Preparations and products containing phytoestrogens: list, benefits and harms

In plant biochemistry, phytoestrogens are defined as a diverse group of heterocyclic polyphenolic compounds of plant origin that can exert actions and effects on the body similar to those of the endogenous female sex hormones: estradiol, estriol, and estrone.

Benefits and harms of phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are considered by many to be a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, and over-the-counter phytoestrogen supplements are taken without question.

However, the question of the balance between the potential benefits and harms of these natural polyphenols for human health remains at the center of scientific debate and is the subject of numerous studies.

Moreover, the answer may most likely depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific components of the intestinal microflora (since the absorption and metabolism of lignans depends on the activity of intestinal bacteria).

To date, the best studied isoflavones are soy and red clover, which, in addition to their hormone-like action, have a powerful antioxidant effect on the body.

There is some evidence that the benefits of phytoestrogens include their ability to:

• relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, and cognitive decline;
• prevent or significantly slow down the development of osteoporosis, which is fraught with increased bone fragility;
• reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood;
• have a neuroprotective effect in the development of dementia in postmenopausal women;
• reduce the risk of breast cancer in women over 50-55 years of age due to a deficiency of endogenous sex hormones;
• reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in women;
• reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases;
• stop the progression of atherosclerosis.

On the other hand, the negative effects of phytoestrogens, in particular, disturbances in the area of female reproductive functions, have also not gone unnoticed.

It is believed that the harm of phytoestrogens may consist of:

• in negative consequences for the fertility of young women;
• in the development of ovarian pathologies, in particular, polycystic ovary disease;
• in the stimulation of the formation of malignant breast tumors by isoflavones and lignans;
• in the worsening of cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women, especially against the background of thyroid problems.

Also, potential harm of phytoestrogens is seen in the fact that many of them contain phytic acid salts (phytates), which bind zinc coming from food and reduce its absorption in the body. This factor can negatively affect the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, worsen the condition of bone tissue, muscles and dermis, and reduce overall immunity.

Some soy phytoestrogens block enzymes needed to break down protein foods into essential amino acids. And genistein inhibits the glucose-transporting enzyme GLUT-1, which can reduce the absorption of not only glucose, but also ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which is known not to be synthesized in the body.

As shown by several in vitro studies, the phytoestrogen coumestrol (at certain amounts) exhibits genotoxicity and is capable of inducing the formation of lymphoblastoid cells.

Isoflavones cross the placental barrier. Animal experiments have demonstrated a number of epigenetic modifications of reproductive organs that arose under the influence of these phytoestrogens during intrauterine development.

Partial confirmation of this can be found in the Journal of Pediatrics, which found that when examining male infants who were bottle-fed with soy milk, a tendency toward testicular atrophy (reduction of testicles) was found.

As you can see, there are obvious contradictions in the assessment of the benefits and harms of phytoestrogens. Therefore, further comprehensive study of these substances is necessary, and it is too early to draw final conclusions.

Natural phytoestrogens

It has been established that phytoestrogens have a structural commonality with the main female sex hormone – 17-β-estradiol, which is a steroid by chemical nature and has almost all the properties of phenols.

Today, the main natural phytoestrogens are divided into several groups.

Coumestans (coumarin derivatives), in particular coumestrol, which belongs to the class of cyclic esters of carboxylic acids (lactones). Coumestrol is found in clover, alfalfa, soybeans, common beans, and most cruciferous crops.

Isoflavones: genistein, daidzein, equol (a metabolite of daidzein), biochanin A, formononetin (biochanin B), glycitein, prunetin, irigenin. Contained in the same soybeans, clover, alfalfa sprouts, sophora, in the rhizome of the tiger lily, some species of iris, etc.

Lignans – metairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, hydroxymetairesinol, syringaresinol, sesamin – are derivatives of phenylalanine and are part of the walls of plant cells. Thus, secoisolariciresinol (in the form of diglucoside) is contained in flax, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. When entering the body, under the action of bacteria in the colon, lignans are transformed into active metabolites-enterolignans – enterodiol and enterolactone.

And in the stilbenes group, the polyphenolic compound resveratrol and its derivatives stand out.

According to the journal Nutritional Biochemistry, a certain biochemical effect on estrogen receptors (direct or indirect) has been identified in phytosterols and steroid alcohols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol); in the steroid glycoside diosgenin, in the flavone glycoside apigenin, and also in the flavone luteolin.

Scientists consider ellagic acid, some phytoalexins, flavonoids catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin (they are most abundant in the leaves of unfermented tea, i.e. green) to be natural phytoestrogens. Procyanidin dimers (found in dark grape varieties) can be classified as phytoestrogens.

Indications phytoestrogens

The main indications for the use of various forms of phytoestrogenic agents include, first of all, the vegetative symptoms of the onset of menopause (hot flashes, etc.).

Phytoestrogens can also be used as an additional therapeutic agent in the complex treatment of a wide range of diseases of the female reproductive system (uterus, ovaries, mammary glands) associated with an imbalance of the main gonadotropic sex hormones.

It is possible to use pharmacological preparations based on phytoestrogens for endometriosis, endometrial hyperplasia and myomas, fibroadenomatous pathologies of the mammary glands and mastopathy, as well as for malignant tumors of the mammary gland, ovaries, and prostate gland (in men).

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Pharmacodynamics

It should be clearly understood that phytoestrogens cannot replace estrogen in the body, since their therapeutic effect, i.e. pharmacodynamics, is based on the similarity of their chemical structure with estrogens - due to the presence of a phenolic ring and hydroxyl groups. This is why they can partially reproduce the biological activity of endogenous hormones. And due to their low molecular weight and stable structure, these organic substances penetrate cell membranes and interact with enzymes and cell receptors.

Phytoestrogens act in several ways: they can either act as estrogen or block and inhibit its physiological effects. First of all, these substances bind to estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ on the membranes of cell nuclei. In this case, ERα transduces signals at the level of female genital and mammary glands, and ERβ - to the cells of the uterine endometrium, vascular endothelium, bone tissue, and in men - to the tissue of the prostate gland.

The binding to receptors of phytoestrogens is much weaker than that of endogenous ones and depends on the level of 17-β-estradiol production. Moreover, depending on the sensitivity of receptors in different tissues, isoflavones and coumestrol can behave selectively.

In addition, the chemical structure of some phytoestrogens allows them to partially deactivate the enzymes aromatase (CYP1A1/2), tyrosine kinases and methyltransferases; change the susceptibility of the 3-β-HSD and 17β-HSD receptors that provide estrogen synthesis, the G-protein estrogen receptor GPER1 (responsible for the activation of breast tissue cell proliferation by estradiol), etc. For example, the phytoestrogens genistein and apigenin suppress the activity of aromatase, the expression of which significantly increases in breast tissue affected by cancer. The isoflavones genistein and daidzein are capable of inhibiting the activity of HSD receptors; coumestrol is characterized by an effect only on the 3-β-HSD receptor, and apigenin - exclusively on 17β-HSD.

The principle of action of some phytoestrogens (for example, those found in black cohosh) is associated with the effect on the receptors of neurotransmitter hormones and the influence on the pituitary-hypothalamic structures of the brain.

Thus, the complex and not fully understood mechanism of action of phytoestrogens can affect the entire process of hormone metabolism.

But lignans (in the accessible form of enterodiol and enterolactone) exhibit antioxidant properties, but their estrogenic activity is insignificant, since they do not interact with ERα and ERβ. However, by influencing the activity of various enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism, lignans are able to change the biological action of endogenous sex hormones.

Because phytoestrogen-containing herbs contain many other chemical compounds, it is likely that some of their well-known physiological actions are mediated through other biochemical mechanisms.

Phytoestrogens: Effects on Men

Since estrogen is important not only for women, it is important to know what the effect of phytoestrogens is on men.

It is difficult to judge the benefits of these compounds on the male body, since serious research on this issue is very limited, although men have far fewer estrogen receptors.

The positive effect of soy phytoestrogens on men is weight loss and the prospect of avoiding the development of diabetes. But at the same time, experts say that the removal of excess estrogen from the male body reduces the functional integrity of the liver cytochrome P450 enzyme system. And for those who often drink alcohol and have extra pounds, phytoestrogens can seriously disrupt liver function.

In addition, due to the large amount of phytoestrogens (usually soy and licorice), fertility may decrease - due to a decrease in testosterone synthesis and suppression of sperm production. On the other hand: the less testosterone, the less it is transformed into dihydrotestosterone, and the more hair will remain on the head...

At the same time, concentrated dietary supplements with phytoestrogens can not only threaten the development of oncology, but also pose a risk of erectile dysfunction, as well as the development of metaplasia of the prostate and bulbourethral glands.

According to doctors, excessive and prolonged consumption of phytoestrogens by men is unacceptable.

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Dosing and administration

The method of application and dosage of herbal preparations are indicated on the packaging (in the attached instructions) and are adjusted by the attending physician. But the duration of their use should be limited.

Phytoestrogens for mastopathy

Doctors have come to the conclusion that some phytoestrogens in mastopathy – glandular, fibrous or cystic dysplasia of the mammary glands – are capable of producing a certain therapeutic effect.

The frequently prescribed homeopathic remedy Mastodinone (analogue – Cyclodinone) includes plant extracts such as common chaste tree, which reduces the production of the hormone prolactin due to the action of its iridoids and flavonoids on the pituitary dopamine receptors. This leads to the normalization of the synthesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the pituitary gland, and the decrease in prolactin has a beneficial effect on the tissues of the mammary glands. The drug also contains extracts of black cohosh, iris, tiger lily, etc. Mastodinone in tincture form should be taken for at least three months – twice a day, 25-30 drops.

In addition, herbalists recommend patients a tincture of milky peony (Paeonia lactiflora), which contains stilbenes (trans-resveratrol).

More information about this pathology in the publication - Fibrocystic mastopathy

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Phytoestrogens in Breast Cancer

Increased aromatase activity and estrogen dominance are among the most common factors associated with breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer in women.

Therefore, phytoestrogens in breast cancer should block estrogen receptors ERα or aromatase, since this is a hormonally sensitive disease and can have two variants: ER (+) or ER (-). The most important factor is the level of endogenous estrogen in the patient.

The results of studies on the use of phytoestrogens in breast cancer are quite contradictory and not always convincing. However, flaxseed lignans in postmenopausal women can reduce estradiol levels by displacing it with the less active estriol and estrone. This is thought to potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer, and there is evidence that regular consumption of flaxseed (two tablespoons per day) inhibits the growth of cancer cells in breast tissue.

But phytoestrogens of the isoflavone group act on estrogen receptors, and, as noted earlier, this action is selective: at high levels of 17-β-estradiol in the blood, isoflavones and coumestrol should block ERα receptors in mammary gland tissue, and at low levels, they should activate them.

According to in vitro studies, phytoestrogens from licorice root, soybeans, and red clover grass, as well as phytoestrogens in hops, stimulate the proliferation of ER (+) breast cancer cells. That is, tea with phytoestrogens from these plants is absolutely contraindicated in this case.

And black cohosh (black cohosh), that is, the phytoestrogen formononetin contained in it, can accelerate the metastasis of breast cancer at an early stage (data from AACR – American Association for Cancer Research). Many researchers believe that phytoestrogens can be used for breast cancer, but this is safe to do only after menopause, when estrogen levels drop, or anti-estrogen drugs should be used simultaneously.

For this reason, the approach to using drugs or herbs containing phytoestrogens should be determined only by a doctor, based on the results of the examination.

Phytoestrogens for endometriosis

The most commonly used phytoestrogens for endometriosis are those found in red brush, Chinese angelica root, white peony, and chamomile.

Burdock root is not among the plants with an estrogen-like effect, but gynecologists explain its use by the fact that it helps balance hormone levels, supporting and stabilizing the liver, where the breakdown of spent hormones occurs to eliminate their metabolites. When the liver is not functioning properly, excess estrogen is formed, which is not biotransformed in time and is not removed from the blood and the body.

Burdock root is often recommended for endometriosis - in combination with phytoestrogens, but the specificity of this pathology is such that treatment requires maximum suppression of ovarian function. And it is difficult to achieve this without pharmacological hormonal drugs.

More information in the article - Endometriosis

Phytoestrogens for uterine fibroids

Like most gynecological diseases, uterine fibroids respond to hormones: estradiol and progesterone stimulate their growth, while progestins and aromatase inhibitors reduce it.

Phytoestrogens for uterine fibroids should protect ERβ receptors from estradiol produced by the gonads or block the activity of the aromatase enzyme. For this purpose, flavonoids and isoflavones of herbs such as orthilia secunda, black cohosh root, and chaste tree are used.

Genistein from soy and all legumes, as well as flaxseed lignans, are recommended to reduce aromatase activity. In addition, according to recent studies, phytoestrogens genistein, daidzein, biochanin A, apigenin and quercetin suppress aromatase mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Apigenin is especially strong in this regard, so tea with chamomile phytoestrogens may be useful for uterine fibroids. It is also useful to combine trace elements (calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus) and vitamins with phytoestrogens - A, B, C and E.

Herbalists recommend taking echinacea to reduce inflammation, motherwort to relieve spasms and pain, and dandelion and milk thistle to improve metabolism.

And patients should remember that in the case of uterine fibroids, the effect of phytoestrogens is often unpredictable.

Phytoestrogens for Bust Enlargement

If a woman wants to increase her breast size "naturally", then phytoestrogens for breast enlargement can come to the rescue - isoflavones and lignans, which will stimulate hormones produced by the body. These are completely natural phytoestrogens - 8-prenylnaringenin, diosgenin, formononetin, liquiritigenin. At first, the doses should be minimal with a gradual increase to the average permissible (if there are positive results). This is a long process, and, as experts say, everything depends on the individual characteristics of the body.

However, we must not forget that in at least 50% of cases, breast cancer is estrogen-dependent.

Phytoestrogens for weight loss

The substances discussed in the article are indeed capable of much and behave in the most unexpected ways. On the one hand, women who use certain dietary supplements with phytoestrogens often gain extra pounds. On the other hand, flaxseed lignans and genistein from soy, red clover or licorice root can be used as phytoestrogens for weight loss.

Studies conducted in the early 2000s revealed a certain effect of the phytoestrogen genistein on obesity, and although its mechanism of action is not fully understood, it is suggested that this isoflavone can reduce the intensity of adipogenesis of white adipose tissue. Genistein inhibits the synthesis of adipocytes (fat cells), stimulating their apoptosis, which is associated with the activation of protein kinase under the influence of the antioxidant properties of phytoestrogens. Genistein also inhibits the accumulation of glucose in adipocytes (fat cells) under the action of the membrane glucose transporter GLUT4.

Soy products may help with weight loss in obese people. A 2015 study in rats found that soy-fed rodents were leaner than those fed regular food. But it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always translate to results in humans.

So the connection between phytoestrogens and weight loss has not yet been established. And if a woman has hormone-dependent gynecological diseases, it is important to limit potentially dangerous products as much as possible. Which ones? More details below - in the section Phytoestrogens in products.

Phytoestrogens for hair

It has been established that sebocytes (sebaceous glands) of the scalp and hair follicles – regardless of gender – have more estrogen receptors ERβ. Since the production of endogenous estrogens and progesterone decreases with age, women's hair becomes more sensitive to the effects of androgens. Synthetic estrogens for preventing hair loss can aggravate the problem, so it is logical to use phytoestrogens for hair as a natural alternative.

Recent randomized studies by British trichologists have demonstrated a positive effect of soy isoflavones on hair condition in 85% of postmenopausal women. In addition, isoflavones protect against osteoporosis by maintaining bone mineral density in women of this category.

Moreover, research shows that phytoestrogens can stimulate new hair growth by prolonging the second phase of this process – catagen.

Phytoestrogens for acne

Sufficient levels of 17-β-estradiol are essential for healthy skin without pimples and acne. When substances that mimic the action of estrogens enter the body and their levels are excessive, the physiological ratio of estrogens and androgens in the female body is disrupted.

Experts have concluded that with a diet rich in phytoestrogens, the level of endogenous estrogen can fall by a third, which leads to pimples and acne - evidence of hormonal imbalance. The level of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates the production of sebum, increases. And the formation of DHT occurs from less active testosterone due to the catalyst - the enzyme 5α-reductase. So, using isoflavone phytoestrogens for acne, you can reduce the activity of this enzyme, after which DHT will stop stimulating the sebaceous glands of the skin.

The ability to inhibit 5α-reductase is inherent in many polyphenolic compounds of plant origin, including green tea leaf catechins.

Cosmetics with phytoestrogens

Studies on the action of dermal estrogens are few, but they have found the presence of both estrogen receptor isoforms (ERα and ERβ) and a higher expression level of ERβ-type receptors in the epidermis, blood vessels, and dermal fibroblasts. So, phytoestrogen-containing skin care cosmetics applied topically may be useful, since the micromolecules of these substances are easily absorbed by the upper layers of the epidermis.

According to dermatologists, a quality cream with phytoestrogens (for example, with a soy-based emulsion) helps activate skin estrogen receptors, which leads to an improvement in the condition of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, an increase in the density of the intercellular matrix and a decrease in skin laxity.

Phytoestrogens, especially soy, red clover and cereal sprouts, have a calming effect on the skin and balance sebum production.

Nowadays, many anti-aging creams contain vitamins with phytoestrogens, which increases their antioxidant and regenerating effectiveness.

A cream with phytoestrogens from clover, seeds and nuts (in particular, the isoflavone genistein) can provide protection against sun-induced photoaging of the skin of the face and neck.

Phytoestrogens are tyrosinase inhibitors and suppress the skin pigment melanin, so cosmetics with phytoestrogens help lighten the skin and reduce age spots.

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Phytoestrogens for women over 40

Some doctors recommend phytoestrogens for women over 40 – during perimenopause – to counteract the vasomotor manifestations of decreased ovarian function and reduced production of sex hormones and to prevent serious hormonal imbalance.

In such cases, to normalize hormonal levels, drugs based on phytoestrogens can be prescribed - Klimadinon, Klimaktoplan or Tsi-Klim (with black cohosh extract), Lefem (with soy isoflavones), Estrovel (with soy, dioscorea and black cohosh extracts), Tribestan (with terrestris seed extract).

Food supplements with red clover phytoestrogens are also used: Inoklim (Innothera Chouzy, France), Feminal (JGL, Croatia), Femivell Menopause (Evalar, Russia), Menoflavon (Maxmedica, Bulgaria), etc. And the composition of the dietary supplement-tincture Mastoklin (Vertex, Ukraine) includes extracts of calendula flowers, walnut leaves, chaga; red brush roots, licorice, wild yam and peony.

Contraindications

Contraindications for use: the presence of oncological diseases, liver dysfunction, pregnancy and lactation.

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Side effects phytoestrogens

Side effects that phytoestrogens can have on hot flashes include headaches, nausea, intestinal disorders, decreased activity of liver enzymes, and when using drugs with black cohosh, endometrial hyperplasia and the formation of seals in the parenchyma of the mammary glands may develop. These compounds can potentially promote the formation of blood clots or worsen some forms of cancer.

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Overdose

Overdose of the listed drugs can cause nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, and visual impairment.

It is also important to remember that the symptoms of a hormonal change such as menopause can be corrected, but they cannot be completely avoided.

Read detailed articles on this topic - How to Increase Estrogen Levels and Herbs for Hot Flashes During Menopause

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Herbs containing phytoestrogens

Medicinal plants and herbs containing phytoestrogens have been actively studied by biochemists, pharmacologists and doctors around the world in recent decades. Phytoestrogens include various plants, and their estrogenic activity is caused by various substances.

The herb with phytoestrogens is licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabrа), the root of which is known as licorice, contains the isoflavones genistein and formononetin, as well as glabrin and glabridin, liquiritigenin and beta-sitosterol. This plant can support hormone balance, help the endocrine system and improve liver function in women.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (both legumes) contain the full spectrum of isoflavone phytoestrogens and beta-sitosterol. The above-ground parts of clover are used for vaginal dryness and to normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs. Japanese pagoda tree and yellow pagoda tree have a similar composition and action.

The phytoestrogen in hops (Humulus luрulus) is contained in its female inflorescences (cones), and these are prenyl flavonoids (8-prenylnaringenin, xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol), which bind to 17-β-estradiol receptors. Indications for the use of this plant include breast, ovarian or prostate cancer, as well as insomnia, increased excitability, high cholesterol, intestinal spasms, etc.

The aerial parts and seeds of Tribulus terrestris help maintain healthy estrogen levels in women, thanks to the steroid saponin diosgenin. When used during the follicular phase of the cycle, ovulation is normalized in anovulatory infertility. Steroid saponins (protodioscin, etc.) have also been identified among the active substances of this plant, which increase the secretion of endogenous hormones - estriol, FSH and testosterone. This allows Tribulus to be used as a medicine for sexual dysfunction.

Sage, yarrow, and calendula (flowers) contain beta-sitosterol. Fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum), in addition to beta-sitosterol, contain trigonelline, diosgenin, and c-steroid sapogenin. Thanks to diogenin, the lily plant clintonia (Clintonia borealis) and dioscorea (Dioscorea villosa) or wild yam are among the phytoestrogens, which help with menstrual disorders. Herbalists claim that high concentrations of steroid saponins provide the source materials for the synthesis of sex hormones in the presence of hormonal imbalance.

Used in traditional Chinese medicine, angelica root (Radix Angelica sinensis) is thought to act through liquiritigenin and phytosterols; it is recommended for vasomotor symptoms of menopause - as phytoestrogens for hot flashes.

Also used are the roots and rhizomes of the perennial herb black cohosh, better known as cimicifuga, which contain the isoflavone formononetin and triterpene glycosides.

Orthilia secunda contains flavonoids, saponins, phenolic glycoside arbutin (with strong antiseptic effect), gums, proanthocyanidins. Indications for use: fibroids and uterine myoma, uterine bleeding, menstrual disorders, cervical erosion, inflammation of the bladder.

Chamomile (flowers) contains flavones luteolin and apigenin among its components, the latter inhibits the aromatase enzyme and weakly binds to ERβ. Agnus Castus, also known as chasteberry, also contains apigenin. And oregano (Origanum vulgare) contains luteolin, quercetin, and β-sitosterol in its leaves and inflorescences. Its main medicinal use in gynecology is associated with stimulation of the uterine muscles in amenorrhea.

Resveratrol is a weak stimulant of estrogen receptors and is found in the roots of the Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) or knotweed (Fallopia japonica) plant, as well as in the skins and seeds of dark grapes.

Red brush (Rhodiola quadrifida) contains chlorogenic acid, arabinose, as well as phenolic compounds (rhodioctanoside, rosiridin, salidroside) and flavonoids. As experiments have shown, this variety of rhodiola increases humoral immunity and the body's adaptive capabilities, relieves inflammation and normalizes the endocrine system in women. However, this plant is not officially included in the list of phytoestrogens. Nevertheless, domestic gynecologists recommend preparations with red brush for inflammation and fibrous changes in the uterine mucosa, cysts and polycystic ovaries, mastopathy and severe menopause.

You should not use herbs containing phytoestrogens, take dietary supplements with phytoestrogens or drink tea with phytoestrogens on your own - without determining the level of 17-β-estradiol in the body and consulting a gynecologist. Why? More about this later - in the section Benefits and harms of phytoestrogens.

Soy and flax seeds as a source of phytoestrogens

It is generally accepted that the best phytoestrogens, that is, the most effective, are soy and flax seeds. Phytoestrogens, which are abundant in flax seeds and soybeans, shift the metabolism of endogenous estradiol in favor of less active estriol and estrone, thereby affecting chronic diseases.

Soybeans (Glycine max) contain coumestrol, genistein, daidzein, biochanin A and B, β-sitosterol in their beans. And their concentration is currently the highest in the flora kingdom.

The debate around soy has been going on for decades. Partly, the problem is that, by taking dietary supplements with soy phytoestrogens (very popular in the West) without control, women have begun to seek medical help more often with health problems. And it is no coincidence.

The hormonal system is a complex physiological and biochemical mechanism, and if something is disrupted in it, the functioning of the entire system suffers. Taking advertised capsules with soy phytoestrogens without consulting a doctor, it is quite possible to get a response in the form of a hormonal imbalance. Women may experience menstrual irregularities or problems with the breasts and ovaries, since soy isoflavones modulate the activity of the enzyme 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which ensures the balance of estradiol and estrone.

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum), which contain lignans, are considered by experts to be the second strongest group of phytoestrogens. Studies have shown that the combination of lignans and fiber in flaxseed helps remove excess estrogen from the body, i.e., reduce hyperestrogenism, the main cause of many gynecological problems and diseases. They also protect the body from so-called xenoestrogens: growth hormones (used in livestock and poultry farming), insecticides or pesticides (used in agriculture), phthalate compounds in plastic, parabens and phenoxyethanol in detergents, etc.

After oral administration, flaxseed lignans are converted into metabolites with anti-estrogenic action, meaning they may be useful in breast cancer.

Flaxseed and its lignans are safe for most adults, although animal studies suggest strict restrictions on their use during pregnancy.

Flaxseed oil does not contain phytoestrogens, but it does contain one of the main omega-3 fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid, as well as linoleic and oleic fatty acids.

Phytoestrogens in foods

It should be noted right away that phytoestrogens are found in plant-based products. And, according to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, there are almost three hundred products containing some phytoestrogens. Let's list some of them:

• soybeans and all soy products (except those produced by freeze-drying);
• legumes of all kinds;
• walnuts, pistachios, edible chestnuts, oilseeds (sunflower, sesame, flax, amaranth, pumpkin seeds);
• anise, fennel (seeds), turmeric, star anise, oregano;
• olives (fresh);
• grains (wheat, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, millet, rice, corn) and grain sprouts:
• rice bran;
• vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, carrots, celery, green peppers, garlic, onions, green onions, leaf parsley, rosemary);
• fruits and berries (citrus fruits, apples, pears, quince, apricots and dried apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, rose hips);
• alcoholic beverages (white and red grape wines, beer.

By the way, phytoestrogens in beer (9 mcg per 100 ml) are of two types. Firstly, it is hops with its set of prenyl flavonoids, and secondly, it is malt – sprouted barley grains, pre-soaked in water.

Oils containing phytoestrogens: olive (raw pressed), wheat germ, pomegranate seed and date palm kernel. Flaxseed and soybean oils do not contain active phytoestrogens.