The Impact of Sulforaphane on Sex-Specific Conditions and Hormone Balance: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review examines the effects of sulforaphane (SF), a compound from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, on sex-specific health conditions and hormone balance. SF is noted for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cancer-preventive properties, primarily through the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. The review highlights SF's potential in treating conditions such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular issues, and its role in hormone-related conditions like menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome. SF shows promise in breast and prostate cancer treatment by enhancing drug efficacy and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, SF promotes hair growth by accelerating dihydrotestosterone degradation, offering potential benefits for hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia. The review underscores the importance of SF in maintaining hormonal balance and its potential in healthspan-enhancing practices.