Phytochemicals, or plant chemicals, may be used to treat certain health conditions. Phytoestrogens are one type of phytochemicals. Isoflavones make up one group of phytoestrogens. These plant chemicals are found in certain plant sources of foods and are available as dietary supplements. Speak to your doctor before you take dietary supplements.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal plant chemicals that act like estrogen, which is a female hormone. They're found in most plant foods, including legumes, fruits and vegetables. Phytoestrogens are weaker than the estrogen produced in your body, but since they are regularly consumed as food, you may have higher levels of phytoestrogens than the estrogen you produce naturally. There are three types of phytoestrogens: coumestans, lignans and isoflavones.
Isoflavones
Isoflavones make up one specific group of phytoestrogens. They're found in soy and soy-based foods, other legumes, and red clover. Isoflavones are used to reduce hot flushes and other discomforts of menopause. They may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. They may work by either working like the natural estrogen produced in your body, or by blocking the action of estrogen. They may also work as antioxidants that protect your cells from free radical damage due to pollution, smoking or toxic exposure.
Safety
Isoflavones are considered to be safe when you eat them in the amounts normally found in soy and other food sources. According to "Natural Standard," an evidence-based collaborative focused on alternative medicine, daily consumption of up to 2 mg per kg body weight should be considered safe for most people. Large amounts of isoflavones may be unsafe for people who are taking blood thinning medication, thyroid medication, or hormone products.
Adverse Effects
Taking large doses of isoflavones as dietary supplements may result in low blood pressure, rashes, altered hormone levels, nausea, constipation, bloating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and abdominal pain. It may interact with Alzheimer's medications, antibiotics, anticoagulants, blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, cancer drugs, diuretics, hormones and immunosuppresants.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; A Review of the Evidence for the Use of Phytoestrogens as a Replacement for Traditional Estrogen Replacement Therapy; Gina Glaser; May 2001
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Soy Isoflavones; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; January 2009
- Natural Standard; "Isoflavones -- Professional Monograph"; Julie Conquer; 2011
