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Can Bio-Identical Hormones protect against Breast Cancer?

In regards to our previous blogs about Breast Cancer and BHRT, I have located a few more articles that are relevant. p.Natrajan and Gambrell et al Am.Journal of OB/GYN, volume 187, No.2,Aug 2002 Estrogen Replacement Therapy in Women with Previous Breast Cancer. Conclusion was that ERT does not increase either recurrence of Breast Cancer or morality rates. 

Independently, Dimitrakakis and Bondy, Breast Cancer Research 2009; 11:212: clinical and non human primate studies suggest androgens inhibit mammary epithelial proliferation and breast growth. 

Keep in mind that there is a difference between the synthetic forms of these hormones and Bio-identical hormones. This same study showed that 

the oral forms of Estrogen which are not bio-identical - caused and increase in Sex Binding Hormone Globbulin(SHBG). This results in increase in the amount of Testosterone which is bound. This would indicate that there is less protetive effect against Breast Cancer when using synthetically made Estrogens  vs  Bio-Identical Hormones. Bio-identical Hormones- cause and increase in Free Tesosterone and thereby causing an increased protection against Breast Cancer. 

Additionally, studies show that adding Progesterone(bio-identical Hormone)- not Progestins- (the synthetic version). Results in reducing the E2 or Estradiol induced epithelial proliferation- also protecting against Breast Cancer. 

Author
Jerald Coopersmith, ARNP-BC Nurse Practitioner- certified in Family Medicine- ANCC

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