Et al. (2003) also found that IGF-1 levels remained unaltered after the administration of rye bran bread for 3 weeks . An RCT in which 103 postmenopausal women consumed 400 or 800 mg of EGCG for 2 months found no significant changes in IGF-1 or IGFBP-3, although the latter tended to increase in both groups . This one-month intervention resulted in a non-significant reduction in IGF-1, but this was likely due to differences in IGF-1 levels at baseline between the placebo and the control group. A similar result was obtained with IGFBP-3; its concentrations were increased by the low dose diet compared with the high dose in the early follicular phase, but they did not differ from those of the control group . However, the limited evidence in humans is inconclusive, as studies have found both positive and negative results. IGF-1 exerts its actions by binding to the IGF-1 receptor, which is expressed in most tissues of the body and stimulates cell proliferation (Cohen DH 2012). Consequently, some studies have used IGF-1 and its binding proteins IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 as bone turnover biomarkers.
It’s possible that phytoestrogens from nuts could interact with certain medications, particularly hormone therapies like tamoxifen. The amounts of phytoestrogens in nuts are not considered harmful to children in normal dietary amounts. The presence of phytoestrogens in nuts raises the question of their impact on human health.
You can also schedule an appointment with a specialist today to discuss getting your levels tested. If you suspect sensitivity to certain foods, keep a simple food journal noting what you eat and how you feel for a few weeks. Instead of relying heavily on any single food source, aim for variety in your diet.
Different types of phytoestrogens exist, including isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans. In addition to their role as natural hormones, estrogens are used as medications, for instance in menopausal hormone therapy, hormonal birth control and feminizing hormone therapy for transgender women, intersex people, and nonbinary people. Some phytoestrogens may help promote heart health, bone health and skin elasticity. Two of these studies found that isoflavone supplements or dietary soy protein reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease. Women from Asian countries appear to receive greater protective benefit from breast cancer with high soy intakes than American and European women, but this may simply be a difference in the amount of soy consumed.
Finally, the results of the trial with subjects at high colorectal cancer risk suggested that isoflavones might reduce the insulin-growth factor but only in equol producers . Maskarinec et al. concluded that men who consumed soy early in life had higher levels of leptin, although no association was observed with soy intake during adulthood . Those in the fourth quartile of isoflavones had lower levels of insulin and insulin resistance compared to women in the first quartile. Similarly, significant changes in TSH (increasing) and free-T4 (decreasing) were found in men with type-2 diabetes mellitus and compensated hypogonadism after consumption of 15 g/day of soy protein isoflavones for 3 months .
If soy’s estrogen-blocking action occurs in the breast, then eating soy could, in theory, reduce the risk of breast cancer because estrogen stimulates the growth and multiplication of breast and breast cancer cells. Soy has been a popular alternative treatment but not clearly supported by research; in theory the potential estrogenic effects of soy isoflavones could help to tame hot flashes by giving an estrogen-like boost during a time of dwindling estrogen levels. So, enjoy your flaxseeds, soy, and berries, knowing that nature’s phytoestrogens are allies in promoting overall well-being. In this evidence-based blog, we delve into the science behind phytoestrogens, their effects, and whether they truly deserve their reputation. So while you’re considering the impact of phytoestrogens, don’t neglect these other important aspects of hormonal health. As such, gut health could potentially modify the impact of phytoestrogens on an individual’s hormonal balance.
The benefit of tofu was stronger in premenopausal women and postmenopausal women not using hormone therapy. Some of these inconsistencies may have resulted because soy was compared with a variety of alternative foods. Some believe that fermenting soy improves its digestibility and absorption in the body, as this process partially breaks down soy’s sugar and protein molecules. Aside from their isoflavone content, soy foods are rich in nutrients including B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. The two major soy isoflavones are called genistein and daidzein.

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