Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout your life, often in sync with other hormones that control important body processes, like your menstrual cycle. A review of eight randomized controlled trials examined the effects of soy in men with or at risk of developing prostate cancer. Soy isoflavones, specifically genistein and daidzein, are incorporated in prostate tissue and may act as weak estrogens and inhibit the development of prostate cancer. EDCs cannot be completely avoided or removed; however, you can make informed choices to reduce exposure and risk of any potential health effects. Endocrine glands, distributed throughout the body, produce the hormones that act as signaling molecules after release into the circulatory system. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or human-made chemicals that may mimic, block, or interfere with the body’s hormones, which are part of the endocrine system. Growing conditions can influence phytoestrogen content, but the organic label itself does not guarantee higher levels. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that organic nuts have significantly higher phytoestrogen levels compared to conventionally grown nuts. Phytoestrogens, often found in various plant-based foods, have sparked both curiosity and concern. On the flip side, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your testosterone levels. A comprehensive review published in Fertility and Sterility concluded that neither soy foods nor isoflavone supplements alter bioavailable testosterone concentrations in men. Phytoestrogens, as the name suggests, are compounds found in certain plants that exhibit estrogen-like properties. There is limited evidence that consuming these compounds if your iodine levels are very low may contribute to negative health impacts, but these results are mixed. Although there are several myths about these estrogen-mimicking plants, the evidence suggests that they do not cause any significant adverse effects on human health. Korea and Japan, two countries in the world that consume the most soy, have some of the lowest breast cancer incidences in the world. Second, engaging in regular physical activity, particularly resistance training, has been shown to boost testosterone levels and improve overall hormonal health. These compounds structurally resemble estrogen and can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, potentially influencing hormonal balance. In most cases, the benefits of eating these foods outweigh the possible health risks. Nevertheless, most studies in healthy people haven’t found any significant association between isoflavones and thyroid function (24, 25). In general, nuts are a healthy part of a child’s diet. The phytoestrogen content will depend on the type of nut butter. While some studies suggest potential benefits, others raise concerns, particularly regarding hormone-sensitive conditions. It’s important to note that these are approximate values, and the actual phytoestrogen content can vary based on factors like growing region and processing methods. For example, in one RCT the mean daily isoflavone intake in the highest tertile was 11.4 mg as opposed to a total mean intake of 0.06 mg in an observational study . Similarly, women with metabolic syndrome who consumed 54 mg of genistein had lower levels of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, and higher levels of adiponectin than the placebo group 155,156. Similar results were obtained after 12 and 24 months of intervention in a related study in 389 osteopenic postmenopausal women, who received the same dose of genistein plus calcium and vitamin D , the values remaining consistent after an extra year of follow-up in a sub-cohort . After a 6-month intervention in 60 healthy women, a decrease in insulin and insulin resistance was observed . Interventions included isoflavones 149,150, soy nuts , daidzein , genistein , and S-equol administered for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months. They found a significant decrease of insulin sensitivity with the higher intake of isoflavones.