Phytoestrogens
Let’s talk about Phytoestrogens.
Is soy bad? Will it make me get breast cancer?
The short answer is, no.
Phytoestrogens are compounds in plants that can activate some of our own body’s estrogen receptors. Which means they are absolutely your friend when it comes to perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms of low estrogen!
Soy has gotten a bad rap for many reasons - one is the genetic modification that it has undergone. Soy does contain a robust amount of phytoestrogens, but research has shown countless times that it has beneficial effects on cancer prevention! (1) A 2002 study published in Carcinogenesis found that eating soy may reduce the risk of breast cancer (2)
We have estrogen receptors on almost every cell in the body. Estrogen receptors come in two types: Alpha and Beta receptors. The Alpha receptors are most well-known because they bind with mammalian estrogen, leading to typical estrogenic effects on tissues like the breasts and genital area. Phytoestrogens, on the other hand, bind primarily to Beta estrogen receptors. While their estrogenic effects are much weaker than those of human estrogens—ranging from one-hundredth to one-thousandth the strength of estradiol—they differ structurally from both bioidentical and synthetic hormones, meaning they interact with estrogen receptors in a unique way and do not produce the same biological effects. Additionally, phytoestrogens possess antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, helping to protect cells from free-radical damage and inhibit abnormal cell growth. In fact, animal studies have shown that phytoestrogens can help prevent breast tumors, and menopausal herbs have never been linked to cancer promotion in humans.
Examples of Phytoestrogens:
Black Cohosh
Dong Quai/ Dang Gui
Blessed Thistle
Alfalfa
Sharavari
Red Clover
Soy isoflavones (organic non-GMO only!)
Pueraria Mirifica
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve created a phytoestrogen bundle for you!
Sabrina’s PhytoEstrogen Bundle
PhytoEstrogen Herbal by Vitanica
This progressive powdered formula offers a phytoestrogen-rich blend of botanicals and non-GMO soy isoflavones and flaxseed lignans; women in all stages of menopause may benefit from a high dietary intake of phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogen Body Cream by Emerita
Excellent for Menopause/Perimenopause support
With Red Clover, Ginseng and Black Cohosh this little cream is a great source of phytoestrogens. Emeritas Phytoestrogen Cream can be a good companion to Pro-Gest cream when it comes to helping maintain balance at midlife.*
Our Phytoestrogen Cream absorbs quickly and works with the natural rhythms of your body to provide a natural balance. This cream was not formulated for vaginal use.*
Key Ingredients: Black Cohosh Root Extract, Clover Flower Extract, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Panax Ginseng Root Extract. Also, its paraben-free.
Just massage a dime-size dollop of cream into your skin twice a day. Try your wrists, arms, thighs, tummy - what ever you like.
Ingredients: Water (Purified), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Esters, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit E), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Cimicifuga Racemosa (Black Cohosh) Root Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol
As with any product, if you experience irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a licensed health care practitioner. This bottle inside is sealed for your protection.
WOMEN'S HEALTH Breast Health Formula Life Extension
This broad-spectrum formula provides powerful nutrients that help support healthy estrogen activity and detoxification to preserve optimal breast health.
Some of the active ingredients in the Breast Health Formula are:
Phytoestrogens that function as selective estrogen receptor modifiers to help block certain estrogen receptor sites on cells, thus blocking bad estrogen from exerting its harmful effects
Plant lignans that boost beneficial enterolactone levels and favorably alter estrogen metabolism
Cruciferous Vegetable Extracts (such as I3C) that effectively increase 2-hydroxyestrone while reducing undesirable alpha-hydroxyestrone
Calcium d-Glucarate to safely facilitate the removal of harmful estrogen from the body
Vitamin D to restore healthy genetic regulatory switching to aging cells
Be proactive and support optimal breast health by adding Breast Health Formula to your regimen today!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
Fan Y, Wang M, Li Z, Jiang H, Shi J, Shi X, Liu S, Zhao J, Kong L, Zhang W, Ma L. Intake of Soy, Soy Isoflavones and Soy Protein and Risk of Cancer Incidence and Mortality. Front Nutr. 2022 Mar 4;9:847421. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.847421. PMID: 35308286; PMCID: PMC8931954.
Wu AH, Wan P, Hankin J, Tseng CC, Yu MC, Pike MC. Adolescent and adult soy intake and risk of breast cancer in Asian-Americans. Carcinogenesis. 2002 Sep;23(9):1491-6. doi: 10.1093/carcin/23.9.1491. PMID: 12189192.
