Exploring How Lifestyle Factors Impact Estrogen Metabolism and Cancer Risk

Estrogen is an essential hormone for physiological functions, from fertility and sexual health to bone health. Unfortunately, the ways in which estrogens are metabolized can have a significant impact on either increasing or decreasing our risk of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

As such, it’s important to understand how lifestyle factors may influence these metabolic pathways and our risk. This article will discuss the impact of diet, weight, exercise, and supplements on estrogen metabolism and cancer risk.

A Primer on Estrogen Metabolism

Estrogens, such as estradiol and estrone, are usually metabolized into one of two pathways. Put simply, these pathways are known as “2-hydroxy” (2-OH) or “16α-hydroxy” (16α-OH). While both pathways have unique benefits, the 2-OH pathway is thought to protect against breast and ovarian cancer. In contrast, the 16α-OH pathway increases the risk for these cancers.

Genetic polymorphisms, such as SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), can affect the metabolism of estrogens. However, lifestyle factors may also impact how genes are expressed, thus changing metabolism and risk.

Common Issues in Estrogen Metabolism

For many women, estrogen metabolism is impaired. This leads to an accumulation of estrogens in the body which may increase the risk for hormonally-driven cancers and other conditions such as PMS, endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

The good news is that there are lifestyle strategies you can use to improve estrogen metabolism and reduce your risk for hormone-driven health conditions.

Diet:

Eating a diet rich in fiber, cruciferous vegetables, and omega-3 fats can help improve estrogen metabolism. Eating more plant sources of phytoestrogens, such as soybeans and flaxseeds, can also be beneficial. By helping the body to excrete estrogens, these dietary changes can help reduce cancer risk.

Weight:

Excess weight can also increase estrogen levels and consequently put you at a higher risk for hormonally-driven cancers. The best way to manage weight is by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep. By reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass, you can help your body to metabolize estrogens more efficiently.

Exercise:

In addition to helping with weight management, exercise can positively impact estrogen metabolism. Aerobic activities such as running and cycling improve the excretion of hormones from the body. Strength training also helps to increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat, which helps to improve estrogen metabolism.

Supplements:

Certain supplements, such as DIM (diindolylmethane) and Calcium D-Glucarate, can help support the excretion of estrogens from the body. Additionally, research has shown that specific probiotic supplements can help to improve estrogen metabolism.

How Functional Medicine Connects All The Pieces

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to healthcare, looking at the body as a whole. This means that we don’t just look at one aspect of health (like diet or exercise), but instead consider all aspects and how they interact.

By considering genetic polymorphisms, lifestyle factors, supplements, and more, functional medicine can better identify imbalances in the body and create a personalized plan for improving health. This can include strategies such as diet, exercise, supplement protocols, stress management, and more.

By understanding how diet, exercise, weight management, and supplements can affect estrogen metabolism, women are better able to make informed decisions that could reduce their risk for hormonally-driven cancers. Working with a functional medicine practitioner to create a personalized plan can help women take control of their health to achieve optimum wellness.

Get Started with Dr. Khan at Internal Healing & Wellness

If you are looking to enhance your estrogen metabolism, improve your health, and reduce your risk for hormonally-driven cancers, Dr. Khan at Internal Healing & Wellness can help. With years of experience in functional medicine, he is well-versed in how identifying and correcting imbalances in the body.

Together, you can create a personalized plan to improve your health and get you back on the path to feeling your best. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step toward achieving optimal wellness.