Estrogens and Breast Cancer

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Dr.Aroop Banerji N.D., L.Ac EGH (West Wing) Elkhart, Indiana The Retreat – Goshen Hospital, Goshen, Indiana

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Oveview of Estrogen and Breast Cancer The different types of estrogens Estrogens that pertain to cancer – good and bad Diet and Lifestyle factors that increase the bad estrogen Environmental Estrogens How estrogens cause cancer? Testing options for the bad and good estrogens Natural options to reduce risk for breast cancer

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Types of Estrogens Estradiol – E2 Predominant type of estrogen in a menstruating women Estriol – E3 Predominant type of estrogen in a pregnant female Estrone – E1 Predominant type of estrogen in a postmenopausal women 2 types of estrone “Good Estrogen” – 2 Methoxyestrone: cancer protective “Bad Estrogen” – 16 hydroxyestrone: cancer causing

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Sources of Estrogen Pre-menopausal women Ovaries Post-menopausal women Adrenal Glands Body Fat

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Factors that increase the “Bad Estrogen” 1.Anything that increases aromatase activity: a.High body fat b.High insulin levels – diabetes c.Moderate to high Alcohol consumption d.Increase Age 2.History of Uterine Fibroids May indicates high estrogen levels 3.Having an early onset of menarche and late age of menopause Indicates body has been exposed to estrogen for a long period of time. 4.Diet that results in constipation – low fiber Can lead to a buildup of estrogen

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Environmental Estrogen’s What is it? Environmental Estrogens look and act like real estrogens made by the body. Some are natural and some are man made. Good Environmental Estrogens These are derived from plants like flax seeds and soy beans. They are called phyto-estrogens. They exert a mild stimulatory effect on estrogen sensitive tissues in the body. Bad Environmental Estrogens These are man made. Some examples include plastics and pesticides. They exert a strong stimulatory effect on estrogen sensitive tissues in the body. Can be cancer causing. Examples include compounds called pthalates which are used as solvents in perfumes additives in hairsprays plasticizers in nail polish

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Estrogens and Cancer What is Cancer? Cancer is a disease of your cell’s DNA (genes) resulting in uncontrolled cell growth. Why don’t all cells develop into cancer? Cancer only occurs in cells that can divide. How does Cancer develop? Cancer results from multiple hits to your cell’s DNA. These hits could include: Bad estrogens Environmental estrogens Free radicals Initially, your DNA can protect itself from these hits with help from DNA repair enzymes. Over time, the hits de-stabilize the DNA repair enzymes. This is the BRCA gene. Now this cell can no longer divide normally and grows out of control resulting in cancer.

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Tests to evaluate the bad vs good estrogens Estronex: A urine test that measures the ratio between the good and bad estrogen. This does not diagnose breast cancer. Does not correlate with the BRCA testing Can indicate if the “bad estrogens” are high that could stimulate estrogen sensitive tissues and possibly result in cancer. In conjunction with BRCA testing, estronex test can be part of a comprehensive breast cancer risk reduction program.

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Natural Options to decrease risk for Breast Cancer 1.Reduce factors that promote the production of “Bad Estrogen” Decrease Body fat – exercise, diet modification, Decrease Alcohol consumption – diet and acupuncture Decrease Insulin levels – diet modification Decrease Constipation – acupuncture, exercise, diet modification 2.Reduce “hits” to your DNA This would include following the above recommendations and decreasing your exposure to bad environmental estrogens. 3.De-toxify your body If you feel you have been exposed to many “bad environmental estrogens”, consider following a toxin cleansing program. 4.Protect your DNA Eat a diet that can neutralize free radicals

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Contact info/Office Hours To make an Appointment at EGH: online @ www.acuappointment.genbook.com Phone: 574- 389-5642 Tues: 2-8 pm Thursdays: 5-9 pm To make an Appointment at The Retreat Women’s Health Center: Phone: 574-537-5000 Mon., Wed., and Friday 9-5 pm Tues: 9- 1 pm Thurs: 9-4 pm More information can be found at www.womens1.com www.acu-nd-med.squarespace.com

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Dr.Aroop Banerji N.D., L.Ac EGH (West Wing) Elkhart, Indiana The Retreat – Goshen Hospital, Goshen, Indiana