There’s a startling reality lurking beneath your standard hormonal blood tests. What your blood test reveals about estrogen levels may be far less than the actual amounts present in your breast tissue, putting you at risk for breast cancer development.
While blood tests are a common method used to monitor hormone levels, these tests measure hormone levels in the blood, not levels in the tissue. The National Institute of Health reports that breast tissue can hold 10 to 50 times more estrogen than typical blood tests may reveal.
This means that a woman with low blood levels may get a false sense of security when it comes to breast cancer risk. In fact, when blood levels are low, she may request estrogen hormone replacement therapy and unknowingly increase her risk of breast cancer development.
To avoid uncertainty and risk for cancer, women need to know the secrets of self-education, asking for the right tissue tests, and taking action steps.
The Link Between Estrogen and Cancer
The link between estrogen and cancer involves how your cells divide during the natural growth and repair cycle, and how estrogen stimulates cellular division.
Cell growth occurs when cells divide—one becomes two, two become four, and so on. Normal breast cells can progress to a state of overgrowth or hyperplasia. If this results in unusual cells, it becomes atypical hyperplasia. With atypical hyperplasia, cancer can result if mutations occur during the cellular division process.
Cancer involves uncontrolled cellular growth. Under certain circumstances, estrogen can stimulate the breast tissue to increase cellular division.
Prolonged exposure to excess (xeno-) estrogen is probably the most significant risk factor currently known for developing breast cancer.
Breast tissue contains estrogen receptor sites that can absorb estrogens as well as xenoestrogens – chemical compounds that mimic estrogen. This tissue makeup explains why your breast tissue may contain significantly higher levels of estrogen than those detected in a blood test.
Estrogen Activity in the Breasts
Estrogens enter the breasts by way of the bloodstream. Estrogen receptor sites in the breast tissue latch onto not only estrogen, but also estrogen-mimickers and xenoestrogens from chemicals and other compounds. This is, in part, why breast tissue can hold 10-50 times more estrogen and estrogen-like compounds than a blood test may reveal.
A Test for Breast Estrogen Activity: Hormonal Grades
One way of observing the level of estrogen stimulation in the breasts is by way of advanced thermography, a functional (not anatomical) test which indirectly assesses the level of estrogen stimulation in the breast tissue with Hormonal Grades, which are on a scale of 0-4 and increase with estrogen stimulation:
High Hormonal Grade Prompts Action
Take the example below, in which a Hormonal Grade of 3 prompted a patient and her provider to implement nutraceutical supplementation that resulted in a Hormonal Grade of 1, significanty reducing estrogen stimulation in 3 months:
High hormonal grades on this scale can indicate elevated estrogen stimulation and increased risk for breast cancer development. If you discover a higher-than-normal grade, consulting with a qualified functional health provider is vital. They can offer guidance on testing and treatment plans to improve Hormonal Grades and overall hormonal health.
Understanding Estrogen Metabolism
Estrogens in the bloodstream are metabolized in your liver where they are broken down into two categories: beneficial metabolites that may fight cancer and harmful metabolites that may promote cancer.
Many hormonal healthcare specialists provide tests that determine how well a woman is metabolizing or breaking down her estrogens.
Tests like DUTCH testing can help you understand how well your body metabolizes estrogen. Depending upon the results, your hormonal healthcare specialist can recommend personalized treatment plans.
Additionally, genomics health professionals can provide MTHFR gene-mutation testing to check for inherited genetic variations that warrant nutraceutical support and lifestyle modification.
If your doctor doesn’t offer such testing, seek assistance from healthcare practitioners who offer integrative, natural, or functional health. Many practitioners, including some nurses, are proficient in functional hormonal testing and can help you achieve a balance that prioritizes your hormonal health while mitigating cancer risks.
Reducing Excess Estrogen
The good news is there are various strategies to combat excess estrogen exposure and reduce your cancer risk. A strong prevention plan may include:
- Strenuous physical activity
- Dietary changes
- Nutraceuticals and herbal remedies
- Pharmaceutical interventions
- Proper hydration
- Menopause support
Dietary Approaches to Block Cancer-Promoting Estrogens
Incorporating phytoestrogens into your diet is one effective way to counteract or block cancer-promoting estrogens. Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants that may act like the estrogen produced naturally in your body. These plant-based compounds are much weaker than the estrogen your body produces naturally.
For instance, wild yams are rich in phytoestrogens that can bind to estrogen receptors in your breasts, occupying these receptors and blocking more potent estrogens and xenoestrogens from attaching and exerting their effects.
Phytochemicals found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes also contribute to healthier estrogen metabolism. The principle of “eating a rainbow” illustrates the benefits of a colorful, diverse diet rich in phytochemicals, many of which support liver health and estrogen processing.
Specific vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts are particularly beneficial as they contain diindolylmethane (DIM), promoting normal estrogen metabolism. (Be aware that many cruciferous/brassica vegetables have goitrogenic effects.) DIM is also avialble as a nutraceutical supplement, which avoids any goitrogenic effect altogether.
Supplementation Approaches to Block Cancer-Promoting Estrogens
The body forms glucuronic acid from glucarate, a phytochemical found in apples, apricots, cherries, broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, and brussel sprouts. In the absence of glucarate availability, the liver cannot properly metabolize estrogen, and the body cannot eliminate estrogen through the bowels.
Instead, estrogens can get reabsorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream, adding to the level of estrogen in the body, and potentially the breast tissue.
Functional health practiitioners often recommend the nutraceutical supplement calcium D-glucarate to enhance the liver’s ability to metabolize estrogen and help eliminate it from the body.
Staying well-hydrated and increasing dietary fiber can also play a pivotal role in reducing estrogen reabsorption from your intestines, as the body reabsorbs water and water-soluble metabolites from the intestines into the bloodstream.
Staying well-hydrated can help offset this, as can having sufficient glucarates and dietary fiber in the bowels to bind liver and estrogen metabolites. Working with a functional hormonal healthcare practitioner can help you identify the right combination of vegetables, herbs, phytonutrients, and nutritional supplements tailored to meet your unique needs.
Conclusion
While blood tests for estrogen are standard of care, relying solely on them can lead you to underestimate your actual breast cancer risk and undermine your health. Consider visualizing the estrogen activity within your breast tissue via advanced thermography, testing for MTHFR gene mutations and evaluating your liver’s ability to metabolize estrogens via tests like DUTCH. Collectively, these tests can help you and your functional healthcare provider to develop strategies that empower you in the pursuit of optimal health. Embrace and share these health secrets!
0 Comments