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) 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“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

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”.7

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”.8

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?

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

  1. 9 Foods High In Phytoestrogens
  2. BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
  3. Bioaccessibility Evaluation of Soymilk Isoflavones With Biotransformation Processing
  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. Flaxseed: A Little Seed With Big Health Benefits
  13. Hot Flashes
  14. Hot Flashes
  15. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
  16. Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
  17. How Long Will I Have Hot Flashes and What Causes Them?
  18. How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
  19. Impact of Phytoestrogens on Treatment of Urogenital Menopause Symptoms: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
  20. Information for Consumers on Using Dietary Supplements
  21. Is It Really ‘FDA Approved?’
  22. Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
  23. Linseed, Banana & Date Muffins
  24. Looking After Yourself
  25. Managing Menopause
  26. Managing Your Symptoms
  27. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video]
  28. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  29. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  30. Menopause
  31. Menopause
  32. Menopause
  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 and Natural Therapies
  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. Recipes: Menopause
  57. Savoury Phytoestrogen Bread
  58. Soy Foods and Supplements
  59. Symptoms of Menopause
  60. The Effects of Phytoestrogens on Postmenopausal Health
  61. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  62. Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
  63. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  64. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  65. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  66. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  67. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  68. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopausal Assessment and Management
  69. What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
  70. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  71. 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: 02 February 2024
  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: 02 February 2024
  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: 02 February 2024
  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: 02 February 2024
  5. Perimenopause: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment: Alternative Medicine. 25 May 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354671 Accessed: 02 February 2024
  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: 02 February 2024
  7. 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: 02 February 2024
  8. 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: 02 February 2024
Topic Last Updated: 11 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 02 February 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by