I think it really depends upon your estrogen balance to begin with. Males also produce estrogen in their adrenals (females in adrenals and also ovaries).
Someone with a normal estrogen balance (male or female) adding phytoestrogens could change and elevate the level. Someone who is deficient on the other hand, it may fullfill a deficit.
I do know from Dr. Alfred Plechner's research that elevated estrogen (estradiol, estriol or estrone) contribute to immune dysfunction and deregulation. Soy contains estradiol.
Excess estrogen binds to thyroid hormone, deregulates immunoglobulin production, and can effect cortisol hormone.
Quote:
Determining the source or sources of body estrogen is critical. While the ovaries do indeed produce estrogen, they are far from the only source. Non-ovarian estrogen may enter the body or be produced in any of the following ways:
The adrenal cortex (zona reticularis and possible interface layer) both produce forms of estrogen.
Ingesting soy protein may raise estrogen levels, since soy contains estradiol. The amount of soy ingested seems to make no difference; any soy protein may be enough to push a estrogen prominent person into estrogen dominance.
The enzyme aromatase converts DHEA, DHEAS and various androgens to estrogen in the tissue. |
http://www.drplechner.com/humanprotocol.php