Phytoestrogens?

[u/Mercury2468]

For those of you with estrogen sensitive cancers, I was wondering what advice (if any) you were given about phytoestrogens and how you handle them. Do you actively avoid them (because cancer)? Do you eat more of them than before (to help with menopause symptoms)? Do you just eat the same as before and not worry about them at all?

For context, I was diagnosed with endometrioid adenocarcinoma grade 1 stage 1a after my hysterectomy in late May and had my ovaries removed 3 weeks ago. My tumor was sensitive to both estrogen and progesterone. Obviously no HRT for me, but I've been given contradicting advice about phytoestrogens by my doctors. Some say it's safe (low risk cancer, and phytoestrogens have a much weaker effect than estradiol) and a great natural way to alleviate menopause symptoms naturally, others say it's better to avoid them to be on the safe side.

Phytoestrogens are found in soy, chickpeas, lentils, some types of beans, flax, sesame, berries, wheat, rye, almonds and many other foods. I would honestly struggle to avoid them all and still have a healthy balanced diet, especially as a vegetarian. So far, I've been eating the same as always, but I feel really conflicted about this so I'm curious how others are handling this, and whether this is a concern for you at all or if I'm just overthinking things.

[u/Sparkler888]

I understand the nervousness about Phytoestrogens. I have stage 1 endometrial cancer, and I have asked about soy and how it affects the body. My oncologist surgeon said Phytoestrogens do not affect the body as regular estrogen and should be safe to eat tofu and soy products. I am a vegetarian too, and I decided it is okay to eat soy products, but I try not to overdo it. I guess we have to decide for ourselves if it's ok since we seem to get contradictory advice from different doctors.