Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that have a similar structure to the hormone estrogen. While they can bind to estrogen receptors in the body, they produce both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. Estrogen is an important hormone produced primarily in women's ovaries and plays a key role in sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and maintaining overall health and bone density. Long-term estrogen therapy has been used to treat menopause symptoms and prevent osteoporosis but is also associated with increased risks of certain cancers, blood clots, and heart disease. Phytoestrogens are being studied as a potentially safer alternative to conventional estrogen therapy.