Would liposuction help lower estrogen levels?

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

This probably sounds like a crazy question, but could liposuction to eliminate body fat help lower estrogen, which is stored in fat? My BC is ER+ & PR+ and I recently stopped taking my Tamoxifen (my oncologist will throttle me) due to a recent health scare. So I'm currently trying to do all that I can to lower estrogen while not on Tamoxifen. With all I've read on the importance of getting rid of excess weight, I couldn't help to wonder if liposuction would be helpful? I know that wouldn't replace exercise, but just to quickly remove some fat. Is this a wishful theory on my part? Has anyone ever read anything about this?

Hopeful82014 · April 2018

Wouldn't that be great! Liposuction for all, covered by our insurers. Somehow I suspect that even if there were strong clinical evidence supporting that approach, we'd be waiting a looong time for approval of our procedures. It's an appealing idea, though.

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

Isn't it a grand thought? Stands to reason if it would help medically that insurance companies would cover it. I like my wishful thinking!! Lol

Falconer · April 2018

Well, given that many BC sisters report being in the best shape they'd been in when dx'd it makes me believe that there are other factors that bring on the ER+ bc. I read recently a piece about common chemicals and hormonal impacts. Let me find the link.

Lula73 · April 2018

the fat actually works with aromatase to convert androgens released by ovaries and/or adrenals to estrogen. There is no way to completely remove all fat from the body. Do you mind if I ask what health scare you had and how it’s related to tamoxifen

Spookiesmom · April 2018

no darn it, that won’t work😡. Even if your ovaries are removed, the adrenal glands also make estrogen.

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

I realize our bodies still produce estrogen...but wouldn't removing the fat help lower the levels? I'm REALLY trying to convince myself that this would help, lol!! Any reason for lipo, I say (just kidding.)

Falconer, that would be an interesting read and I'd like to take a look if you find it.

Lula, The Wed. before Easter I awoke at 3am with my heart racing, blood pressure low, my right arm completely numb, and when I tried to wake my husband, I couldn't speak clearly. Not slurring, but the wrong words tumbled out of my mouth. When I got out of bed to get something my balance was off. The symptoms passed within a handful of minutes, so I didn't go to the hospital (bad call on my part) but I later wondered if I had suffered a mini-stroke. Later that day my hand went numb and I continued to feel dizzy so I went to the doc. I decided to quit the Tamoxifen (w/stroke being a known possible SE) until I could get to the bottom of what happened. Long story longer, I had a brain MRI...it didn't show signs of a stroke or brain cancer...but I've felt so much better off of the Tamoxifen that I'm reluctant to get back on it. I'll see my oncologist May 2nd and see if she can convince me to go back on. Right now I'd need a lot of convincing.

~ Kim

Falconer · April 2018

What Poisons Are in Your Body?

https://nyti.ms/2sPloj1

Well, here is the link. It's not a happy read. But it goes to the scary place of why, maybe, this happened to us.

Oh, that sounds so dire! All I'm trying to say is that body fat is just one of the countless possible reasons why.

Lula73 · April 2018

for it to make a difference you’d likely have to start out clinically obese (BMI of 30+) and lipo down to normal weight (BMI of 24-26).

I know that had to be scary. It very well could’ve been a small blood clot. I developed blood clots in both lungs and my left calf on tamoxifen and had to discontinue it. A blessing In disguise really as the SEs were awful for me on it. Had a hysterectomy with oophorectomy a few months later and now take an AI (aromatase inhibitor) to block the aromatase conversion of androgens to estrogen. SEs are much more mild and definitely tolerable. Low risk of blood clots. If you’re post menopausal AIs are an option. If not, you’d need to suppress ovarian function with Lupron or have an oophorectomy for an AI to offer benefit. Hope this jelps

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

Lula, what you endured is mighty scary too! Glad you're OK and you were able to find an alternative.

I have an appt w/my OBGYN the end of June to determine if there have been further changes to my endometrial lining, growth in ovarian cysts, etc... He didn't like what he saw in Dec and suggested I get a hysterectomy, but I wasn't ready for that. He said he'd at minimum want to follow up with transvaginal ultrasounds, etc... every 6 mos. Of course, all the adverse changes are due to tamoxifen. I also had severe depression when I first started on it, but that improved and now have chronic insomnia, impaired cognitive abilities and swelling of the veins in my hands, plus thinning hair, skin, & nails (I realize the last 3 are superficial). Oh, and I seem to be developing an issue with tinnitus. All that to say, I'm not shedding tears to be off of tamoxifen! I'm pre-menopausal, so it's comforting to know you've done so well with the hysterectomy & AIs. I may consider that for myself. I plan to discuss it w/my oncologist soon.

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

Thank you, Falconer! I'll read that soon. I'm constantly researching info pertaining to BC in my spare time, so I appreciate you sharing. I promise it won't depress me, lol!

RedemptiveSufferer · April 2018

OK, Falconer, so that article was a little depressing. But better to be armed with knowledge, right? I avoid air fresheners (in my home...obviously not elsewhere), scented candles, and plastic containers as much as possible and have for years. BUT I still wear makeup, occasionally paint my nails, color my hair, have the wrong furniture and carpet (which I dislike). I can't afford all organic, but purchase it when I can. It's hard to be a purist.

Would liposuction help lower estrogen levels?

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