phytoestrogen
noun
phy·to·es·tro·gen
ˌfī-tō-ˈe-strə-jən 
: a chemical compound (such as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
Examples of phytoestrogen in a Sentence
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Research suggests that the health benefits linked to phytoestrogens may be specifically tailored to females, including a lower risk for developing heart disease, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, and breast cancer.19
Who Should Avoid Pomegranate Seeds?
—
Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Some evidence has suggested that consuming foods that contain phytoestrogens helps reduce breast cancer risk.1
Other research on the link between phytoestrogens and breast cancer has been mixed.
—Cynthia Sass, Health, 23 Sep. 2025
The herb is also considered a phytoestrogen.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
Some research suggests that isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen (a plant compound similar to the hormone estrogen), play a role in prostate health.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phytoestrogen
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Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2025
Some evidence has suggested that consuming foods that contain phytoestrogens helps reduce breast cancer risk.1
Other research on the link between phytoestrogens and breast cancer has been mixed.
—Cynthia Sass, Health, 23 Sep. 2025
The herb is also considered a phytoestrogen.
—Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 3 Sep. 2025
Some research suggests that isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen (a plant compound similar to the hormone estrogen), play a role in prostate health.
—Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phytoestrogen
Cite this Entry
“Phytoestrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phytoestrogen. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
phytoestrogen
noun
phy·to·es·tro·gen
-ˈes-trə-jən
variants
or chiefly British phyto-oestrogen
: a chemical compound (as genistein) that occurs naturally in plants and has estrogenic properties
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