What is estrogen balance and why it matters in the body?

Estrogens are essential hormones for the health of all parts of the body, from the eyes to the heart, brain and the entire compendium of our fantastic being.

If you are concerned about the relationship between estrogen and breast cancer, it is true that estrogen stimulates the growth of cancer cells and thus their risk, but we should not stop there since we need estrogen to live and therefore, today I show you why and how this subtle balance is maintained and thus, enjoy a fuller life.

The tango between estrogen and progesterone

It is indeed like a dance where the steps taken by one partner affect the movement and behavior of the other. Progesterone and estrogen oppose each other to achieve balance or homeostasis, however, if you have too much estrogen and too little progesterone, the body no longer functions in perfect homeostasis. Progesterone acts to balance the actions of estrogen. While estrogen is associated with several types of cancer, progesterone has anti-cancer effects.

Estrogen also promotes fluid retention while progesterone is a natural diuretic and this is one of the reasons why women who have low levels of progesterone have increased symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome). When there is no opposition to estrogen due to low levels of progesterone, the risk of developing cancer increases.

But blaming estrogen is like blaming the girls at a party. If there are 10 girls at the party and only 5 boys, it's not their fault that half of them are left without a dance partner. You could invite fewer girls to the party, but wouldn't it make more sense to invite more boys to the dance?

Similarly, if estrogen levels are normal or lower than normal, would it make sense to reduce progesterone levels? In fact, the ideal would be to increase progesterone levels to match estrogen levels and maintain balance. By increasing the opposing strength of progesterone, the potentially toxic effect of estrogen is diminished.

The science behind progesterone, estrogen and degenerative diseases

Estrogens have been shown to activate the BCL2 gene, which at high levels causes the rapid and aggressive growth of cancer cells, for example.

On the other hand, progesterone increases the expression of P53 or tumor-suppressor genes, also known as “guardians of the genome” due to their ability to prevent DNA mutations and even induce “apoptosis” or self-destruction of cancer cells.

Elevated levels of BCL2 genes stimulate the growth of cancer cells, increasing the risk of developing a degenerative disease. Progesterone counteracts the actions of the BCL-2 gene by stimulating the production of the P53 gene, causing cancer cells to self-destruct. One example is how, in laboratory tests, progesterone has induced cell death in a line of invasive breast cancer cells.

So, if estrogens stimulate the elevation of BCL-2 genes and progesterone stimulates the production of P53, why not focus on good P53 production? You'll see that it can be done.

Our food can help change our genetic behavior

A late and renowned oncologist, Mitchell Gaynor, will be remembered for his explanations of how we can change the behavior of our genes based on our dietary choices.

According to Dr. Gaynor, resveratrol found in red grapes and red (organic) wine can activate the P53 gene. Resveratrol belongs to a group of plant compounds called polyphenols that appear to have antioxidant properties and protect the body by decreasing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Cruciferous vegetables, especially watercress, but also cauliflower, cabbage, Chinese chard, broccoli and Brussels sprouts (for their high natural content of the anti-cancer compound phenyl isothiocyanate ).

Furthermore, herbs such as sage, rosemary, ginger, turmeric and ashwagandha (or Indian ginseng) also have a high stimulation of the P53 gene.

Vitamin C is another great promoter of P53, which is why high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapies are so effective for degenerative diseases. In contrast, P53 inhibitors are found in processed foods, refined flours and sugars.

In summary, foods that stimulate the P53 gene are:

• Cruciferous vegetables
• Resveratrol
• Aromatic herbs such as sage, rosemary, basil, thyme, ginger, turmeric and ashwagandha
• Essential fatty acids such as Omega-3
• Licorice
• Mistletoe
• Vitamin D
• Selenium
• Vitamin C

Not all estrogens are created equal

Estrogen is a general term for several types of hormones in the body such as estriol, estrone, and estradiol. Estriol is a weak estrogen that does not promote degenerative diseases. In fact, it can be protective as it balances the harmful effects of estrone and estradiol. Estrone is stronger, while estradiol is the strongest and unfortunately, the most predominant of the naturally occurring estrogens.

In pre-menopausal women, estrogen is produced naturally in the ovaries, adrenal glands, and fatty tissues. During menopause, estrogen production decreases by 50% and is produced primarily by the adrenal glands and fat cells. When the body is in hormonal balance, progesterone opposes estrogen, keeping it in balance. When we have more estrogen than we need compared to progesterone, there is estrogen dominance. Even a person with low estrogen levels can be estrogen-dominant if they are not producing enough progesterone.

Causes of progesterone deficiency in the body

As you can imagine, both progesterone deficiency and degenerative diseases were rare before the industrial revolution. When people ate whole foods, without pesticides or added hormones and before the advent of widespread use of chemicals, industrial products that have chemical structures similar to estrogen “trick” the body and unbalance homeostasis.

It is imperative to avoid Xenoestrogens

Xenoestrogens are substances derived from industry. For example, bisphenol A, which is the most common and is absorbed through the skin, is found in plastic bottles, plastic food storage boxes, pacifiers, supermarket receipts, resins used to paint food and drink cans, baby bottles. Parabens , in both household and personal hygiene products, shampoos, deodorants, gels; Phthalates or BPA, present in both children's and erotic toys.

Low progesterone levels can result from poor adrenal function, thyroid dysfunction, or liver malfunction. It is worth noting that gluten , found in wheat , rye , and barley, can also affect the proper functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands, as gluten-containing products block the absorption of important nutrients for the body.

Xenoestrogens are not biodegradable, they are stored in fat cells (breast tissue is primarily made up of fat cells). While the liver can detoxify the body of natural estrogens, it cannot do so with the daily bombardment of synthetic and chemical estrogens.

Obesity

Obesity influences hyperestrogenia because estrogens promote the growth of tissues sensitive to them, such as adipose tissue, that is, the fat that is concentrated in the waist, belly, hips and thighs, as well as in the back of the arms. Likewise, treatments with contraceptive pills, unbalanced diets or diets that include a lot of soy (rich in natural vegetable estrogens). Here we come to the subject of “stubborn fat”, since it is a vicious circle since estrogens promote its increase and this, the increase of the fat, so no diet or exercise can counteract it.

Both men and women are susceptible to it.

Although women are more prone to it because estrogen is our sexual hormone, men, due to their current lifestyle, are increasingly vulnerable.

One of the signs of this excess is the earlier onset of girls' first menstruation: it now occurs 5 years earlier than it did 50 years ago. That is, it now occurs at 10-11 years of age, whereas in the past it occurred at 14-15 years of age.

On the other hand, the appearance of degenerative diseases at an earlier age with different types of cancer (breast, uterus, ovaries, testicles) and abnormal development of the penis (decreased size), testicles and breast.

Excess estrogen can stimulate the development of vulnerable tissues such as the endometrium lining, ovarian fibroids, and prostate enlargement. Other consequences include mood swings, hard-to-burn fat, fatigue, allergies, recurrent sinusitis, and more.

Phytoestrogens or anti-estrogens

Normally, allopathic medicine has relegated them to the same group as estrogens, but in reality, they are more useful than one might think.

Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens that can act as anti-estrogens by reducing estrogenic activity in the body and protecting it from estradiol (the strongest estrogen) as well as xenoestrogens found in environmental chemicals. In fact, they contain compounds that have been shown to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Phytoestrogens such as lignans, present in flax seeds, act more as estrogen blockers than estrogens, helping to modulate hormonal production, availability and activities.

How to control high estrogen levels

In women with an overabundance of natural estrogen (as a result of excess toxins in the body and chronic stress), it may help to reduce the levels of the enzyme aromatase or synthetase, or estrogen synthase, which is the enzyme responsible for the production of estrogen.

However, it is not necessary to rely on aromatase inhibitors available in pharmacies. Foods such as mushrooms, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds help control the production of this enzyme.

Diindolylmethane is a supplement that modulates estrogen metabolism and is being used to protect against colon, uterine and breast cancer. Diindolylmethane is produced when the substance indo-3-carbinol found primarily in broccoli is digested.

Calcium-D-glucarate is similar to glucaric acid which is found naturally in our bodies. Also present in oranges , apples , Brussels sprouts , broccoli and cabbage . Calcium-D-glucarate is used to remove toxic agents and steroid hormones from the body.

Ultimately, it is not about reducing estrogen levels in the body, the idea is to identify and treat the cause of the hormonal imbalance or elevated estrogen levels by eliminating xenoestrogens, stimulating the natural production of progesterone, reducing stress and making appropriate changes in diet and lifestyle to restore hormonal balance and improve health.

Alternatives to restore hormonal homeostasis

• Consume phytoestrogens : although they are a bit difficult to absorb because they can act as estrogens or as antagonists. The best known phytoestrogens are the “isoflavonoids” found in soy, which, although it was once considered a superfood, is actually best avoided.

Phytoestrogens can block cancer-promoting estrogens by binding to estrogen receptors on breast cells. They also stop tumor growth, prevent metastasis, and seal new capillaries in growing tumors. Fermented soybeans, such as tempeh and miso, are to be preferred over unfermented versions such as tofu, as the fermentation process increases free radical scavenging activity.

Additionally, fermentation removes the nutrient-blocking effect that soy can have. For example, unfermented soy can block the absorption of important minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Highly processed soy (soy protein isolate or soy concentrate) added to many processed foods should be avoided as it strongly blocks nutrient absorption. Because most soy is genetically modified, it is recommended to consume only organic and fermented soy .

Phytoestrogens known as lignans present in flax seeds modulate hormonal production, availability and activity. Lignans decrease estrogen production by blocking the enzyme Aromatase that produces estrogen. They also block estrogen receptors in a similar way to Tamoxifen, a prescription drug used to prevent breast cancer.

When lignans are consumed, gut bacteria convert them into fragile estrogens. These estrogens bind to estrogen receptors, weakly stimulating them and blocking their attachment. Similarly, lignans block environmental toxins, making breast tissue more resistant to these toxins.

• Taking a vitamin E supplement is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance between progesterone and estradiol.

• Take a Magnesium supplement which is another very important nutrient to increase progesterone levels as it plays an important role in maintaining the hormonal balance of the body.

• Eat good quality whole foods , such as plant-based foods, to strengthen the activity of the adrenal glands and stimulate the proper functioning of the body.

• Physical activity helps reduce stress and positively affects genetic expression. It helps restore hormonal balance.

• Clean cupboards and shelves by replacing synthetic personal and household cleaning and care products with non-toxic and biodegradable alternatives. My recommendations in Colombia: Biogar.

• Stress reduction , because stress impairs adrenal function and directly alters DNA, not to mention significantly elevating estrogen levels while decreasing progesterone levels. Activities such as yoga, meditation, prayer and other therapies that incorporate mind-body help release negative emotions and alleviate traumatic memories. Check out my blogs to find the activity that best suits your needs.

• Drink clean liquids and I can't stress enough the importance of filtered and potentized water ( Nikken is my recommendation ) without chlorine, fluoride or toxins like those found in tap water. Avoid alcohol, but if you are going to drink red wine, make sure it is organic and not overdone. Remember that your liver must process alcohol and if you drink too much, it will not be able to metabolize estrogen efficiently.

• Probiotics strengthen the colon bacteria, improving digestion and helping to prevent constipation. This is important because if feces remain in the intestine for too long, the excess estrogen is reabsorbed and begins to circulate again in the body. In addition, immune function depends on a healthy intestine, which is key to preventing degenerative diseases.

References

Information based on the articles

The Truth About Estrogen and Breast Cancer by Elyn Jacobs

Too much estrogen? By Carmen Sabalete