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Soy Isoflavones May Affect The Risk of Breast Cancer

Due to the estrogenic activity, these isoflavones are often used as a natural alternative to estrogenic drugs to relieve symptoms of menopause.

In fact, isoflavones can reduce symptoms when women are going through menopause, as well as reduce the risk of bone loss in elderly women, just like estrogen replacement therapy.

However, this use is controversial and many believe that the risks outweigh any potential benefit.

Animal studies show that soy isoflavones can cause breast cancer. There are also human studies showing that soy isoflavones can stimulate the proliferation and activity of cells in the breasts.

In one study, 48 women were split into two groups. One group ate their normal diet, the other supplemented with 60 grams of soy protein.

After only 14 days, the soy protein group had significant increases in proliferation (increase in number) of the epithelial cells in the breasts, which are the cells that are most likely to turn cancerous.In another study, 7 of 24 women (29.2%) had an increased number of breast epithelial cells when they supplemented with soy protein.

These changes may indicate an increased risk of breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women. However, many observational studies show that women who consume soy actually have a reduced risk of breast cancer.It is a good idea not to make decisions based on observational studies, which tend to be unreliable. The biological changes in the breasts and the studies where soy causes breast cancer in rodents are a major cause for concern.

There are also some small human studies where soy caused mild disruptions of the menstrual cycle, leading to delayed menses and prolonged menstruation. 

Bottom Line: Soy isoflavones can increase the multiplication of cells in the breasts. However, observational studies show a reduced risk of breast cancer. Soy may lead to mild disruptions of the normal menstrual cycle.