Estrogen Metabolism
Estrogen is an important hormone. It has important roles but its balance is crucial.
Menopause is a time where estrogen levels drop dramatically and using bioidentical forms can be helpful for more than just hot flashes. It is helpful for bone, brain and cardiovascular health, too!
While we see a drop in estrogen in menopause inversely there are many chemicals that mimic estrogen which can cause issues by increasing the estrogen burden when we don’t want it. Additionally, adipose tissue has the ability to aromatize testosterone into estrogen in both men and women.
Estrogen is metabolized via 3 pathways:
2-OH-E1 Pathway - protective; does not stimulate cell growth; blocks the action of stronger estrogens that may be carcinogenic.
4-OH-E1 Pathway - can lead to DNA damage if not effectively methylated and detoxified; thought to promote hormone-related cancers
16-OH-El Pathway - a potent estrogen metabolite; important for maintaining bone density; higher levels have been associated with breast cancer.
Our lifestyle and diets play a crucial role in our hormone balance.
The balance is the sweet spot. Too much and we increase our risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and thyroid cancers. Too much estrogen can also play a role in PCOS, PMS, and endometriosis. Too little estrogen can play a role in digestive problems, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, joint dysfunction, vasomotor symptoms, insomnia, urogenital issues, and cardiovascular issues.
Supporting methylation and the enzymes that support healthy estrogen metabolism is important. When we have data on how one is metabolizing their hormones we can help guide their diets, supplements and lifestyle to best support them.
