Phytoestrogen

Phytoestrogens are a group of compounds found in plants that influence estrogen activity in the body. Although they are not hormones, phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, and have either mild estrogen-like effects or anti-estrogen effects.

When estrogen levels are low, as in menopause, empty estrogen receptor sites can be filled by phytoestrogens, exerting a weak estrogen-like effect. If estrogen levels are high, as in some women who suffer from PMS and other effects of estrogen dominance, phytoestrogens can compete with the body's estrogens for receptor binding sites, effectively lowering estrogenic activity in the body by exerting a weaker estrogen-like effect at the receptor site.

Addressing estrogen balance is an important long and short-term strategy for maintaining optimum health in women.