Phytoestrogens are a group of compounds found in plants that influence estrogen activity in the body. Although they are not hormones, phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors, and have either mild estrogen-like effects or anti-estrogen effects. Applied to an area of skin with subcutaneous fat, the phytoestrogens are readily absorbed and distributed through the body.

For thousands of years the human body has evolved with only the earth as a source of nourishment and has adapted to use the foods and medicines the earth provides in the form of plants. Research has shown that many health problems are related to the foods naturally available or eaten in each country. Hormonal disturbances are more prevalent in North America, Western Europe and Australia, with a diet of processed foods, than in Asia, Central America and the Mediterranean countries, where fresh plant foods are eaten.

One of the key factors is the availability of compounds known as ‘phytoestrogens’ or plant estrogens. These phytoestrogens increase the production of SHGB (steroid hormone binding globulin) in the blood. This controls the level of estrogen, increasing it where necessary, e.g.’ in cases of PMS or reducing it where there is an excess, e.g. where there are ‘hot flushes’. Phytoestrogens do not stimulate the growth of estrogen sensitive tissues; in fact they have been shown to inhibit breast tumors in some animal studies, possibly because they occupy estrogen receptor sites and prevent over stimulation of the cells.