Food for Estrogen

After menopause women experience a loss of estrogen in their bodies, which can lead to many physical problems. Hormone replacement therapy, on the other hand, presents its own dangers as it is suspected to increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer. Some experts, such as Dr. Marilyn Glenville, contend that our diets are responsible for many of the symptoms of menopause. Because of this, many women are choosing to add estrogen to their bodies naturally, through diet.

What is Estrogen and Why Do Women Need It?

• Estrogen is a hormone that is manufactured, for the most part, in the ovaries. Its primary purpose is to regulate the menstrual cycle and prepare the uterus for pregnancy. After menopause there is a reduction of estrogen production by the ovaries, causing a variety of physical and emotional symptoms including migraines, hot flashes and mood swings. There is also an increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.

Estrogen or Phytoestrogen?

• Many women decide to increase the amount of estrogen in their bodies naturally, through diet. Foods do not contain estrogen itself, but many plant foods contain phytoestrogens which have biological effects similar to those of estrogen. Some scientists worry that dietary phytoestrogen may be involved in the occurrence of chronic diseases, so a conversation with your physician prior to changing your diet is highly recommended.

  Foods richest in phytoestrogens include:

  Seeds: flax, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame
  Whole grains: rye, oats, barley
  Fruits: tomatoes, berries, apples, plums, cherries, papaya
  Legumes: soy beans, green beans, red beans, chickpeas, black -eyed peas
  Vegetables: carrots, cucumbers, beets, eggplant, yams, rhubarb
  Herbs and spices: garlic, thyme, turmeric, oregano, parsley
  Tofu
  Multigrain bread
  Soy milk
  Garlic
  Alfalfa sprouts
  Olive oil

Foods that Inhibit Estrogen

• Some foods inhibit the body's ability to absorb estrogen. If you are going to add estrogen-rich foods to your diet, you may want to cut back on the following foods:

  Broccoli, cabbage, corn, onions, squash
  Citrus fruits, melons, pears

  Consult with your physician prior to trying any new regime on your own.