Phytoestrogens and reproductive biology

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant substances that can either mimic or antagonize the action of endogenous estrogens. This is because of the similarity of the functional structure of phytoestrogens and endogenous estrogens. In premenopausal women, phytoestrogen intake might induce a decrease in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol (E₂), which are associated with a longer follicular phase. The circulating transport protein, sex hormone-binding globulin, is increased, resulting in less cellular availability of E₂. Phytoestrogens inhibit the activities of E₂ synthetic enzymes through adenylate cyclase and tyrosine kinase cascades. This might decrease of risk of hormone dependent cancers. A phytoestrogen-rich diet might reproduce normal body composition, affecting the course of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some herbs used in traditional Japanese medicine contain phytoestrogens that influence endogenous hormone levels to directly regulate the pituitary-ovarian system, in particular, the chemotactic effects on ovaries. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; 4: 225 -229).