The female body is truly complex. Estrogen, the sex hormone we naturally produce, is a double-edged sword that may cause our own demise!
To help women understand their bodies and better safeguard their health, let’s talk about the cancer-related dangers of high estrogen levels, the causes, and what women can do about it.
Estrogen, one of the main female sex hormones, is crucial for female development and fertility. However, most women may not realize that too much estrogen can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells.
Approximately 80% of all breast cancers have estrogen receptors, allowing the hormone to bind to the cells and make them do things they normally wouldn’t. To be specific:
An ongoing study supports these findings. “Our work demonstrates that estrogen can directly induce genomic rearrangements that lead to cancer, so its role in breast cancer development is both that of a catalyst and a cause,” shared study author Jake Lee in an interview with The Harvard Gazette.
You may have elevated estrogen levels due to the following:
Reducing estrogen levels or blocking its effects may help slow or prevent certain breast cancers from developing. The good news is, it’s possible for women to lower their estrogen exposure.
Here are four natural ways to lower estrogen and minimize breast cancer risk:
As mentioned, fat tissue produces estrogen, so losing excess weight can significantly decrease your estrogen levels and breast cancer risk.
If you’re overweight, losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can already make a difference. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugar, and red meat since they can disrupt hormonal balance and increase estrogen levels in your body.
Also, engage in regular exercise to shed the extra pounds and lower estrogen levels. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, jogging, yoga, and strength training are all excellent options. Moving your body and breaking a sweat also reduces body fat, helping you metabolize excess estrogen in your bloodstream.
Cutting back or eliminating alcohol is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of not only breast cancer, but dozens of other life-threatening diseases. Limit yourself to no more than one drink per day, reserve it for special occasions, or avoid alcohol altogether.
Poor sleep quality can impact hormone patterns and metabolism, spurring issues like diabetes, obesity, and hormonal imbalances.
Melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone, can help promote hormonal balance, especially in regulating female sex hormones. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
Stress in the brain heads to the body. When the body senses a threat, it produces cortisol, also called the “stress hormone” or “fight or flight response.” To make and release cortisol, the body uses progesterone. Spending too much time in “fight or flight” mode leads to an increased use of progesterone, causing a rise in estrogen relative to progesterone.
To maintain balance, engage in activities that bring joy, prioritize experiences that reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being and calm. Life is too short to constantly worry, so let loose, laugh out loud, and have fun whenever possible.
Making lifestyle changes to address excess estrogen may help you dodge breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about all options, including medications that can help promote hormonal balance or counter estrogen’s effects.
While estrogen is essential for female development and fertility, it can also stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Reducing estrogen exposure and activity in your body may help reduce your breast cancer risk and improve your prognosis, if diagnosed. The lifestyle changes covered here provide an arsenal of tools for you to lower dangerous estrogen levels. Although making these changes requires effort and commitment, the health advantages are worth it. Take action today to curb this hormone and stay healthy.