Are soybeans bad for fertility?

Question

That sounds crazy to me, but I've heard that soybeans have a lot of estrogen in them and can mess with fertility. Does anyone know anything about that? I eat soy a lot and it's a great source of protein, so I hope that's not true!

Answer 1

I have heard that refined soybeans can affect your estrogen levels (men and women)...not sure though.  My husband and I are TTC and both allergic to dairy so we eat soy substitutes for dairy...since hearing something similar to this we have cut down lately...trying to use rice substitutes instead for the time being.

Answer 2

thats not true never heard of that

Answer 3

They eat a lot of soy products in China and they don't exactly have a problem with their population...I'd say no.

The main issue is with menopausal women who use soy products as estrogen replacers.  If you just eat soy products, unless you're especially sensitive to hormones or have some kind of imbalance, you should be fine.

But menopausal women who take supplements with large amounts of "phytoestrogens" (hormone-like substances from plants) are kidding themselves if they think they're escaping all the issues surrounding hormone replacement.

If you have hormonal issues and you eat excessive amounts of soy or take soy supplements, discuss them with your doctor (especially if you take hormone replacement drugs or birth control pills.)

If you just eat soy...it shouldn't be a problem.  You should concentrate on a balanced diet, which should keep you from eating too much of any one food anyway.

Answer 4

quite the opposite.... good proteins including soy beans can help aid fertility... please see the link, also has some other useful tips!