MINI LAB
Chapter 6 The Endocrine System • MHR 201The potential side effects of progesterone
replacement include:
stomach upset;
irregular vaginal bleeding; and
edema (water retention).
The potential side effects of combined estrogen
and progesterone replacement include:
formation of blood clots;
headaches;
fluctuations of blood sugar level;
edema; and
premenstrual-like syndrome.The wide variety of side effects points to the
interconnection between hormones and the various
homeostatic mechanisms of the body. As you have
seen in this unit, the body’s control systems play a
vitally important role in maintaining the narrow
range of conditions within which living cells can
survive. All of the organ systems of the body work
together to preserve homeostatic equilibrium.Sex Hormones in Your Salad
Did you realize that you may have estrogen-mimicking
hormones in your salad veggies?
All plants make hormones that control growth and
development of plant tissue. However, many plants (about
300 varieties) also make phytoestrogens, substances that
mimic the structure and function of estrogen in animals. (The
prefix “phyto” is derived from the Greek word for “plant.”)
Vegetables containing phytoestrogens include: beans (and
other legumes); alfalfa and clover sprouts; soybeans, tofu,
and other soy products; cereal bran; and flax seeds.
Preliminary studies indicate that these substances may help
reduce the incidence of breast cancer. Some research
studies show that phytoestrogens, acting as weak estrogen
mimics, block human estrogen molecules from binding to
estrogen receptors on breast cells. This action may reduce
the rate of cell division in breast tissue, which, in turn, may
also inhibit the development of tumours in the breast.
While no health risks have been associated with consumption
of phytoestrogens so far, more research is needed to better
understand the health benefits of these compounds.
Analyze
Find out if your diet includes foods with phytoestrogens.
1.Make a list of food types that contain phytoestrogens.
2.Write out a detailed list of the types of food you would
consume over a typical three-day period (include
ingredients of mixed foods such as burgers, soups, and
salads).3.Identify the foods that contain phytoestrogens. How
many different sources of phytoestrogens do you
consume?
4.Find out why it may be more beneficial to obtain
phytoestrogens from a number of different food
sources.
5.Collect class data on phytoestrogen consumption.
6.Speculate about how plants might benefit by producing
estrogen mimics.