How to Understand The Role of Estrogen During Breast Cancer: All You Need to Know

Does estrogen play a role in breast cancer? Does estrogen affect breast cancer? In this video, Dr. Jennifer Griggs explains everything you need to know about estrogen and breast cancer.
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[@neeralakhan6028]

As someone who was recently diagnosed with estrogen positive cancer, I found this video very informative. Thank you and I look forward to more

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing, and we're happy to hear that you're doing well.

[@indiancitizen8297]

I have gone through Hysterectomy ( Ovaries were not removed) in 2014 and I was diagnosed with Breast cancer in June 2022

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing your experience, we are rooting for you.

[@neeralakhan6028]

As someone who was recently diagnosed with estrogen positive cancer, I found this video to be very informative. Thank you, I look forward to more

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing, and we're happy to hear that you're doing well.

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr. Griggs, for always promoting and supporting breast cancer (health), and educating the general public.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching! We are glad you found this video helpful.

[@miriamprayalways8955]

Very clear and informative. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching and your comment.

[@stchannel2476]

Yes, this was interesting. Thank you.

[@yerbba]

Glad it was helpful.

[@rmu7775]

Saint Cherbel please pray for us

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching.

[@trmon8890]

I'm a male Breast cancer survivor. Your explanations about estrogen was very clear and to the point. However how is this effected in males. I'm currently taking Tamoxifen and in my case I've been told I'll be taking it for the next 5 to 10 years. What effects of these medications and what are some warning signs ( if any ) I should watch out for?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for watching. Even though we think of estrogen as being present in females, men have estrogen too (just in different proportions relative to testosterone). Tamoxifen will block any circulating estrogen from getting to the estrogen receptors. In terms of side effects, they are likely to be exactly the same--hot flushes and an increase in the risk of blood clots (rare). In people who do not have a uterus, the risk of uterine (endometrial) cancer is not a concern. Tamoxifen is good for bone health, lowers "bad" cholesterol, and thus may decrease the risk of heart attacks. Blood clots show up in a couple of ways--swelling in the legs or relatively sudden shortness of breath. Both of these require medical attention immediately. I hope this is helpful. It's a lot of information.

[@fionasmart8406]

What about the 20% of Estrogen Receptor (ER) positive stage 1 or 2 breast cancers that have spread dormant cells to other areas of the body usually to the bone marrow. Then the 5 year rule is not correct. As these dormant cells can then get going again 5-20 years later after initial treatment. There has been a large increase in the number of people being diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer, maybe caused by both the increase in chemicals in our environment leading to changes in breast tissue (denser tissue leading to a reduction in tumour suppressor proteins) and also the increase in estrogen and estrogen type chemicals in our food and water.

[@yerbba]

You're describing the process of recurrence clearly here in your comment. You may find our video on understanding recurrence to be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorQd4hse7eZq5o

[@tttony9426]

thanx for your response to my question,,but there is so much conflicting advise on this subject,i believe the hypothalmus pituatary ovary axis should be addressed more then it is,this involves keeping the balance of estrogen,progesterone and testosterone in balance,this is why women that have had multiple children have much lower risk of breast cancers,because the process of being pregnant activate higher levels of progesterone LUH,,/F0S hormones,when theres a correct balance of hormones then theres less chance of cancer Correct,,but ive noticed that only the biologists address this problem,,Doctors only address the after the fact symptoms with drugs that lower estrogen, i think all doctors should have more education in biology so that they are able to treat the underlying conditions first instead of only treating the symtoms after the fact,,, the knowledge is out there but there seems to be NO meeting of the minds,,all the while SO many women are suffering,,when will this CHANGE ,??????

[@yerbba]

We can sense your frustration and agree that we should continue to work on educating physicians. The reason that people who have their first child early on and who have multiple children have a lower risk of breast cancer is quite complicated and is most likely related to the low levels of estrogen during the majority of the pregnancy.

[@bcourtney4024]

Thank you for this education. Does one have to avoid the oral sulliment evening primrose oil. A friend said they thought she read data on a possible linkage.

[@yerbba]

We don't recommend taking botanicals because they are not tested for safety. They can also contain other chemicals that may not be safe.

[@Paythepiper102]

I have been diagnosed with estrogen positive cancer, and have undergone a lumpectomy , 16 radiation treatments and am now on Letrozole. So far so good… no side effects so far with the letrozole, which I have been on for three months. I am trying to get my life back on track, and I want to improve my diet while losing a bit of weight. I read that lignans in flax seed help to balance hormones by promoting estrogen, but if I am on estrogen blockers, is this something I should avoid? Btw, I really appreciate your videos and find them all very informative

[@yerbba]

Flax seed is thought to be safe. Check out our video on flax seeds here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnPHf3iahJWtqaM

[@nata7536]

This was digestable and informative! When you say older birth control pills, do you mean pills that were filled a long time ago or older brands/types of birth control pills?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. We are referring to the birth control pills that were used the 1970's and 1980's.

[@youngmeadows1546]

Thank you so much for your presentation. Can insertion any estrogen vaginal tablets risk of increasing beast cancer? My GYN physician prescribed it for vaginal dryness.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for your question. In someone with a history of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, we generally do not recommend vaginal estrogen. However, having thinning and even bleeding of the vaginal mucosa causes a tremendous drop in quality of life. So decisions about vaginal estrogen for dryness are made on a one-on-one basis. In people without cancer or an increased risk of cancer, vaginal estrogen is commonly used to help with dryness. Thanks for watching.

[@adriantatum1673]

Why is there no mention of the hormones-- including estrogen-- in meat eggs and dairy? This is a b͟i͟g͟ omission!

[@yerbba]

Meat and eggs do contain estrogen. Although there is a consensus that these may be harmful to breast cancer patients, eating in moderation is okay. Thanks for the question.

[@theresa94010]

Dr. Griggs, I was recently diagnosed with estrogen positive mucinous cancer. HER2minus, Grade 1. age 70, Surgery next week followed by AI. Is milk something I should stop intake from here on now? I'm worried about the potential risk of osteoporosis. Please advise.

[@yerbba]

Great question. There is no need for you to avoid milk products. If you're hoping to get vitamin D to protect your bones, talk with your primary care doctor or your oncologist about taking vitamin D supplements.

[@kardste8114]

I am a Uterine Cancer Patient and I took Dairy out of my diet due to Estrogen in dairy!! A mother cow is Pregnant or has just calved in order to produce milk for baby cow to grow. The poor calf is taken away so you can have your milk! That milk is filled with insulin like growth factors that Feed cancer growth and estrogen. The information you are hearing here is Not correct about Foods to avoid!!

[@supriyanaik9150]

Hi Dr..Requesting you give information on metaplastic carcinoma..i couldnt find any proper information in youtube regarding metaplastic carcinoma..i recently diagnosed with the same at the ahe of 30 and i have 10 month old baby ..stage 2A triple negative..8 rounds of chemo completed now nxt month planing for radiation..

[@yerbba]

Metaplastic carcinoma is so rare that it is hard to find much about it even in medical journals. As you describe, we treat it with the same treatments as non-metaplastic carcinoma. I would recommend that you watch our video on genetic testing because of your young age and the fact that the tumor was triple-negative. I wish that you were not going through this. Having a baby is supposed to be a happy (although tiring) time, and having to deal with breast cancer at the same time must be incredibly challenging.

[@supriyanaik9150]

@@yerbba thank you so much dr for the reply ..will check your genetic testing video..

[@supriyanaik9150]

Dr what is the role of radiation after 6 month of surgery and 8 rounds of chemo..is it neccessary to take radiation in my case..

[@nataliefergusson4768]

Hi with hormone positive cancer do I need to avoid red meat and chicken. I have had a double mastectomy and also chosen not to take tamoxifen. Risk was very low but should I take tamoxifen ?

[@yerbba]

Thanks for your comment. General guidance is to limit your red meat intake to 1-2 servings per week. Fish is a great substitute for red meat if you like it. Regarding tamoxifen, the benefits depend on the features of the tumor. Without being involved directly in your care, it is hard for us to determine the exact extent of the benefit. This would be a reasonable thing to ask your medical team about.

[@shahriarhussaintate1929]

Hi, your video was so helpful. I have a question. my sister diagnosed HR positive breast cancer 13 years before & had chemotherapy also finished 5 years of temoxifin. Now she is going to start infertility treatments. For that she needs to take estradiol tablets 6mg tablets & vaginal progesterone every day for 12 weeks. My concern is this medicine will increase breast cancer recurrence chances. Please reply me.

[@normapenetta5940]

So I had a right sided mastectomy for DCIS and tubular breast cancer. Very low risk. Went off HRT and was prescribed Letrozole. I’m miserable. I have hot flashes that start as what I imagine panic attacks are. I’m get short of breath, heart races and I feel nauseous. This is every 2 hours, All day and night. I’m 59 years old, exhausted, and have no quality of life. Are there any doctors who would prescribe HRT again? To me the benefits far outweigh the risk. If a cancer recurs it would be in my other breast which I can also remove. But I’m so miserable right now that the risk seems worth it to me.

[@yerbba]

Thank you for writing. It does sound like you are really suffering. It's not clear if you've had a heart-to-heart about coming off the letrozole. HRT would "undo" the letrozole, so we would not recommend being on both. It may be the case that someone like you is not benefitting overall from the letrozole. It would be difficult to find a physician who would be willing to prescribe HRT, but meeting with a specialist (often a gynecologist who cares for people with breast cancer) to see what options might be available to you. Wishing you all the best.

[@rosiet253]

I had DCIS 3 years ago and am suffering terribly with hot flashes. My gyn has just agreed to let me try HRT again and I’m thrilled. I recommend the book Estrogen Matters. You can also look into My Alloy Health.

[@normapenetta5940]

@@rosiet253 I have that book and I’m going to bring it to my gyn. I just hope he will consider putting me back on. Your gyn doesn’t happen to be in New Jersey??

[@rosiet253]

@@normapenetta5940 no he’s in NY but he’s very old school , in his 70s and never bought into the WHI study and turns out he was right! The tide is turning on HRT though so I’m really hoping you’ll find someone who can prescribe it! It’s a crime that we have to suffer and advocate so strongly for ourselves! I also wrote a letter which in great detail described my symptoms, how long it’s been going on and what I’ve tried which literally is everything ! I’ve wasted a small fortune on supplements! I also said in the letter that I’d sign informed consent but for him I think it was overkill.

[@normapenetta5940]

@@rosiet253 I was planning to write a letter too! I know I won’t remember everything I want to say so I’m going to write a letter and bring the book. Usually he’s very good and listens well and is willing to prescribe. I will also offer to sign a waiver and will even get a lawyer to prepare it. Would it be ok for me to ask your doctor’s name and where he is in NY? I have an appointment with mine at the end of Aug and I’m hoping it will go well, but I’m working on backup plans. It’s fine if you’re not comfortable with that, I appreciate what you told me and you’ve given me hope!

[@carolyn7004]

Can you talk more about estrogen breast cander?

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching, feel free to check out our video kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OwhXWmgbZ2jNE

[@Pellija4321]

I took pills during 13 years I stop and 1 week after I was pregnant and idem for second child. I think my body was made to have a lot of babies I was 100 % Estrogen and 100%. Progesterone breath cancer as I said to my oncologist : I don't have big boobs and no mustache Before contraceptive pills ou grand mal had children very young and if their had breath cancer at 90 years old not before

[@ballerbrosmedia]

So if one has Lobular Carcinoma in Situ, has breast cancer been established? I’ve always been told “you don’t have breast cancer yet… “ but still BHRT is not recommended. Please talk about this. There is not enough information about LCIS out there

[@yerbba]

Lobular carcinoma is not cancer but is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in the future. Many people with lobular carcinoma in situ take tamoxifen to decrease the risk of getting breast cancer.

[@ballerbrosmedia]

Thanks for your reply. So then is BHRT not an option with LCIS? Hearing so much conflicting information about Estrogen decreasing breast cancer, cardiovascular risk, etc. & helping with bone density. Also hearing opposite information regarding risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

[@elizabethbeth9930]

What if your estradiol is extremely higher on tamoxofin????

[@yerbba]

Interesting question. If someone has functioning ovaries, the ovaries will respond to the estrogen being blocked and often increase the estrogen that they make. Despite this response, premenopausal women benefit greatly from tamoxifen even with high estradiol levels.

[@elizabethbeth9930]

@@yerbba ​​⁠i wish i did, it made me feel suicidal, and thickened the lining of my uterus and caused extreme fatigue. There’s no way I can’t live like that if I’m supposed to work and pay all these Cancer bills. Also I heard that if it does cause very high estrogen, you can get breast cancer in the other breast vvbecause of the tamoxifen that’s ridiculously scary.

[@user-nd2bi5fj7o]

does estrogen blocker causes loss of hair?

[@yerbba]

Antiestrogens (both tamoxifen and the Ais) can cause hair thinning in some people but not everyone. Hair thinning is much less common with tamoxifen. There are other things that can cause hair thinning, such as thyroid and other problems. Make sure you bring your questions to your medical team.

[@marcmartins9894]

I'm confused. Isn't progesterone a precursor of estrogen?

[@yerbba]

Great question. Progesterone is not a direct precursor of estrogen. They are separate hormones with distinct biosynthetic pathways and functions in the body. However, progesterone can be indirectly involved in estrogen production through a multi-step process. Both hormones are derived from cholesterol, but they follow different pathways in their synthesis. There is an indirect relationship in that progesterone can be converted to androstenedione, which can then be converted to estrone and estradiol (forms of estrogen). This process involves multiple enzymatic steps and is not a direct precursor-product relationship. And while both hormones are primarily produced in the ovaries in females, they are synthesized by different cells. Theca cells and granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles play roles in the synthesis of both progesterone and estrogen. We hope this is helpful.

[@tttony9426]

wait just a minute please,your contradicting yourself ,first you said cancer is not caused by estrogen but then you said its good to suppress the estrogen,look to a biologist for the answer please,yes we all need estrogen but too much disrupts our finely tuned system,,thru many sequences of actions n reactions because of to much estrogen the DNA in our cells become mutated thus they loose thier ability to die off and become a fast dividing cell,,

[@yerbba]

Thanks for asking for clarification. While estrogen can promote breast cancer, it doesn't cause breast cancer all on its own. Once a breast cancer has developed, or in someone with a high risk benign finding, lowering or blocking estrogen reduces the risk of progression, recurrence, or development in the first place. We hope this is helpful in clarifying. If not, please write back.

[@user-ul3bc4pw7w]

there are three kinds of estrogen bad estrogen and good estrogen

[@yerbba]

Thanks for writing. With respect to breast cancer, it's probably more accurate to describe different types of receptors for estrogen as opposed to different estrogens. In some receptors, tamoxifen acts like an anti-estrogen (breast cancer cells for example), and in other tissues, it looks more like estrogen. This is good for bone and liver and not so good for blood vessels and the uterus. The different receptor types explain the beneficial effects of tamoxifen as well as the risks of tamoxifen. We hope this is helpful.