Phytoestrogens are a group of chemicals found in plants that may have effects on animals and human hormone balance. Fruits and vegetables are high in phytoestrogens, with soybeans being particularly rich in phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens affect physiological parameters by interacting with the oestrogen receptors which are categorised as alpha and beta. By interacting with these receptors, phytoestrogens have the ability to mimic the effects of oestrogen or to block its effects, depending on the concentrations of the phytoestrogen, the hormonal conditions within the animals or individual, as well as the presence of other phytochemicals. Rats fed phytoestrogens can accumulate them in their tissues including their blood. In male rats, isoflavones, one variety of phytoestrogen, can significantly decrease prostate weights as well as lower circulating levels of testosterone and androstenedione, two hormones that are pivotal to male sexual performance and correct physiological regulation. This suggests that high levels of phytoestrogens may have detrimental effects on male sexual characteristics and may harm male sexual reproductive success in rats.
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Weber, K. S., Setchell, K. D. R., Stocco, D. M. and Lephart, E. D. 2001. Dietary soy-phytoestrogens decrease testosterone levels and prostate weight without altering LH, prostate 5alpha-reductase or testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory peptide levels in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Journal of Endocrinology. 170(3): 591-599
