Excessive consumption of some soy products can result in a secondary hypogonadism that can result in gynecomastia and/or erectile dysfunction.
Mechanism: ingestion of isoflavonoids, which are phytoestrogenic compounds
Clinical features:
(1) history of ingesting significant amount of soy products for a year or more
(2) development of hypogonadism with gynecomastia and/or erectile dysfunction
(3) reduced levels of serum free and total testosterone, with elevated serum DHEA concentrations
(4) exclusion of other reasons for hypogonadism
(5) reversal of some or all of the findings after discontinuation of soy product ingestion
where:
• Ingestion for less than 3 months is unlikely to demonstrate these changes. Most cases have involved long-term intake.
