What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens, also known as plant oestrogens are naturally occurring substances that are present in a wide range of foods.
 
Phytoestrogen effects on females
Phytoestrogens are compounds which have a molecular receptor which acts in a similar way to oestrogen. It is the huge drop in oestrogen levels that causes most of the symptoms of menopause. If your diet contains high levels of plant oestrogens it can help your body keep its hormones in balance and allow it to adapt to fluctuating hormone levels of perimenopause and menopause.

Isoflavones, lignans, flavones, coumestrans are the four main phytoestrogens for easing menopause symptoms. Here is a list of oestrogen-rich foods for menopause. Soy-based products, flaxseeds and sesame seeds, apricots, oranges, strawberries, peaches, including many dried fruits, carrots, alfalfa sprouts, kale, celery, rye bread, lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, olives and olive oil, turmeric, thyme, sage.
 
What foods contain isoflavones?
Isoflavones are primarily found in soybeans and other products made from soy like tofu and miso, soy milk and soy flour.
 
What foods contain lignans?
Lignans are found in whole grains like barley, buckwheat, flax seeds, millet, oats, rye and wheat. It is also found in sesame seeds and kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts,  and in fruit like strawberries and dried apricots.

What foods contain flavones?
Flavones are believed to have anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. They can be found in tea and wine, leafy vegetables, onions, apples and berries, celery and red peppers, soybeans, and in citrus fruit like lemons, grapefruit, limes and oranges and in parsley, chamomile and mint and in high levels in ginkgo biloba.
 
What foods are high in coumestrol?
The highest levels of coumestrol are found in sprouting clover, chickpeas, and alfalfa. But it is found in legumes such as lentils, split peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, as well as in sunflower seeds and spinach. 
 
Foods such as soya and flaxseed contain the highest levels of plant oestrogens, they also have the benefit of being heart-friendly so another good reason to include them in your diet.
 
By increasing your intake of foods which are rich in phytoestrogens and ensuring you have a diet packed full of plant oestrogens, you can help relieve some of the problematic symptoms that come along with menopause.