Natural Estrogen Sources: Phytoestrogens & Body Production

Estrogen is the predominant female sex hormone. It is naturally produced in the body by the ovaries until menopause. After menopause, the adrenal glands still produce minute amounts of estrogen in most women. Another natural source of estrogen is present in certain plants in the form of phytoestrogen.

Phytoestrogen

• Phytoestrogen is 1/400 the potency of the estrogen produced by the body. As a result, phytoestrogen does not induce the same rapid cell duplication that makes estrogen prone to promoting tumor growth.

Soybeans

• Soybeans are a rich source of phytoestrogen, which mimics the estrogen produced by the body.

Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh is an herb that contains a high amount of phytoestrogen, and is commonly used as herbal therapy for menopausal women.

Flaxseed

• Flaxseed also contains a form of phytoestrogen that may be useful in treating female hormonal disorders.

Red Clover

• Red clover is an herb that contains phytoestrogen. In Europe, it is used as a natural therapy for breast cancer.