Breast Size and Estrogen

 

Breast Size and Estrogen: What's the Truth?

In an era that celebrates body positivity, some still worry about having small breasts. To address this concern, products containing "phytoestrogens"—plant-based estrogens—have hit the market, promising breast enlargement without surgery. But do they really work as advertised?

 

Breast Size and Estrogen

 

 

 

 

Phytoestrogens and Breast Enlargement

There are various products containing phytoestrogens, such as Woman Select's "Natural C," Shaper's "Glam's," Natural Plus's "Menoestroflavone," and NYG's "Premium Phyto-Gen Plus." While Natural C and Glam's are processed fruit and vegetable products, not health supplements, they claim to contain phytoestrogens like pomegranate extract, known for their benefits to women's health. However, the exact estrogen content is undisclosed. When asked, companies cited competitive reasons for not providing detailed information. On the other hand, Menoestroflavone and Premium Phyto-Gen Plus are health supplements, each containing 24mg and 25mg of soy isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen) per daily serving, respectively.

 

 

 

 

Some companies market these phytoestrogen products as "breast supplements,"

suggesting that regular intake can increase breast size and firmness. However, Professor Jeong Jae-Ah, a specialist in breast reconstruction and plastic surgery at Hanyang University Guri Hospital, states that significant breast enlargement solely through estrogen intake or injections is impossible. "Estrogen influences breast development during puberty and pregnancy, along with other hormones. For an adult who is neither growing nor pregnant, additional estrogen intake won't dramatically increase breast size," she explains.

 

 

 

 

Anecdotal Evidence and Perceived Effects

What about those who claim they've seen results? Professor Noh Joo-Won, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Ilsan Cha Hospital, explains that phytoestrogens can stimulate estrogen receptors in the body, mimicking the effects of female hormones. This might cause the breasts to feel slightly fuller or even tender, rather than significantly increasing in size. Professor Jeong adds that if someone has a hormonal imbalance or lower-than-normal estrogen levels, taking these supplements might help restore balance, leading to perceived improvements in their condition.

 

 

 

 

No Need for Extra Estrogen with a Balanced Diet

Experts agree that those who maintain a balanced diet don't need to supplement with phytoestrogens from processed foods or health supplements. Professor Noh points out that a gradual decline in estrogen levels after age 35 is natural and doesn't require treatment. There's no need to maintain the estrogen levels of a 20-year-old. Both too little and too much hormone secretion can cause issues; maintaining an age-appropriate balance is best.

 

 

 

 

Consuming phytoestrogens won't immediately harm your health since they're neither pharmaceutical nor harmful substances. However, there's no compelling reason to take them for breast enlargement, and long-term consumption may not be beneficial. Professor Noh stresses, "Taking phytoestrogens to enlarge breasts is illogical. Individual responses vary, making this an unreasonable method. Consuming enough phytoestrogens to stimulate breast growth theoretically increases the risk of breast cancer." Professor Jeong concurs, adding, "Excessive estrogen levels are linked to breast pain, abdominal pain, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and a higher risk of endometrial cancer. Prolonged, unnecessary estrogen intake can activate breast cell proliferation, increasing the risk of breast cancer."

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

In summary, the effectiveness of phytoestrogens in enlarging breasts varies greatly among individuals, and there are no large-scale studies definitively proving their efficacy. Even if they do have some effect, it's not medically advisable for adults with a balanced diet to use phytoestrogens for breast enlargement. Moderation is key in all aspects of health. Professor Jeong concludes, "If you're concerned about smaller breasts due to aging, processed food or health supplements won't solve the problem. Currently, breast augmentation surgery is the only reliable method."