Phytoestrogens 

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens have become very famous, but a limitation on the hormone balancing actions of these substances is that they do not have any estrogenic properties when in the plant or at the time of consumption, but acquire them during the digestive process through the actions of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The bacteria cause the phytoestrogens to undergo metabolic conversions, leading to the formation of an estrogen-like metabolite which can be absorbed. This means therefore the biologically useful forms of phytoestrogens, the metabolites, are dependent for their existence upon a digestive system in good order with adequate microflora. Another site where useful information will be posted is http://bodymatters.cicadablog.com/