EN
Environmental estrogens may be derived from plants (phytoestrogens), pharmaceuticals or synthetic compounds. They exert estrogenic and/or potentially antiestrogenic effects on farm animals, wildlife and humans. Exposure to these compounds results in some abnormalities in the reproductive tract, changes in the estrous cycle, and possibly protection against the development of hormone- dependent cancer. The data obtained from animal studies suggest that the timing of exposure to phytoestrogens is important, and neonatal exposure causes the most pronounced effects.