Testosterone may protect against Breast Cancer

http://breast-cancer-research.com/content/11/5/212

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12851512

Recently, I was speaking with a patient about Bio-Identical Hormone Replacment Therapy(BHRT). She stated,"I am not able to get BHRT  because I have had breast cancer". I have been told, in the past, that some Oncologists actually are starting to utilize Testosterone pellets to shrink breast cancer tumors. I did not have the proof in front of me- but promised I would review the literature. I was lucky enough to come across the Meta-Analasys article listed at the top of this page. 

As women age and head into Peri-menopause, they become what is known as Estrogen dominant. This is caused by a number of factors. The first is that ovarian production of Testonsterone and Progesterone sharply drop- Estrogen production falls off much less sharply. Leaving Estrogen as the dominant hormone. This causes increased insulin resistance and increased storing of fat cells. These fat cells secrete Estrogens, which worsens the Estrogen dominance. Finally, increased levels of Estrogen causes the liver to secrete more Sex Hormone Binding Globbulin (SHBG). This binds strongly to Testosterone and causes there to be less Testosterone available for use in the body. 

Increased Estrogen during this peri-menopausal period leads to an increased incidence of breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Osteoporosis. 

The physiologic explanation as to why Estrogen excess may be a culprit in cancer is simply that Estrogen causes cellular proliferation. That is what it does, it causes tissue to grow. Testosterone and other Androgens, oppose this cellular proliferation. This is why it is important to have the proper balance between Tesosterone and Estrogen. This is why it is dangerous to take unopposed Estrogens. Especailly oral synthetic hormones. 

Although this article advised that more research is needed, it does indicate that many of the studies are showing that Tesosterone has an inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation and thus shows great potential for the treatment of Breast Cancer. 

At Amethyst Wellness, we follow the Biote method. Levels are closely followed. Testoserone , Estrogen and many other levels are closely followed to ensure that we are optimizing the hormone levels. We follow the strictest guidelines based on thousands of patients from across the country and our pellets are of the highest quality.

Certainly, it is appropriate to check with your Oncologist before starting any type of Bio-Identical Hormone Relacement Therapy (BHRT).

However, a history of Breast Cancer in itself is not necessarily a contraindication for therapy and in some instances may be beneficial.