Phytoestrogens and estrogens have some similarities in their chemical structure and ability to bind to estrogen receptors, but they have important differences in their effects on the human body:

• Estrogens are hormones produced naturally in the body, primarily in the ovaries in women. They are essential for sexual and reproductive development and function[5].

• Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that have a similar chemical structure to estrogens and can bind to estrogen receptors, but they are not hormones and are not produced naturally in the human body[1][4].

• Phytoestrogens typically have much weaker estrogenic effects compared to human estrogens like estradiol[1][3]. The effects of phytoestrogens depend on factors like the specific type, dose, and individual differences in metabolism and estrogen levels[2].

• Consuming phytoestrogens from foods like soy, flaxseeds, fruits and vegetables is unlikely to have a significant impact on estrogen levels or health, as the amounts are very low compared to what the body naturally produces[4]. Concentrated phytoestrogen supplements may have more noticeable effects.

• In some cases, phytoestrogens may actually have anti-estrogenic effects by blocking estrogen receptors or reducing the body's own estrogen production[1][3]. This is thought to be due to their structural similarity to estrogens.

Some potential benefits of phytoestrogens that have been studied include:

• Reducing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes in some women[1][3]
• Improving cardiovascular health markers[2][4]
• Reducing risk of certain cancers like breast and prostate cancer[3][6]

However, the evidence is mixed, with many studies finding no significant effects[1][2]. Potential risks include:

• Blocking estrogen receptors and reducing the body's own estrogen production[1][3]
• Interfering with thyroid function in some cases[2]
• Potential effects on breast and prostate cancer risk, though the evidence is inconclusive[3][6]

Citations: [1] https://herkare.com/blog/estrogen-replacement-therapy-vs-phytoestrogens/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468963/ [3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/648139 [4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320630 [5] https://advancedhormonesolutions.com/do-you-know-the-difference-between-phytoestrogens-and-estrogen/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/ [7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763421005558 [8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/phytoestrogen