Phyto-What? Understanding Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Hormone Balance

Many patients ask me whether the tinctures I formulate contain estrogen. A common concern is:

“Don’t some plants have estrogen? Isn’t that bad?”

It’s a fair question — and the answer is more nuanced than most people think. Let’s unpack what phytoestrogens really are, how they work in the body, and why they’re not something to fear.

What Are Phytoestrogens?

The term phytoestrogen refers to naturally occurring compounds in certain plants that have a mild ability to bind to estrogen receptors in the body. These compounds are often genistein or daidzein (found in soy and legumes), though some herbs contain other compounds that act as aromatase inhibitors — meaning they help regulate estrogen production.

While phytoestrogens do bind to estrogen receptors, they bind much more weakly than your body’s own estrogen (estradiol). Because they occupy the receptor without fully activating it, they can actually block stronger estrogen activity when estrogen levels are high.

• In women with elevated estrogen, this has a balancing or antagonistic effect.

• In postmenopausal women, where estrogen levels are low, phytoestrogens can provide mild estrogen-like activity that helps support hormone balance.

In other words, phytoestrogens help modulate estrogen, rather than overwhelm the body with it.

Phytoestrogens Are Common—and Beneficial

Phytoestrogens are found in many everyday foods and herbs, including:

• Flax seeds

• Soybeans and tofu

• Lentils and chickpeas

• Legumes and whole grains

These plant compounds have been part of the human diet for centuries. In fact, many herbs used in naturopathic and traditional medicine contain phytoestrogens, and their long-standing use demonstrates both safety and benefit. Modern research is only beginning to understand the complex chemistry behind how these compounds interact with the body.

How Naturopathic Doctors Use Phytoestrogenic Herbs

When I create custom tinctures for my patients, I rarely use just one herb in isolation. Instead, I blend multiple herbs to support several body systems at once — addressing not only hormonal health but also digestion, liver function, and absorption.

Here’s why that matters:

• Healthy digestion is essential for absorbing herbs properly.

• Liver support helps the body metabolize herbal compounds and convert them into their active forms.

• Synergistic herbs can amplify benefits — for instance, a phytoestrogenic herb that also supports lung health may be ideal for a patient with both asthma and low estrogen symptoms.

This holistic approach ensures that the body can use these natural compounds effectively — safely promoting balance and wellbeing.

The Bottom Line

Phytoestrogens are not synthetic estrogens, and they’re not something to fear. They are naturally occurring plant compounds that support the body’s hormonal balance gently and intelligently.

So no, I’m not sneaking estrogen into your formulas — just carefully selecting herbs that work with your body to restore harmony, not disrupt it.

Understanding the science behind phytoestrogens can help you feel confident in your treatment and reassured about the power of nature to promote healing.