Korean J Pediatr.  2012 Aug;55(8):265-271. 10.3345/kjp.2012.55.8.265.

Effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development

• Kim SH
• Park MJ

• KMID: 2284305
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2012.55.8.265

Abstract

Phytoestrogen is an estrogenic compound that occurs naturally in plants. The most common sources of phytoestrogen are soybean products, which contain high levels of isoflavones. This compound, which has structural similarity with estrogen, can act as an estrogen receptor agonist or antagonist. Animal studies provide evidence of the significant effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development, including altered pubertal timing, impaired estrous cycling and ovarian function, and altered hypothalamus and pituitary functions. Although human studies examining the effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development are extremely limited, the results of some studies agree with those of the animal studies. In this paper, we review the possible mechanism of phytoestrogen action and the evidence showing the effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development in animal and human studies.

Keyword

Phytoestrogens; Puberty; Sexual development

MeSH Terms

Animals
Estrogens
Humans
Hypothalamus
Isoflavones
Phytoestrogens
Puberty
Sexual Development
Soybeans
Estrogens
Isoflavones
Phytoestrogens