Phytoestrogens Alter Adrenocortical Function
This study finds that the genistein and daidzein (both found in soy) lower cortisol levels and increase DHEA levels, essentially reversing the pregnonolone steal. The pregnonlone steel occurs when precursers in the adrenal cortex get shunted over to cortisol production instead of DHEA in times of chronic or extreme stress.
JCEM — Abstracts: Mesiano et al. 84 (7): 2443
