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5 Ways Soy Upsets Hormone Balance

3rd December 2014

By Dr. Edward F. Group 

Guest Writer for  Wake Up World 

Soy has been incorrectly passed off as a health food for a long time. Soybean oil, soy milk, and even tofu

are a staple in the lives of many people, especially vegetarians. However, most soy products are not real

food  —   most are highly processed and genetically modified. In my opinion, the marketing of soy as a

health food is probably one of the greatest bamboozles of all time.

One of the issues concerning soy is its high level of phytoestrogens —  compounds that mimic estrogen in

the body. Soy contains two primary phytoestrogens, sometimes called xenoestrogens, genistein anddaidzein. Both compounds are known to disrupt the endocrine system in males and females. [1] These,

and all, estrogen compounds are classified as isoflavones.

Isoflavones are estrogen mimickers that increase estrogenic activity. This may be helpful at times for

relieving symptoms in menopausal women.  [2] However, more often than not, isoflavones block and

replace naturally-produced estrogen, an action that many experts believe is cause for concern.

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So what happens when things get out of balance?

How Soy Upsets Hormonal Balance

1. Causes Premature Menstruation

Girls are reaching their first menstruation at earlier ages, now more than ever. Fifty years ago, it wascommon around a girl’s 13th birthday. Now it’s hitt ing girls under 10. Studies on young female rats

suggest soy is a contributing factor.

2. Leads to Gynecomastia

If this doesn’t scare men away from soy, nothing will. Gynecomastia —  male breast enlargement —  has

 been tied to soy consumption. [3] [4]

3. Kills Libido

Introducing estrogenic foods like soy into their diet can cause men to experience a  loss of sexual desire. 

[5]

4. May Cause Infertility

Soy may be a factor behind male and female infertility. [6]

5. Linked to Breast Cancer

There’s no denying the connection between xenoestrogens and breast cancer . Considering that breast

cancer cells require stimulation via estrogen, it may be a wise idea to keep your consumption of estrogen

and estrogen-like compounds in check, from all sources, including soy. [7]

Soy –  a Toxin in Disguise?

Perhaps the biggest problem with soy is we’re not fed this produc t in small amounts. Soy is a cheap,

subsidized ingredient used in processed foods in the form of oil, thickeners, flavor enhancers, stabilizers,

 preservatives, and nutritive fillers. Check the ingredients, if you’re eating processed food, you’re probably

eating soy.

Fermented soy,  like tempeh and natto, can be really healthy since the goitrogens and nutritive inhibitors

are significantly reduced. Regardless, keep in mind that most soy, even fermented, is likely to be GMO.

When it comes to non-organic and unfermented soy, I’ve personally added it to my “avoid” list.  

What are your thoughts on soy? Do you eat it? If so, what types of soy foods do you use? Please share

with us your thoughts in the comments!

- Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

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References: 

  Janice Barlow, RN, NP, Jo Ann P. Johnson, MPH, and Lacie Scofield, MSPH. Early Life Exposure

to the Phytoestrogen Genistein and Breast Cancer Risk in Later Years FACT SHEET on the

PHYTOESTROGEN GENISTEIN. Breast Cancer and the Environmental Research Program.  Cheng G, Wilczek B, Warner M, Gustafsson JA, Landgren BM. Isoflavone treatment for acute

menopausal symptoms. Menopause. 2007 May-Jun;14(3 Pt 1):468-73.

  Valladares L, Garrido A, Sierralta W. Soy isoflavones and human health: breast cancer and puberty

timing. Rev Med Chil. 2012 Apr;140(4):512-6. doi: 10.4067/S0034-98872012000400014.

  Department of Biological Sciences. Answers to FAQs about Soy Isoflavones, Soy Infant Formula

and Puberty. LeHigh University.

  Siepmann T, Roofeh J, Kiefer FW, Edelson DG. Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction

associated with soy product consumption.  Nutrition. 2011 Jul-Aug;27(7-8):859-62. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2010.10.018.

  Chavarro JE, Toth TL, Sadio SM, Hauser R. Soy food and isoflavone intake in relation to semen

quality parameters among men from an infertility clinic. Hum Reprod. 2008 Nov;23(11):2584-90.

doi: 10.1093/humrep/den243.

  Russo J, Russo IH. The role of estrogen in the initiation of breast cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol

Biol. 2006 Dec;102(1-5):89-96.

About the author: 

Dr. Edward F. Group III (DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM) founded Global

Healing Center  in 1998 and is currently the Chief Executive Officer. Heading up

the research and development team, Dr. Group assumes a hands-on approach in

 producing new and advanced degenerative disease products and information.

Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now

teaches individuals and practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees

 patients but solely concentrates on spreading the word of health and wellness to

the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of

the largest alternative, natural and organic health resources on the internet.