Phytoestrogen Safety: A Meta-Analysis

I don’t know of any studies on cancer risk after using phytoestrogens as hormone therapy during menopause, nor do I know of any long-term studies on the use of phytoestrogens in general and cancer risk. However, most animal studies show that phytoestrogens are linked to a decrease in cancer, though a few other studies are inconclusive. Studies have shown that women with more phytoestrogens in their urine are less likely to have cancer. I don’t think that there are any studies showing increase in cancer risk from phytoestrogens. However, you may have heard about the large-scale study by the Women’s Health Initiative on the use of estrogen and progestin for hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women, which was abruptly terminated early when they realized women taking these showed an increase in breast cancer rates. Use of phytoestrogens as an alternative increased after this. Phytoestrogens have weaker estrogen-like effects on the body, can bind to only particular receptors in some cases, and can even have an anti-estrogenic effect on the body in some cases. I think they are generally safer due to these qualities. However, each species’ compound is different and every person’s body is different with a different existing level of endogenous hormones. I think, like with anything though, that there is of course a danger with ingesting too many phytoestrogens, whether medicinally or in diet. They have a very real hormonal effect on the body. Tooo much soy is definitely not that healthy for anyone. I believe that someone could potentially develop cancer due to overconsumption of phytoestrogen-containing plants or food, but I would think it would have to be in excess over a long period of time. But I am not a medical professional of course.. What do you think?