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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Hormone Replacement Therapy
- National Institutes on Health: Phytoestrogens
- National Institutes on Health: Phytoestrogens
- NIH: Dietary sources of lignans and isoflavones
- NIH: Dietary sources of lignans and isoflavones
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Natural Sources of Progesterone & Estrogen
Synthetic or chemical estrogen and progesterone are not the same as what the body produces and can have serious side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, hormone replacement therapy can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and breast cancer 13. There are natural sources of estrogen and progesterone that can be used to help balance the body's levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Mexican Wild Yam
Mexican wild yam or Dioscorea mexicana is a natural source of progesterone. “Progesterone from diosgenin, extracted from Mexican yams, is identical to the natural progesterone of the human ovary or placenta,” according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2. There is good scientific evidence for the use of DHEA synthesized from wild yam extract, but further studies are necessary for firm conclusions.
Soy Beans
The Best Natural Estrogen Sources for Post Menopausal Women
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Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens or isofllavones, "compounds derived from plants and converted into weak estrogenic substances in the gastrointestinal tract," according to the National Institutes of Health 3. Soy products contain the highest levels of natural estrogens. To get 1 milligram of isoflavones, it takes one gram of soybeans. Some NIH nutritional experts assume that a daily intake of 50 milligrams of isoflavones is safe; however, dietary supplements can contain more than 85 milligrams of isoflavones in a single unit, and some manufacturers advise taking two a day 4.
Lignans
Lignans provide phytoestrogens and can modulate estrogen signaling. Lignans are natural sources of estrogen 4. Dietary sources of lignans include flaxseed, rye, cereals and some berries 4. Hormone replacement therapy studies have been done to determine if HRT has beneficial effects on bone fractures, according to the National Institutes on Health 13. Clinical evidence shows that phytoestrogens help maintain or improve skeletal health 3. This means natural HRT can be beneficial in reducing risk of osteoporosis.
Caution
Which Foods Are High in Natural Estrogen?
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Natural sources of estrogen and progesterone may have some health risks. It is important to talk with a doctor or health care professional to determine whether dietary phytoestrogens and lignans are right for you 3. The estrogen-like effects from isoflavones may be a cancer risk, especially for people who have had breast cancer or are at risk of breast cancer. While clinical studies show some benefits with natural HRT, further studies are necessary before firm conclusions can be drawn.
- Natural sources of estrogen and progesterone may have some health risks.
Related Articles
References
- National Institutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Hormone Replacement Therapy
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Progesterone Creams
- National Institutes on Health: Phytoestrogens
- NIH: Dietary sources of lignans and isoflavones
- Zhang GQ, Chen JL, Liu Q, et al. Soy Intake Is Associated With Lower Endometrial Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015 Dec;94(50):e2281. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002281.
- Tse G, Eslick D. Soy and isoflavone consumption and risk of gastrointestinal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Nutr. 2016 Feb;55(1):63-73. doi: 10.1007/s00394-014-0824-7
- Anderson JW, Bush HM. Soy protein effects on serum lipoproteins: a quality assessment and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled studies. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 2011 Apr;30(2):79-91.
- Greendale GA, Tseng CH, Han W, et al. Dietary Isoflavones and Bone Mineral Density during Mid-Life and the Menopause Transition: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Results from the SWAN Phytoestrogen Study. Menopause. 2015 Mar;22(3):279-88. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000305
- Rietjens IMCM, Louisse J, Beekmann K. The potential health effects of dietary phytoestrogens. Bri J Pharmacol. 2017 Jun;174(11):1263-80. doi:10.1111/bph.13622
- Terzic M, Micic J, Dotlic J, et al. Impact of Phytoestrogens on Serum Lipids in Postmenopausal Women. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2012 Jun;72(6):527-31. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1298624
- Wei P, Liu M, Chen Y, Chen DC. Systematic review of soy isoflavone supplements on osteoporosis in women. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2012 Mar;5(3):243-8. doi:10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60033-9
- Yu Y, Jing X, Li H, et al. Soy isoflavone consumption and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:25939. doi:10.1038/srep25939
- Ziaei S, Halaby R. Dietary Isoflavones and Breast Cancer Risk. Medicines (Basel). 2017 Jun;4(2):18. doi:10.3390/medicines4020018
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Writer Bio
Caroline Thompson is a professional photojournalist who has been working for print and online publications since 1999. Her work has appeared in the "Sacramento Bee," "People Magazine," "Newsweek" and other publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism from California State University at Hayward and a personal trainer certification from the university's Health and Fitness Institute.