Soy Protein Estrogen Research And Effects

Research regarding plant foods containing estrogen, also known as phytoestrogens, is currently in the initial stages. Research regarding soy protein estrogen and a type of phytoestrogen known as red clover isoflavones has been conducted using lab animals. There has been some scientific debate and research regarding hormone replacement therapy using plant foods containing estrogen.

Red clover is a plant that is grown all over the world and used to be a food source for humans. However, now it is mostly grown as a food source for livestock. Red clover is used quite often in herbal medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, coughs, sores, eczema, sore throats, and mouth ulcers. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen or plant estrogen and is included in several natural remedies for symptoms of menopause.

Research regarding red clover and plant estrogens is still in the preliminary stages. Recently there have been two separate studies regarding red clover and plant estrogens published by the School of Pharmacy in Messina, Italy. Female lab animals had their ovaries removed to decrease estrogen production and recreate menopausal symptoms.

The first study conducted was to find out the amount of bone loss or osteoporosis which is usually found in postmenopausal and menopausal women. The study revealed the lab animals that were fed on red clover retained more bone density than the lab animals that maintained a normal diet. Researchers determined that red clover isoflavones can be effective in retaining bone density, thus decreasing bone loss.

The second study that was conducted focused on the many skin conditions that accompany menopause and can be related to decreased estrogen production. During menopause the skin becomes dryer, thinner and has less collagen. These same skin problems presented themselves in lab animals the same as they do in women. Researchers determined that red clover isoflavones can be effective in decreasing the aging of skin caused by decreased estrogen.

Most of the research that is conducted concerns foods containing estrogen and primarily focuses on soy isoflavones. There is some debate as to the health benefits of soy, however most scientific evidence suggests that replacing red meat that is high in fat with soy products is good for the heart. Substituting with soy products can also reduce cholesterol and prevent various types of cancer. Soy is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates and protein.

Soy isoflavones cause an effect similar to estrogen in the body. However, one advantage is that isoflavones can relieve symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes that often accompany menopause. Some experts have reason to believe that isoflavones could increase women's chances of uterine cancer and breast cancer. These two particular types of cancers seem to be more prevalent in women who are taking estrogen or hormone replacement therapies.

Research has provided mixed results. A long term study that was conducted with Asian women determined that those who had a diet that included soy enriched foods were less likely to develop breast cancer over women who never ate soy. Among the women who ate soy that developed breast cancer, their survival rate was much higher.

Researchers have determined that some women are genetically predisposed to suffer from numerous menopausal symptoms. The same also applies to many types of cancer, especially breast cancer, where some families are at a higher risk than other families. Unfortunately, there is no certain way to predict how each woman's body will react to the changes that accompany menopause or by adding estrogen enriched plant foods to the diet.