What Are the Effects of Soy Milk on Reproductive Health?

Soy milk is an increasingly popular, tasty alternative to cow's milk, available in a wide of flavors. But, as with most things, too much can cause problems. Drinking soy milk can negatively affect the reproductive system.

Womb Health

• A Linus Pauling Institute study reported that in women, soy milk may contribute to endometrial cancer, a cancer that starts in the endometrium, or lining of the uterus.

Cancer Concern

• According to the May/June 2004 issue of EMR Labs, LLC, soy milk can cause thyroid cancer and breast cancer. Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, may cause infertility.

Lowered Levels

• The Global Healing Center reports that soy milk isoflavones can also affect male sperm production, decreasing quantity by as much as 40 percent.

Plant Problems

• Phytoestrogen, a plant compound found in high levels in soy milk, reduces testosterone in men, according to EMR Labs.

Effects

• In addition to problems such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, low testosterone levels can also cause decreased sex drive in men.