How to Lower Your Risk For Breast Cancer and Heart Disease ?

Many postmenopausal women seek alternative hormonal treatments, especially considering the results of a recent Women’s Health Initiative study on the risks of combined estrogen and progestin therapy. Of particular interest are phytoestrogens, which have been gaining popularity due to their "natural" nature, suspected health claims, and the availability of a variety of foods and supplements. What are Phytoestrogens? Phytoestrogens are natural plant ingredients that have some resemblance to estradiol, the most potent estrogen that occurs naturally. However, phytoestrogens tend to have fewer side effects than most estrogens, are not stored in the body, and can be easily broken down and eliminated. Experimental studies have found a low prevalence of breast cancer, heart disease and hip fractures among people living in areas such as Southeast Asia, where food is generally high in phytoestrogens. In North America, knowledge of these reported health effects has aroused much interest in the health benefits of phytoestrogens. According to the Food and Drug Administration, sales of soy foods, a major source of phytoestrogens, have increased dramatically over the past decade. Dietary Resources of Phytoestrogens Phytoestrogens contain more than 20 compounds and can be found in more than 300 plants, such as herbs, grains and fruits. The three main categories of dietary phytoestrogens are isoflavones, lignans and coumestan: 1. Isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, glycitein and equol) are found mainly in soybeans and soy products, chickpeas and other vegetable crops. 2. Lignans (enterolactone and enterodiol) are found in seeds (especially flaxseed), cereal bran, legumes, and alcohol (beer and bourbon). 3. Coumestans (coumestrol) can be found in alfalfa and clover. Many dietary supplements that contain these compounds usually contain more than one component of phytoestrogens. Orthopedic Effects of Phytoestrogens Much evidence regarding the potential role of phytoestrogens in bone health is based on animal studies. In fact, soy protein, soy isoflavones, genistein, daidzein and coumestrol have all been shown to have a protective effect on the bones of animals that have had their eggs surgically removed. To people, however, the evidence is contradictory. Compared with the Caucasian population, the rates of hip fractures are recorded in countries such as Hong Kong, China and Japan where the level of food phytoestrogen is high. However reports suggest that Japanese women are at greater risk of developing spinal cord injury than Caucasian women. Numerous studies have examined the effects of soy isoflavones on bone health, but the results have been mixed, ranging from low impact to non-adverse effect. Most of these studies have serious limitations, including their short stature and small sample size, making it difficult to fully evaluate the impact of these compounds on bone health. Ipriflavone Supplements Ipriflavone, an artificial isoflavone, has shown promise in its ability to retain bones in postmenopausal women. Ipriflavone has also been shown to have a protective effect on bone strength in premenstrual women taking gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a treatment for endometriosis that causes bone loss. However, a three-year direct study of more than 400 postmenopausal women concluded that ipriflavone did not prevent bone loss. In addition, the compound was linked to lymphocytopenia (depletion of lymphocytes) in a significant number of study participants. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. Risks and Benefits Clear Some studies indicate that, unlike estrogen, phytoestrogens do not appear to target breast or uterine tissues. This suggests that they may do more like SERMS (selective estrogen modules such as raloxifene and tamoxifen) than real estrogens. However, in some studies high levels of isoflavone have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Clearly, further research is needed to further evaluate the effects of phytoestrogens before judging for its safety and efficacy can be made. Important Points Based on the information available at this time, it makes sense to make the following conclusions about phytoestrogens and bone health in postmenopausal women: 1. Dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens can be safely included in the diet but do not expect them to help build bones. Keep to the basic rule - eat the processed forms at least. 2. Due to the lack of evidence and concerns about safety, the addition of isoflavones is made (propiflavone) mentioned. 3. Postmenopausal women are encouraged to view evidence relating to phytoestrogens and bone health as inconsistent with imperfections. For women who are high on estrogen supplementation their phytoestrogen diet may not improve their bone mass