Studies are ongoing regarding the effect of soy on health and fertility. Soy does not currently appear to lower testosterone levels or affect sperm health, but if you’re concerned about your fertility, you may consider limiting your consumption of soy. Specific nutrients in foods and supplements may help increase your testosterone levels.
Does soy affect estrogen levels?
Most research suggests that moderate consumption of soy products, including soy milk, does not affect estrogen levels. This has been shown true among premenopausal women in a large meta-analysis. 6 In this same analysis, there were also no statistically significant changes among postmenopausal women.
Soy protein-containing foods, like tofu, textured vegetable protein and edamame, do not significantly increase estrogen levels in either men or women. Soy may have mild, beneficial anti-estrogenic or estrogenic effects, depending on your time of life.
Does soy milk really increase estrogen?
Since the alternative to cow’s milk is often soy milk, men may wonder if the phytoestrogens in soy milk will affect their estrogen levels. Fortunately, research has shown that the phytoestrogens in soy milk do not add to estrogen levels in the blood. Soy milk even has several health benefits .
Does soy really affect hormones?
The study concluded that this food, regardless of isoflavone content, decreased testosterone and DHT with minor effects on other hormones, providing evidence for some effects of soy protein on hormones.
Soybeans are a complete protein source and a dietary staple in many cultures. Soy contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones that may mimic the activity of the hormone estrogen in your body. The effects of soy isoflavones on human estrogen levels are complex.
Can soy balance my testosterone levels?
Soy and soy-based products Some research shows that regularly eating soy products like edamame, tofu, soy milk, and miso may cause a drop in testosterone levels. For example, one study in 35 men found that drinking soy protein isolate for 54 days resulted in decreased testosterone levels ( 3 ).