Soy products have been an important part of my diet for years now, and I always thought they helped me pre-transition, since some evidence suggests they may decrease DHT or have their own estrogenic effect. However, I now have better treatments and am concerned they might be interfering now. What I am wondering is if anyone else has tried soy foods or extracts, and if so, do you think they improved or impeded your progress? I know they are not a substitute for E as they are low potency; I am more concerned they might actually be holding me back.
Here is a little background information about soy for those who may be unfamiliar:
Soy isoflavones (found in soybeans, soy milk and some tofu, and also sold as a supplement) are classified as phytoestrogens (plant hormones). They can either increase estrogenic activity by binding to vacant estrogen receptor sites, or inhibit estrogenic activity by displacing or blocking estradiol at the sites (since estradiol is far more potent). My doctor confirmed all of that and recommended switching to processed (low-isoflavone) soy products because of the uncertain interactions with estradiol. I love my food, though. Has anyone here found that it really matters?
