Ontogenic Phytoestrogen Exposure and Long-Term Neuroendocrine Reproductive Outcomes: An Integrative Cross-Species Review.

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that interact with estrogen receptors in animal cells. Due to this interaction, phytoestrogen consumption can trigger significant physiological changes. This study provides an integrative literature review, using a comparative and translational perspective, on the implications of phytoestrogen exposure, specifically during the ontogenic period, on the development of the neuroreproductive axis. We conducted a rigorous analysis of 129 original articles, which were categorized according to animal model, type of phytoestrogen, developmental phase affected and physiological/pharmacological effects. Significant alterations in reproductive organs and brain function were reported, alongside relevant endocrine and behavioral implications. The findings reveal that exposure to varying phytoestrogen concentrations, many of which exceed levels attainable through a standard human diet, leads to different degrees of impairment. While balanced ingestion is unlikely to cause irreversible effects, as they may be mitigated across the lifespan or fall within natural population variation, the ontogenetic period emerged as a critical window. During this phase, exposure induces the most relevant and persistent changes, especially under excessive consumption.