Hormones. Why does everybody have to get into the act?
Posted by Robin DonovanWhether or not to use hormones is a difficult enough choice. Yet once a woman has made her decision – either way – the whole world chimes in to tell her that it’s the wrong choice.
I’ve been tempted to be one of those “know it alls”. But I remember the research and thought process that preceded my own choice. It is my expectation and hope that those around me will respect my choice and not try to scare me into changing my mind, whether or not they agree. I also understand that an impassioned warning from friends and/or family is a caring and concerned gesture, so I appreciate the sentiment. What I don’t appreciate is the “know it all” attitude that presumes a thought process superior to mine. Let’s face it – no one really knows for sure!
In my prior explorations of this topic I’ve received a mixed bag of comments. Women feel strongly about this issue whichever viewpoint they espouse.
Now I come to a point that will be sure to rouse the ire of many. I truly mean no disrespect to those who have been burdened with horribly tragic medical nightmares, but I feel compelled to ask a few questions because I’m genuinely confused.
I have corresponded with some women who say that they have tried supplementing hormones and that those hormones have directly caused them to contract breast cancer. I do know that some forms of breast cancer are fed by estrogen so it would make perfect sense for those women to avoid estrogen at all cost. I also know that it is likely that most women are not aware of this predisposition prior to experiencing the disease, which is why taking hormones is considered a risk.
My questions are these: is there a small group of women with a predisposition for breast cancer that is exacerbated by estrogen? Is the negative groundswell against estrogen predominately for this reason, the uncertainty as to whether or not you might be one of the women with this predisposition?
I do know that some physicians are concerned about the lack of solid data either for or against the supplementation of hormones, but some are willing to acknowledge that lack of data is not a reason to indict supplementing hormones, merely of proceeding with caution.
I am genuinely interested in knowing if there is any solid proof that bio-identical hormone supplementation is dangerous for the majority of women, or if there is just not enough evidence compounded by the fact that there is a whole lot of negative supposition. Would women who have contracted breast cancer after trying hormone supplementation have contracted the disease anyway?
I would honestly like to know.
Well hmmm at 49 approaching 50 no medical issues last child at 40 5’10 8 pds heavier in one year at 160 and never having been on birth control doing tons of reasearch and an avid interest in nutrition & health I will offer you these thoughts back by medical facts I just wont do all the bibliographies.
If you have ever been on birth control take heed – they are hormones
get your hormones checked b4 doing any bio identical – Hrt premain prempo
horse urine HRT causes breast cancer. Several law suits going on now.
the gene for breast cancer the br2 gene if your jewish and have family history get checked before 35.
know that post menopause is one year after 12 months of having no period
you only know this afterwards looking back.
Nothing is simple, noone experiences symptoms the same so keep a journal of your symptoms dates as the years go by to look back and have info for your endrocrinologist/ gynocologist or gyno
know that hormone receptors are throughtout your body in your brain and in just about every organ.
If you are heavy obese lose it. fat cell encourage estrogen related cancers topped with bio dentical hormones or birth control as fuel to fire already being stoked.
We won’t know if bio dentical hormones are dangerous until years have passed with women dying of various cancers.
If you choose to use them get your blood tested every 6 mths and monitor your progesterone testosterone the 3 estrogens estradiol estriol estrone-
the good the bad and the ugly-
Estrogen related cancers are also prone to MEN with low levels of testosterone smokers drinkers and overweight.
The key to this whole mind body spirit in this journey is balance balance of hormones, life less stress-
check DHEA levels under 100 cause a lot of challenges in energy fatigue ect
check cortisol adrenal glands
Undetected Hypothyroidsim is very common- make sure thyroid is checked new levels with Endrocrinolosist Association now consider levels over 3.0 HYPO best levels to feel good are .5- 2.0
Hope all this helps …..
Research research remember Bio dentical are hormones also and its a huge business- get with an endocrinologist and gyno to make your decisons.
Every single woman experiences this different- Be grateful for your days
and look to better yourself in mind body spirit during this journey.
taking better care of yourself. CAUSE NOONE ELse will!
Thanks Dawn. I think those are all very helpful points for anyone. Unfortunately for me I’m way past all of that – for good or for bad. Yes, I took birth control pills for years, I entered surgical menopause when I was 48, I’ve been on hormone replacement since I’ve been about 44 – some has worked (in my estimation) some hasn’t reached the bloodstream (my own physical quirk). I take DHEA regularly as well as Omega 3 and other indicated and well vetted supplements. The one point that makes the most sense of all is proactively taking care of yourself. And when you do that you have to make choices based on experts/professionals that you trust. And then you have to wait to see how things pan out. There have been times when I’ve been very pleased with my choices and times when I’ve looked back and thought maybe I should have done it differently. But the one overriding factor is that I am proactive about caring for me – as we all should be!