Plant Estrogens and Cancer

 

Q: I am so confused. I thought that estrogen, not progesterone was the main culprit in midlife cancers in woman. I had also heard that soy, being a plant based estrogen was also under scrutiny. I have cautioned my daughters about getting too caught up in the soy milk/everything craze until we know more about that. I have hoped that our bodies see the plant based estrogens as friendly , but I have heard different opinions. Clarify , please?  Thanks

 A: Hello, thank you for writing.  I understand your confusion. Phytoestrogens are made in plants and similar to our estrogens but not the same, as are xenoestrogens, found increasingly in our environment primarily from plastics.  First, yes, one estrogen, estradiol is implicated in increased likelihood of cancer.  This is only one of many estrogens, one we produce from menarche to menopause, but wisely stop producing after menopause.  It is my understanding at the moment that phytoestrogens actually protect us from this potential harm of estradiol. You can read more in Susun's article Phytoestrogens: Friend or Foe? I have heard enough conflicting ideas to keep my eyes open, however considering that phytoestrogens are in so many plants, including beans and grains, I find it hard to believe they are harmful.  I do, however, feel that unfermented soy products are harmful for various reasons. The article should explain this as well.

Please let me know if I can help further.

Blessings,

Karen Joy
karenjoy@herbshealing.com
http://www.wisewomanweb.com