Natural estrogen blockers

An AI specifically inhibits the production and impairs the function of the liver enzyme “aromatase." Even without ovaries, we still make estrogen when our fat cells & adrenal glands make an androgen and then the aromatase chemically converts the androgen into an estrogen. It isn't the active ingredient in an AI drug itself that causes the side effects, but rather what an AI drug is designed to do—drastically reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. An AI's side effects are basically an “encore" of menopause, only the “encore" is louder and lasts longer than the “concert."

So even in the extremely unlikely event that a natural substance can be found that blocks estrogen—and I wouldn't believe a word of any claims unless they describe in detail the actual biochemical process by which it's supposed to work—it would likely cause the same effects of estrogen deprivation as does an AI. So long as you have estrogen-sensitive invasive BC tumor cells (and despite how early the stage and all treatments, there are likely to be some microscopic ones that got out into the body even before diagnosis & treatment and will lie low for years), you will need to minimize the amount of estrogen in your body and therefore starve these cells.

There are supposedly “natural" supplements that stimulate the immune system, create an environment hostile to tumor cell division, etc. I say “supposedly" because no scientific analysis or trials have been done on them (yeah, I know the old chestnut that “there are no trials because drug companies can't make money off it" but I take nothing on faith) and there is no proof—just anecdotal reports (that may or may not be true), and the power of the placebo effect. (If you see scholarly articles that purport to be studies, know that those are always done by analyzing data gathered after the fact—and since much of that data is based on responses given by people as to what they did or didn’t eat or take and may even never have been recorded in real time, its accuracy is suspect).

Those ER+ women who skipped AIs in favor of “natural" substances and are alive & healthy today years later would likely have done just as well skipping AIs without taking those “natural" substances—some people are just genetically lucky and outlive the tumor cells' eventual re-emergence (which could be 10, 20, even 30+ years post-treatment), dying of whatever would have killed them had they not had cancer.

If you want to avoid the side effects of AIs, you have to realize that you are rolling the dice about recurrence. You might win, you more likely would lose. As the patient, you are the boss, and it's your choice. But harbor no illusions that if you do well it's because the “natural substances" you took “block estrogen." (And most herbs, if they have any effect at all on estrogen-sensitive tumor cells, have an estrogenic effect). Best you can get from “natural" substances are those nutrients from food that benefit everyone's overall strength & health.

Opale...I am using natural methods to lower my estrogen levels. I have refused the conventional anti hormone therapy. I have lost 30 pounds since diagnosis and exercise daily. I take DIM, melatonin, mushroom extract and glycol X which mimics Metformin. I'm 2 years out from diagnosis. My decision was multi faceted. I already suffer from a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects my QOL. Just not willing to take anything that could impact my QOL even more. I also believe weight loss and exercise is huge in reducing recurrence rates. The aromatase inhibitors often make both very difficult. The sad truth is estrogen is good for almost every other organ in our bodies, just not hormone positive BC. Its a very personal decision and I support and respect all that are made.

Question for Sandy,

In your reply you mention survivors who did not take hormone medications being "genetically lucky and outlive the tumor cells' eventual re-emergence (which could be 10, 20, even 30+ years post-treatment)"

-- is that a fact that any rogue cells will eventually grow cancer? you also said that it is very likely that we all have these rogue cells.

I am aware of the possibility, and am doing all I can both with medication and lifestyle, but I thought these random cells were a small possibility if caught early and your words make me feel a hint of despair. Is Recurrence truly eventual if we live long enough?

Is medication just delaying the inevitable? I thought it was explained to me that these cells might die off if starved of estrogen and surrounded by a well maintained immune system. Your post suggests they live on and on. ?

Sorry Opale, we got diverted a bit.

I do not have experience to share with using natural methods instead of meds, but I have certainly thought about it! I take Tamoxifen because I am perimenopausal.

I can tell you that the nutritionist I saw said that's soy acts like Tamoxifen. ER+ cancer cells have receptors that estrogen binds to and that is what helps it grow. Soy (like Tamoxifen) binds to these cells too so that the estrogen cannot. Whole soy (tofu, edamame, soy butter) not protein powders or other soy products. 1 or 2 servings a day.

She also said that flax seed boosts the effect of Tamoxifen. So that may work in the same way. I can't remember but you may add that to your diet as well. Up to 2 Tablespoons per day.

I think these recommendations would apply even if you aren't taking Tamoxifen.

Hi Opale,

Stage 3 BC is considered early-stage.

Wishing you all the best.

Here is an article that might explain better what I was told.

http://www.mcancer.org/support/symptoms-and-side-e...

But I respect if you aren't convinced! I probably wouldn't do something just because every I read it here. But I did ask more questions after reading about it.

Opale, I sincerelywish you all the best and hope you find a treatment plan you are comfortable with.

labelle...great post, as usual. I think you stated the facts very simply. Hopefully this will help us make informed decisions about our treatments. Thanks so much for the information.

Thanks for sharing, Iabelle! I just had a mastectomy of my right breast 12 days ago and am now facing the decision of whether or not to take Arimidex. I had Stage 1A breast cancer with no lymph node involvement. I am scared to take Arimidex because of the side effects. Am also bipolar and am very hesitant to take Arimidex because it changes one's body chemistry, which could be detrimental to mental health. Am seeing the MO next week. This decision is harder for me than it was in choosing a mastectomy over radiation. Quality of life is everything to me. Just really don't know if I should risk trying Arimidex. I

Yes, Eleanora! One more reason to be vegetarian or eat local/grass-fed!

Opale....of course! So happy you found a doc who would actually test your estrogen levels...