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
[email protected]
http://www.wisewomanweb.com
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