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. 2012 Aug;55(8):265-71.
doi: 10.3345/kjp.2012.55.8.265. Epub 2012 Aug 23.

Effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development

Shin Hye Kim  1 , Mi Jung Park
Affiliations

Effects of phytoestrogen on sexual development

Shin Hye Kim et al. Korean J Pediatr. 2012 Aug.

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.

Keywords: Phytoestrogens; Puberty; Sexual development.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Classification of phytoestrogens.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Molecular structure of isoflavones.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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