In the realm of hormonal health, estrogen dominance is a term that has garnered significant attention. It refers to a hormonal imbalance where estrogen levels outweigh other hormones in the body. This delicate balance can have far-reaching effects on our overall well-being, including the risk of developing hormone-related cancers. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing link between estrogen dominance and these cancers, exploring the latest research, personal anecdotes, and practical insights. So, let’s embark on this informative journey together and shed light on this important topic.
Understanding Estrogen Dominance: To comprehend the connection between estrogen dominance and hormone-related cancers, we must first grasp the concept of estrogen dominance itself. Imagine a symphony where various hormones play distinct roles. I have been an avid fan of the Symphony for decades and have had season tickets for 18 years to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Recently, I was able to fly back to Atlanta and see them perform Mahler’s 5th Symphony. Bear with me for the details, I promise this will help you understand estrogen dominance with more clarity.
Typically, when I’ve seen the symphony, there may be two flute players, one oboe, one clarinet, one bassoon, one or two trumpets, two horns (French), one trombone, and a tuba. Well, for Mahler’s huge 72-minute blockbuster 5th symphony, there were four flutes, three oboes, three clarinets, three bassoons, six horns, four trumpets, three trombones, then tuba, timpani, percussion, harp, and strings. The sound from the woodwinds and brass was huge and amazing! Yet, if the rest of the orchestra was the normal number of string players, the sound would be way out of balance and sound terrible. To compensate for the big sound of the horns and to keep the beautiful symphonic sound balanced, the string section also had to be increased. For example, instead of 6 or 7 cellos, there were 10. Instead of 4-6 contrabasses (the big upright bass), there were 8. Do you get the picture?
With estrogen dominance, it’s like estrogen taking center stage, overshadowing other players, and disrupting the beautiful harmony. Factors such as lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and certain medical conditions can contribute to this hormonal imbalance, triggering a cascade of effects. Like the symphony, estrogen dominance is caused by too much estrogen in relation to, or ratio to, progesterone. For men, it’s in ratio to testosterone.
In our modern world, we are exposed to toxic estrogens each and every single day. They are fat soluble and not easily removed from the body. And, like compound interest, they add up over the years but with a negative burden. Today, even young teens are experiencing estrogen-dominance symptoms like horrific acne, anxiety, depression, and PMS. As we go through the lifespan and the exposure continues, the symptoms keep expanding.
When women go through perimenopause and progesterone levels plummet, the imbalance gets oh so much worse. With fibroids, both breast and uterine, migraines, unbudgeable weight gain that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and of course, hormone-related cancers too, this is clearly a hormonal imbalance that we must get on top of.
The Role of Estrogen Dominance in Cancer Risk: Recent studies have unveiled compelling evidence highlighting the correlation between estrogen dominance and an increased risk of hormone-related cancers. Breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers are among the most commonly discussed in this context.
Breast Cancer:
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. In the United States, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in women each year. Estrogen dominance has been found to increase the risk of breast cancer. Estrogen Dominance is also related to progesterone deficiency. In fact, a study from the John Hopkins School of Public Health studied women who were having infertility issues for 33 years. Those whose infertility was associated with low progesterone had a risk of breast cancer 540x higher than the women with normal progesterone levels! This study was published in 1981 – 42 years ago!! Why has this not been blasted all over the news?
Ovarian Cancer:
Ovarian cancer accounts for a significant number of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Estrogen dominance has been identified as a potential risk factor for ovarian cancer. Research suggests that increased exposure to estrogen, either due to endogenous (inside the body) or exogenous (outside the body) factors, may contribute to the development of ovarian cancer.
Endometrial Cancer:
Endometrial cancer affects the lining of the uterus and is strongly associated with hormonal imbalances. Estrogen dominance, again characterized by an elevated ratio of estrogen to progesterone, is a well-known risk factor for endometrial cancer. A study published in Lancet found that women with higher levels of circulating synthetic estrogen, unopposed by progesterone, had an increased risk of developing endometrial cancer.
Unveiling the Mechanisms: To truly comprehend the impact of estrogen dominance on cancer risk, it’s crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms at play. Estrogen, when excessively dominant, can fuel the growth and progression of cancer cells, acting as a potent driver. This can occur through various pathways, such as increased cell proliferation, alterations in DNA, and interference with the body’s natural defense mechanisms. These various mechanisms, many of which we have total control over, are why I use and recommend the DUTCH Test. The clinical data revealed on this test will show us if your hormones are metabolizing down healthy or unhealthy cancer-causing pathways. This data can be seen well before you might see changes on a Thermogram and at least 8-10 years before you’d notice a lump on a mammogram! We can see this early, address the issues at the root cause, and then dramatically change the trajectory from hormone-related cancers to healthy! I have seen women turn things around in a matter of 3-6 months when they address their risk factors, diet, and lifestyle. With that in mind, there are several risk factors for cancer.
Navigating the Risk Factors: While estrogen dominance presents an elevated risk, it’s important to note that it’s not the sole determinant of hormone-related cancers. Multiple factors intertwine to shape an individual’s susceptibility to these conditions. Age, genetics, reproductive history, and lifestyle choices collectively influence the overall risk profile. Examining these risk factors provides a comprehensive understanding of the broader context in which estrogen dominance operates. Assessing a client’s risk is part of my 1:1 assessment so that women (and men) can make wise choices and not be surprised by a cancer diagnosis.
Empowering Lifestyle Choices: Empowerment lies in our ability to make conscious choices that support hormonal balance and mitigate the risk of hormone-related cancers. Simple yet impactful lifestyle modifications can pave the way toward a healthier equilibrium. Nourishing our bodies with a balanced diet rich in whole foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress effectively are pivotal steps. Furthermore, reducing exposure to environmental toxins can contribute significantly to reducing the estrogen burden on our bodies.
Seeking Support and Medical Guidance: While lifestyle changes are valuable, seeking professional guidance is vital when addressing estrogen dominance and hormone-related cancers. You can certainly reach out to me for a “free discovery call” to learn more about the DUTCH test. If you prefer to work with someone in your area, you are welcome to go to the Precision Analytical site and select a provider in your area. However, I have had women reach out to me in the past with their DUTCH PLUS test results for review to find that their healthcare provider completely missed the most important lifesaving data that is on the test. If you work with another provider, be sure they address your hormone metabolism (2-OH, 16-OH, 4-OH) pathways. If you choose to work with me, you can order the DUTCH PLUS test here. Be sure to use my coupon code LDF100 to get a $100 discount.
In Summary: Understanding the intricate link between estrogen dominance and hormone-related cancers opens doors to proactive choices and informed decision-making. If you are curious if some of your symptoms are related to Estrogen Dominance, then take my FREE quiz. This quiz, only 14 short questions, will reveal your level of Estrogen Dominance, Mild, Moderate, or Severe, then provide detailed education and resources to help you reduce your symptoms and your estrogenic burden. My prayer is that you will feel enlightened and empowered to embrace a life that prioritizes hormonal well-being.
