# WHat's in soy that so powerfully affects sex hormones? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 7, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-soy-that-so-powerfully-affects-sex-hormones/459099 "2008-08-07T00:33:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-soy-that-so-powerfully-affects-sex-hormones/459099/1 "2008-08-07T00:33:10Z")
I’m reading that one explanation (untested theory?) used to explain early menarche is use of infant formula containing soy - clearly an epidemiological study - a correlational inference. I also recently read that one tentative explanation for lowered sperm count is a diet high in soy. What gives? ---
**Author:** ![Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e56c9b/32.png) [@Harriet\_the\_Spry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harriet_the_Spry)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2008, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-soy-that-so-powerfully-affects-sex-hormones/459099/2 "2008-08-07T01:06:42Z")
Soy contains phytoestrogens/ plant estrogens. Here’s some general info, not intenteded to support or contradict the health claims. > **[medicineonline.com](http://www.medicineonline.com/articles/P/2/Plant-Estrogens/Phytoestrogens.html)** > > This domain may be for sale! ---
**Author:** ![CC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f1d935/32.png) [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2008, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-in-soy-that-so-powerfully-affects-sex-hormones/459099/3 "2008-08-07T02:40:02Z")
Yes, that seems to be the ticket. Verrrrry intereshting. Not schtupid.