Phytoestrogen as Alternative Treatment for Menopause

Phytoestrogens are chemicals known as plant-derived estrogens found in soy, lentils, and other plants. Its chemical structure is similar, and only slightly lower than that of estrogen, which is naturally produced by the body. Because of the slight similarity, studies have been conducted to show the effects of this compound to battle symptoms of menopause, specifically hot flashes.

Initially, Hormone Therapy or HT was what was considered as the only treatment for menopause. However, many studies have shown risks of this treatment, and so, women have resorted to treating their menopausal symptoms with these phytoestrogen, specifically soy.

Estrogens are perceived to be the natural treatment that is safer than HT. However, this has not yet been proven, and is even found to sometimes have some anti-estrogenic properties. One of which is the found effect in the long term use of phytoestrogen which is the overgrowth of tissue lining in the uterus. This increase may later on evolve into cancer. The effects, both positive and negative of phytoestrogen needs further study to fully understand the potential and risk of this treatment.