phytoestrogen
noun
phy·to·es·tro·gen
ˌfī-tō-ˈe-strə-jən 
: a chemical compound (such as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
Examples of phytoestrogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Isoflavones and Anthocyanins Isoflavones, sometimes called phytoestrogens, are found in soy, lentils, and legumes.
—
Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens, which are similar to estrogen.5 The data on the benefits of flaxseed for menopause symptoms is inconsistent.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024
The internet is fraught with claims that these phytoestrogens cause breasts to grow or increase the risk of breast cancer.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Soy foods are often recommended for postmenopausal women because of the phytoestrogens (known as soy isoflavones), which may provide an estrogen-like effect in the body as estrogen levels decrease.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytoestrogen 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens, which are similar to estrogen.5 The data on the benefits of flaxseed for menopause symptoms is inconsistent.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 13 Aug. 2024
The internet is fraught with claims that these phytoestrogens cause breasts to grow or increase the risk of breast cancer.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Soy foods are often recommended for postmenopausal women because of the phytoestrogens (known as soy isoflavones), which may provide an estrogen-like effect in the body as estrogen levels decrease.
—Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 18 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for phytoestrogen
Dictionary Entries Near phytoestrogen
Cite this Entry
“Phytoestrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoestrogen. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytoestrogen
noun
phy·to·es·tro·gen
-ˈes-trə-jən
variants
or chiefly British phyto-oestrogen
: a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share