They are unlikely to be the cause of any disease where high oestrogen levels are indicated.