Reducing your risk of hormone related
cancer , premature death and disability by
Optimizing Your Hormone Balance
“To encourage and to edify, for “Understanding is a wellspring for LIFE...”
Proverbs. 16:22
1. Dysglycemia
2. Impaired Detoxification
(Heavy Metals Pb, Hg, Cd)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Chronic Inflammation
Faulty Methylation
Chronic Stress
Impaired mitochondria
Imbalanced Immune Function
(Chronic Infection (Virus, Parasite))
8. Hormones
9. Digestion
10. Food Sensitivies
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Breast cancer has increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 8 women over the last 50
years
•
Women’s health initiative study and hormone therapy showed increased
risk of breast cancer with Premarin (horse urine) and increased risk of
stroke/heart attack with synthetic Progestin (Provera)
•
Osteoporosis continues to increase at a rapid rate
•
Women have surpassed men in occurrence rates of cardiovascular disease
•
Hormonal disorders such as fibroid tumors, severe PMS, infertility,
endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, and others afflict more women
every year
•
Why the increase? Stress (Cortisol, Toxins. Metabolic Syndrome???)
•
Prevention is the key (PROACTIVITY!!!)
“Strictly speaking, it's possible that we are
all -- men, women and children -suffering a little from estrogen
dominance, because there is so much of
it in our environment.” Dr John Lee
© Rakowski, 2004
Estrogen Dominance is a condition
where a person’s estrogen can range
from less than optimal to excessive
estrogen, with less than optimal
balancing progesterone. People,
(woman as well as males) can have low
estrogen levels and still have estrogen
dominance symptoms if the body does
not produce enough progesterone.
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Hormones, in balance, are critical to health and disease
prevention
Hormones, in balance, protect against breast cancer
Formby B, & Wiley TS. Progesterone inhibits growth and
induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells: inverse effects on Bcl-2
and p53. Annals of Clin and Lab Science 1998; 28: 360-369.
Hormones out of balance, may contribute to an increased
risk of breast cancer
 Synthetic chemical hormones (Prempro, Provera, Estratest,
Methyl testosterone) increase the risk of breast cancer
 Diet and lifestyle are critical to hormone balance and
overall health
 Stress affects hormone balance
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Acceleration of the
aging process
Allergies, including
asthma, hives, rashes,
sinus congestion
Autoimmune disorders
such as lupus
erythematosis and
thyroiditis, and possibly
Sjoegren's disease
Breast cancer
Breast tenderness
Cervical dysplasia
Cold hands and feet as
a symptom of thyroid
dysfunction
Copper excess
Decreased sex drive
Depression with anxiety
or agitation
Dry eyes
Early onset of
menstruation
Endometrial (uterine)
cancer
Fat gain, especially
around the abdomen,
hips and thighs
Fatigue
Fibrocystic breasts
Foggy thinking
Gallbladder disease
Hair Loss
Headaches
Hypoglycemia
Increased blood
clotting (increasing risk
of strokes)
Infertility
Irregular menstrual
periods
Irritability
Insomnia
Magnesium deficiency
Memory loss
Mood swings
Osteoporosis
Polycystic ovaries
Premenopausal bone
loss
PMS
Prostate cancer (men
only)
Sluggish metabolism
Thyroid dysfunction
mimicking
hypothyroidism
Uterine cancer
Uterine fibroids
Water retention,
bloating
Zinc deficiency
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Causes:
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Iodine deficiency
Heavy metal toxicity- especially mercury from “silver” fillings
Low progesterone, infection, high carbohydrate/caffeine intake
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Symptoms:
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Weight gain
Low basal body temperature (BBT)
Fatigue
Hair loss
Dry skin
Brittle nails
Depression, bipolar, inability to sweat, and constipation
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Diagnosis:
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Low Body Temperature
TSH > 2
Low to low normal T3/T4
High Reverse T3
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Treatment:
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Iodine
kelp
thyroid support
balanced thyroid if all else fails
Environmental Estrogens
• Organochlorine
chemicals such as
vinyl chlorides,
dioxins, PCBs, and
perchloroethylene
(~half of “endocrine
disrupters” are in this
class)
• Aromatic
hydrocarbons,
phthalates and
phenols, and some
surfactants
• Medications such as
hormone
replacement, oral
contraceptives,
tamoxifen, and
cimetidine
• Hormones in animal
products consumed
by humans
Dietary Estrogens32-35 (“Phytoestrogens”) Endogenous Estrogens
• Isoflavones (e.g.,
genistein, daidzein,
equol, puerarin,
coumestrol, glycitein,
biochanins) from soy,
beans, peas, clover,
alfalfa, and kudzu
• Lignans (e.g.,
matairesinol,
pinoresinol,
secoisolariciresinol)
especially from
flaxseed, rye, wheat,
and sea vegetables
• Certain flavonoids
(e.g., rutin,
naringenin, luteolin,
resveratrol, quercetin)
especially from citrus
and grapes
•
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Estradiol
Estrone
Estriol
Hydroxylated
estrogen metabolites
• Methoxylated
estrogen metabolites
• Other estrogen
metabolites
A xenohormone is a foreign, manmade hormone that has toxic
effects on the human body.
Xenohormones are most commonly found in plastics,
pesticides on foods, acetones (e.g. nail polish remover),
and in industrial pollutants such as PCBs. Because they
are a foreign substance and the body doesn't know
how to get rid of them, xenohormones tend to
accumulate in the body over time. Xenohormones can
be particularly damaging to a developing fetus, and
xenoestrogens in particular may increase a woman's risk
of breast cancer.
The vast majority of these xenohormones are manmade petrochemical (fat soluble) products used in
pesticides, cleaning agents, solvents, adhesives,
emulsifiers, plastics and many other chemicals used
in manufacturing and industry.
They are also found in (non-organic) food from crops
sprayed with pesticides, hormones in (non-organic)
meat/poultry, in the out-gassing of the materials we
build our homes and offices with, in cosmetics,
coloring agents, in the various sprays we use to kill
insects on our pets, in our homes and gardens, and in
the weed killers and fungicides we use on our lawns
and gardens.
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The class of “exoginous hormones are
very toxic and are also called Endocrine
Distrupers in that they alter or reduce the
optimal function of other major hormone
secreting glands such as the pituitary
(the master gland) the adrenal (stress
gland), the thyroid (control caloric burn
rate), the testicles the ovaries, and the
pancreas (which produces insulin).
Pituitary
Hypothalamus
TSH
LH/FSH
ACTH
Thyroid
T3
T4
Adrenal
DHEA
Cortisol
Aldosterone
Ovaries
Glucose (Sugar)
Insulin
Mineral/Water metabolism
Estradiol
Estrone
Progesterone
Testosterone
Estriol
Phthalates: most commonly in plastics
that foods are wrapped in.
 Alkylphenols and nonylphenols: most
commonly found in detergents,
shampoos, cosmetics, spermicidal
lubricants, pesticides, and clear
plastics… also found in tap water
 Bisphenol A (BPA): mostly found in hard
plastics like water bottles and in dental
sealants
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most of Europe has already banned this
Increase the risk of breast cancer
 Increase the risk of heart disease
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› Coronary vasoconstrictor
› Negate the beneficial effects of estrogen
Fluid retention and edema
 Increase incidence of blood clots
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› Venous thrombosis
› Pulmonary embolism
› Stroke
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Cause weight gain
Estrogens Have Been Reported to Increase
the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
 Three independent, case-controlled studies
have reported an increased risk of
endometrial cancer in post-menopausal
women exposed to exogenous estrogens for
more than 1 year…
 The three case-controlled studies reported
that the risk of endometrial cancer in
estrogen users was about 4.5 to 13.9 times
greater than in nonusers.
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• Are there other beneficial effects
of tamoxifen?
• While tamoxifen acts against the
effects of estrogen in breast
tissue, it acts like estrogen in
other tissue. This means that
women who take tamoxifen may
derive many of the beneficial
effects of menopausal estrogen
replacement therapy, such as
lower blood cholesterol and
slower bone loss (osteoporosis).
• Does tamoxifen cause cancers of the
uterus?
• Tamoxifen increases the risk of
two types of cancer that can
develop in the uterus: endometrial
cancer, which arises in the lining of
the uterus, and uterine sarcoma,
which arises in the muscular wall of
the uterus. Like all cancers,
endometrial cancer and uterine
sarcoma are potentially lifethreatening.
41% increase in strokes
 29% increase in heart attacks
 26% increase in breast cancer
 Twice the rate of blood clots
 Possible contributor to Alzheimer's
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•Increase coronary heart disease risk
•Increase stroke risk
29 percent
41 percent
•Reduces colon cancer risk
Reduces fractures by
37 percent
24 percent
•Increase invasive breast cancer risk 26 percent
“Results On May 31, 2002, after a mean of
5.2 years of follow-up, the data and safety
monitoring board recommended stopping
the trial of estrogen plus progestin vs
placebo because the test statistic for
invasive breast cancer exceeded the
stopping boundary for this adverse effect
and the global index statistic supported
risks exceeding benefits.”
© Rakowski, 2004
Epidemiological and animal studies have identified estrogen
exposure as a risk factor for several cancers, namely breast,
endometrium, ovary, prostate, testis, and thyroid. Much of the
evidence comes from the observation that cancer risk increases
with increased exposure to endogenous or exogenous estrogens,
and the positive relationship observed between blood levels of
estrogens and cancer risk. Prolonged estrogen exposure can
cause direct genotoxic effects by inducing cell proliferation in
estrogen-dependent target cells (increasing the opportunity for
the accumulation of random genetic errors), affecting cellular
differentiation, and altering gene expression. Additionally, there
is increasing evidence for indirect genotoxic effects of estrogens
as well. The relative importance of each mechanism is likely a
function of the specific estrogen, as well as the exposed tissue or
cell type and its metabolic state.
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“ABSTRACT - Large study reported in AMA Journal
finds that hormone treatment doubles risk of
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in
women who began treatment at age 65 or older;
latest bad news about hormone therapy comes from
four-year experiment involving 4,532 women at 39
medical centers, half taking placebos and half
Prempro, estrogen-progestin combination that is most
widely prescribed form of therapy; 40 cases of
dementia developed after four years in hormone group
and 21 in placebo group;”
New York Times: NATIONAL DESK | May 28, 2003,
Wednesday
Hormone Use Found to Raise Dementia Risk
By DENISE GRADY
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Obesity increases endogenous estrogen production
by fat tissue, where the enzyme aromatase converts
androgens into estrogen.
Excess insulin in the bloodstream prompts the ovaries
to secrete excess testosterone and reduces SHBG
levels, thus increasing levels of free estrogen and
testosterone. (PCOS) (Hirsutism)
Alcohol consumption increases estrogen levels, and
epidemiological studies suggest that moderate
alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast
cancer, an effect that may be synergistically
enhanced when combined with estrogen
replacement therapy
Excessive estrogen exposure from both
endogenous and exogenous sources is a
causal factor in the development of
cancer in hormone-dependent tissues,
such as the breast, endometrium, ovary,
uterus, and prostate
 Hormonal imbalances between
progesterone, testosterone, and
estrogen can lead to symptoms and
conditions of estrogen dominance.
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The metabolism of estrogen takes place
primarily in the liver through Phase I
(hydroxylation)
 Phase II (methylation, glucuronidation,
and sulfation) pathways with final
excretion in the urine and feces
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The 2-OH metabolite confers very weak estrogenic
activity, and is generally termed the “good” estrogen. In
contrast, the 16a-OH and 4-OH metabolites show
persistent estrogenic activity and promote tissue
proliferation. It is suggested that women who metabolize a
larger proportion of their endogenous estrogen via the C16a hydroxylation pathway may be at significantly
elevated risk of breast cancer compared with women
who metabolize proportionally more estrogen via the C-2
pathway.
It is theorized that shifting estrogen balance toward a less
estrogenic state through promotion of the C-2 pathway
may prove beneficial for a variety of conditions related to
estrogen dominance or imbalance.-
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16a-OH and 4-OH are the primary estrogen
metabolites that have been associated with
direct genotoxic effects and carcinogenicity.
The researchers found that premenopausal
women who developed breast cancer had a
decreased 2-OH:16a-OH ratio and a higher
percentage of 16a-OH than 2-OH.
Dietary interventions such as increased
consumption of cruciferous vegetables (e.g.,
broccoli and cabbage) and phytoestrogenrich foods such as soy and flaxseeds can
significantly promote C-2 hydroxylation and
increase the 2-OH:16a-OH ratio.
The oxidation of catechol estrogens (2-OH and
4-OH) yields reactive molecules called
quinones. Quinones are thought to play a role
in carcinogenesis by inducing DNA damage
directly or as a result of redox cycling between
the quinones and their semiquinone radicals,
which generates ROS.
Supplementation with antioxidant nutrients can
reduce the oxidation of the catechols and
promote greater excretion of these
metabolites through the methylation pathway.
National Health Organizations recommended
Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC)
as a “first line” treatment
National Health Orgs.
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National Institutes of Health
Am. Heart, Blood & Lung
Institute
Am. Diabetes Association
Am. Heart Association
Am. Association Clinical
Endocrinologists
Arthritis Foundation
North American Menopause
Society
Many others
Conditions
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High Cholesterol
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Sugar and/or
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Metabolic Syndrome
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Many others
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Improving estrogen metabolism can be of benefit in
women with various conditions and family histories,
including family history of:
Breast cancer
Uterine cancer
ovarian cancer
endometriosis
premenstrual syndrome
uterine fibroid tumors
fibrocystic or painful breasts, cervical dysplasia,
systemic lupus erythematosis
Multiple dietary and nutritional factors
have the ability to influence estrogen
synthesis and receptor activity, as well as
the detoxification pathways through
which estrogens are metabolized
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Dietary Fiber
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Dietary fiber, especially lignin, can bind unconjugated estrogens in the
digestive tract, which are then excreted in the feces. Second, dietary
fiber can beneficially affect the composition of intestinal bacteria and
reduce intestinal b-glucuronidase activity, resulting in a lowered
deconjugation of estrogen and reduced reabsorption. Dietary fiber
intake also increases serum concentrations of SHBG, thus reducing levels
of free estradiol.
Carbohydrates/Fats/Protein
 Excess consumption of simple carbohydrates raises blood glucose
and insulin levels, resulting in adverse influences on sex hormone
balance. Conversely, complex carbohydrates attenuate glycemic
and insulinemic responses. Inadequate dietary protein may lead to
decreases in overall cytochrome P450 activity. Rice fortified with
lysine and threonine is a source of protein frequently used to
nutritionally support hepatic detoxification function
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“Nearly 10 percent of all women have some
form of androgen or “male” hormone
imbalance.”
Symptoms include:
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Irregular periods,
Infertility,
Unexplained weight gain,
“Apple” body shape,
Fluid retention,
Fatigue,
Mood swings,
Acne,
Hair loss,
Unwanted hair growth.
I can take it anymore! I’ve
got extreme PMS, I’m losing
my hair, growing a
mustache, gaining weight,
and breaking out with zits.
“Nearly 10 percent of all
women have some form of
androgen or “male”
hormone imbalance.”
Symptoms include:
Irregular periods,
Infertility,
Unexplained weight gain,
“Apple” body shape,
Fluid retention,
Fatigue,
Mood swings,
Acne,
Hair loss,
Bland, New Approaches to Anti-Aging:
2001, page 71
Unwanted hair growth.© Rakowski, 2004
They have a similar structure to estradiol and can bind to
the ER, they increase plasma SHBG levels, they decrease
aromatase activity,46 and 4.) they shift estrogen
metabolism away from the C-16a pathway to the C-2
pathway. two
 Recent studies found that increased isoflavone
consumption decreased urinary excretion of the
genotoxic estrogen metabolites16a-OH and 4-OH,
indicative of their decreased formation, and significantly
increased the 2-OH:16a-OH ratio in both preand
postmenopausal women
 Higher intakes of soy products and other Isoflavones, such
as consumed in traditional Japanese diets, are associated
with low rates of hormone-dependent cancers. The
average daily isoflavone intake of Japanese women is to
80 mg, while that of American women is 1 to 3 mg.

Magnesium optimizes the methylation and excretion of catechol
estrogens which promotes estrogen detoxification. Ovarian
hormones influence magnesium levels, triggering decreases at
certain times during the menstrual cycle. These cyclical changes
can produce many of the well-known symptoms of PMS in
women who are deficient in magnesium and/or calcium.
 Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) is a naturally occurring compound
derived from cruciferous Vegetables that actively promotes the
breakdown of estrogen to the beneficial metabolite, 2-OH.
Therefore, I3C is protective to estrogen-sensitiv tissues and may
be beneficial to those with health issues related to estrogen
dominance thereby decreasing carcinogenic 4-OH formation.
 B Vitamins such as B6, B12, and folate, function as important
cofactors for enzymes involved in estrogen conjugation and
methylation. B6 can attenuate the biological effects of
estrogen.
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Mechanism of Action
Nutrient
Promote C-2 hydroxylation over C-4 and/or
C-16a hydroxylation of estrogens
Cruciferous vegetables, indole-3-carbinol,
rosemary, isoflavones (soy, kudzu, clover)
Reduce the oxidation of catechol estrogens
(2-OH and 4-OH)
Vitamins A, E, & C, N-acetylcysteine,
turmeric, green tea, lycopene, a-lipoic acid,
flavonoids
Promote the methylation of catechol
estrogens (2-OH and 4-OH)
Folate, vitamins B2, B6, & B12,
trimethylglycine, magnesium
Increase circulating concentrations of SHBG,
thus reducing levels of unbound, active
estrogens
Fiber, lignans (flaxseed), isoflavones (soy,
kudzu, clover)
Inhibit the activity of aromatase, which
converts into estrogens
Lignans (flaxseed), flavonoids (chrysin)
Promote the detoxification of estrogens by
upregulating Phase I and Phase II enzymes
Turmeric (curcumin), D-limonene,
magnesium, vitamins B2, B6, & B12,
flavonoids
Inhibit the activity of b-glucuronidase, which
deconjugates estrogens in the large
intestine, allowing them to be reabsorbed
and re-metabolized
Fiber, probiotics (acidophilus,
bifidobacteria), calcium
D-glucarate
Modify estrogen receptor activity
Isoflavones (soy, kudzu), lignans (flaxseed),
We will all have expensive urine…
But…We get to choose how we spend the money!!!
Ovarian Estrogens
© Rakowski, 2004
Adrenal Estrogens
In a well-nourished, vibrant woman,
the adrenals and other glands
pick up the job of estrogen
secretion to keep her active and
attractive after menopause. In fact,
this phenomenon increases with aging
as nature compensates for
menopause..... and it is even so in
women who have had a hysterectomy.
http://www.healthyhealing.com/W
MN-MenoNaturalWay.html
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Stress Reduction
Get rid of chemicals, pesticides etc.
Improved diet, reduce carbohydrates,
whole foods
› Lower insulin levels
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Exercise
Fiber / supplements / flaxseed
Balanced hormone therapy*
› Bio identical Testosterone
› Bio identical Progesterone (NOT progestins)
 *When needed
•
Identify root cause of illness
•
Commit to diet and exercise FIRST
•
Detoxify the body and maintain adequate
elimination
•
Test for hormone imbalances
•
Work with a practitioner who understands the
interplay of all the hormones
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Heart disease: 652,091
Cancer: 559,312
Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 143,579
Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 130,933
Accidents (unintentional injuries): 117,809
Diabetes: 75,119
Alzheimer's disease: 71,599
Influenza/Pneumonia: 63,001
Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis:
43,901
Septicemia: 34,136
Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC).
According to the study, bad eating habits and lack of exercise cause
about 400,000 people to die prematurally in the United States in 2000.
Tobacco use, currently the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.,
killed 435,000 people.
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SLOW SUICIDE
"Americans need to understand that overweight and obesity are literally
killing us," said Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services Tommy Thompson.
In adults the numbers for obesity are higher. According to the Health and
Human Services Department, about 64 percent of Americans -- an
estimated 129.6 million people -- are overweight or obese.
People with a BMI of 25 percent to 29.9 percent are overweight, according
to the CDC. Those with a BMI of 30 percent or more are obese.
A HIGH BMI STRESSES THE BODY'S HEART, BONES AND LUNGS AND INCREASES THE RISK OF
DISEASES SUCH AS:
TYPE 2 DIABETES, HEART DISEASE AND EVEN SOME FORMS OF CANCER.
Scientific studies have shown a strong
correlation between steroid hormone levels in
saliva and the amount of hormone in the
blood that is active or "bioavailable." It is this
fraction of total hormone that is free to enter
the target tissues in the brain, uterus, skin, and
breasts.
Estrogens circulate in the body bound mainly
to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG);
however, only unbound estrogens can enter
target-tissue cells and induce biological
activity.
Its Never Wrong to do Right and its Never Right to Do wrong!!!
“Information without implementation is of NO Value!!!”
“…he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is
brother to him who commits suicide. “
King Solomon Prov 18:9 Amp