0418290939

Estrogen – Friend or Foe for Women Cancer Survivors?

Or should that be all women?
. 
Estrogen is a beautiful hormone, when it’s balanced. When there is hormonal harmony we can sail through our monthly cycle, breeze through menopause AND not increase our risk of female cancers!
. 
Estrogen is also protective against heart disease and osteoporosis, so we don’t want to shun this hormone.
. 
The trouble starts when we have too much estrogen compared to progesterone or too much of one type of estrogen – yes there’s more than one type!
. 
Estrogen’s job is growth. Grow a new lining in the uterus and release of an egg every month. breast development and hip enlargement during puberty.
. 
Progesterone, on the other hand, is our happy hormone, that’s why you feel so good in the second half of your cycle.
. 
The pill stops ovulation. But it not only stops an egg being released, it also stops progesterone being made after the egg was released.
. 
Being on the pill means you miss out on progesterone balancing estrogen and the feel-good effects of this hormone. You can see why so many young girls who go on the pill end up on anti-depressants AND how we are increasing our risk of female cancers and fertility issues. 
. 
Even more disturbing is that our young girls are being recommended the pill not as a contraceptive BUT for painful, heavy periods! 
. 
Rather than using a band-aid, why are we not trying to find the root cause?
. 
Beginning an anti-estrogen diet is key.
. 
Firstly, reducing the consumption of foods that contain estrogen or estrogen-mimicking hormones like dairy, animal protein and processed foods is essential.
Secondly, increasing foods that support healthy estrogen metabolism and elimination like:
  • Vegetables – especially the cruciferous ones like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc.
  • Whole fruit – use whole fruit and dried fruit as your sweeteners
  • Legumes – beans & lentils which are an excellent protein and complex carbohydrate source
  • Whole grains – especially the gluten-free grains like brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa etc.
  • Healthy whole food fats – avocados, olives, nuts & seeds.
You may also want to consider the estrogen-mimicking compounds in your personal care products and cleaning products. As a cancer survivor, I choose natural organic products where ever possible.