why no soy/plant estrogens?

BostonLove11 · June 2009

I just saw the post below regarding flax seed oil....and how many REs tell IVF girls to discontinue it and soy products. Is this IVF specific or for getting pregnant in general? My RE never told me this so I am a bit confused. My fertility issues stem from low estrogen so I have actually been going out of my way to eat more soy products (soy ice cream, yogurt) every day because I am allergic to dairy products. I am currently stimming on Menopur for a TI cycle. I guess I should ask my RE about this?

k8enewlywed · June 2009

what I have soy every day?? no soy? This is my first IVF and we were thrown in mid cycle from an IUI cycle.

krissyh21 · June 2009

A few studies suggest that high levels of soy protein may decrease fertility. According to a report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition a small number of studies have shown that high levels of soy can increase menstrual cycle length, decrease FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and decrease LH (leutinizing hormone). But we must note that the high levels of soy generating this effect are equivalent to drinking three 12-ounce glasses of soy milk (60 g soy protein equivalent to 45 mg of isoflavones) for a month. However, normally most people do not consume this much soy.

The American Family Physician magazine stated that up to one-quarter of women with fertility problems may be helped by dietary changes. The researchers state that, since the phytoestrogens in soy products increase the length of the follicular phase and lead to fewer menstrual cycles over a woman?s lifetime, it is possible that soy may decrease fertility in some women. But they also add here that women with multiple risk factors for infertility may be more sensitive to soy than others.

Some studies on various animal species have also indicated that eating high levels of phytoestrogens from soy can have adverse effects on fertility. But there is no current data to suggest that consumption of phytoestrogens at the levels normally encountered in the diet of animals in these tests or humans in general are likely to be harmful.

A more recent review reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition sates that reproductive and developmental toxicity studies did not find significant variations in fertility from soy phytoestrogens consumption in healthy couples, indicating that normal intake of soy is basically harmless to your fertility and hence your chances of becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy.

If for any reason you are experiencing fertility problems, it certainly is a good idea to limit soy in your diet to rule out any possibilities of its effect on your fertility. Since it?s the protein portion of soy that contains the phytoestrogens, you should try to avoid tofu, soy milk, tempeh, TVP and soy nuts. Soy sauce does not contain phytoestrogens, and so you can continue using this to flavor foods. As with any food, it is wise not to overconsume. Eating soy in moderation allows you to avoid any potential harm due to overconsumption, as well as leaves more scope for a variety in your diet which helps you are to get all the important nutrients that your body needs.

lnle · June 2009

sorry - I didn't mean to scare anyone! I do think you should check with your RE, as they all have different opinions about this. Mine never told me about it until I asked.

BostonLove11 · June 2009

Krissy- thanks for article...I will definitely ask my RE.

Ginger71 · June 2009

krissyh21:

A few studies suggest that high levels of soy protein may decrease fertility. According to a report in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition a small number of studies have shown that high levels of soy can increase menstrual cycle length, decrease FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and decrease LH (leutinizing hormone). But we must note that the high levels of soy generating this effect are equivalent to drinking three 12-ounce glasses of soy milk (60 g soy protein equivalent to 45 mg of isoflavones) for a month. However, normally most people do not consume this much soy.

The American Family Physician magazine stated that up to one-quarter of women with fertility problems may be helped by dietary changes. The researchers state that, since the phytoestrogens in soy products increase the length of the follicular phase and lead to fewer menstrual cycles over a woman?s lifetime, it is possible that soy may decrease fertility in some women. But they also add here that women with multiple risk factors for infertility may be more sensitive to soy than others.

Some studies on various animal species have also indicated that eating high levels of phytoestrogens from soy can have adverse effects on fertility. But there is no current data to suggest that consumption of phytoestrogens at the levels normally encountered in the diet of animals in these tests or humans in general are likely to be harmful.

A more recent review reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition sates that reproductive and developmental toxicity studies did not find significant variations in fertility from soy phytoestrogens consumption in healthy couples, indicating that normal intake of soy is basically harmless to your fertility and hence your chances of becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy.

If for any reason you are experiencing fertility problems, it certainly is a good idea to limit soy in your diet to rule out any possibilities of its effect on your fertility. Since it?s the protein portion of soy that contains the phytoestrogens, you should try to avoid tofu, soy milk, tempeh, TVP and soy nuts. Soy sauce does not contain phytoestrogens, and so you can continue using this to flavor foods. As with any food, it is wise not to overconsume. Eating soy in moderation allows you to avoid any potential harm due to overconsumption, as well as leaves more scope for a variety in your diet which helps you are to get all the important nutrients that your body needs.

Does anyone know if this affects male fertility as well? DH is a big soy milk drinker......

eileenm21 · June 2009

I replied and it didnt post so sorry if this is a duplicate. They just did a big article in Men's Health about the adverse effect of soy on males. It was about a guy who drank a TON of soy milk, but he had changes to his body from it. Men's health is clearly not a medical publication lol, but it there is some indication that there is an effect on men. Pick it up - we just got it this past week, so its on newstands now.

Ginger71 · June 2009

Thanks,Eileen! DH loves this mag so it should be easy to get him to read it!

perry7285 · June 2009

my RE said not to worry about soy, but i'm trying to do it and all other foods in moderation--i figure that way i'm safe if any food has an adverse effect that i don't know about.

Want a personalized experience?

why no soy/plant estrogens?

Re: why no soy/plant estrogens?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards