What are phytoestrogens and environmental oestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are oestrogen-like compounds from plant sources. The two main classes are isoflavones, found in soy products, and lignans, found in whole grains and some fruits and vegetables. It has been proposed that these products could be used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Initial studies have shown the relief of some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, but there is more research yet to be done. Environmental oestrogens are chemicals, either natural (such as plant sources) or man-made (such as the insecticide DDT), that mimic the effect of oestrogen and may cause disorders such as infertility, overgrowth of the vaginal lining, premature breast development, and feminisation in young males. They tend to stay in the body for long periods of time and are being studied for their long-term effects.
