Phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, are very weak estrogens that occur naturally in many foods. Since our body is unable to convert phytoestrogens into estrogen when ingested it is unclear what overall effect they may have on our body s long term health. Studies are underway to measure how certain phytoestrogens influence cardiac function and bone health to name a few. Anecdotal evidence indicates that there may benefits to phytoestrogens because of weak estrogenic-like qualities for women during perimenopause.
Some women report relief of minor symptom management such as hot flashes, anxiety and irritability.
Phytoestrogen is a very broad term, covering hundreds of different compounds. Each of these classes contains many categories and subcategories. Not to worry. There are plenty of ways to add phytoestrogens to your diet. Class Sources Isoflavones Soy beans, tempeh, tofu, soy milk.