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Hormone Imbalance - Stress - Breast Cancer Risk Connection Women whose hormone levels are balanced – including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, thyroid, and cortisol – may have a more stable environment for their breast cells. This may limit excess growth and potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer. At the very least, it is important that all women are aware of their hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone. It is well known that estrogen causes breast cells to grow, which is necessary. However, that growth must be balanced by progesterone, which stabilizes the cells. In peri-menopause, many women are deficient in progesterone long before their estrogen levels decrease causing estrogen dominance. Progesterone deficiency can be exaggerated by stress, poor diet, and poor sleep habits. This hormonal imbalance causes an environment of estrogen dominance, which can lead to excess breast cell proliferation. With extensive research being devoted to breast cancer prevention and treatment methods, studies show that stress and lifestyle play a role in developing breast cancer. Stress management in preventing breast cancer is key. Studies now show that women who endure a significant stress event, such as a divorce, death in the family or tragedy, are more likely to develop breast cancer. Stress reduction and a lifestyle that allows you to take time for yourself is a healthy practice for all women. Stress Affects Breast Health Cortisol, the “stress hormone” is responsible for increased belly fat, lethargy, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, immune system suppression, and is now being linked to breast cancer. More belly fat leads the way for more estrogen production, and not only more estrogen but more unbound or hormonally active estrogen! Produced by the adrenal gland, cortisol production is an automatic physiological response to increased stress of any kind. When you need more cortisol to deal with stress, your body shunts progesterone from the female hormone pathway. Progesterone is important in balancing estrogen, your growth hormone. Estrogen dominance leads to unbridled cell growth in the body - a precursor to cancer development. We look at estrogen and progesterone balance to help patients lessen their risk of breast cancer - this is helped by reducing stress levels. Stress management techniques can also be effective in helping to stop production of cortisol in the body. I often discuss lifestyle management with my patients – everything from increased exercise to time management. It is important for patients to recognize how stress negatively effects the body and what they can do to stop that from happening. |
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