Uterine Cancer

In 1975, an important scientific study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine pinpointed a reason for the sharp rise in uterine cancer over the previous decade.

At the time, the medical establishment was prescribing unopposed estrogen (without the use of progesterone) for all menopausal women. The study concluded that the use of estrogen replacement increased the risk of uterine cancer by seven to14 times. Estrogen excess was the culprit.

The delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone is essential for hormonal health. When this balance is altered in favour of chronic estrogen dominance, women are at increased risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers of the uterus, breasts, and ovaries.

Uterine cancer–also known as endometrial cancer–begins in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Endometrial cells are stimulated by estrogen, and undergo hyperplasia–a precancerous cell division–in response to a chronic exposure to excessive estrogen. Unless hormonal balance is re-established, the cells of the uterine lining can become cancerous.

Last year, according to the National Cancer Institute of Canada, more than 3,800 Canadian women were diagnosed with uterine cancer. While it most often affects menopausal women, on rare occasions it strikes women under 40. In 95 percent of cases, the most identifiable symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pressure. Pain during urination or intercourse are other less common symptoms.

Diagnosis is determined by an endometrial biopsy or dilation and curettage of the uterus. A vaginal ultrasound is useful in determining the thickness of the endometrium. A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is the usual treatment. If the cancer has metastasized, the fallopian tubes and ovaries will also be removed. With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for uterine cancer patients is excellent.

Risk Factors

Known risk factors for uterine cancer include polycystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and use of tamoxifen, a drug used to prevent recurrence of breast cancer, which has an estrogenic effect on the uterus. All these are associated with high estrogen levels.

Striking a Balance

Establishing and maintaining a balance between progesterone and estrogen is the most important factor in preventing uterine cancer. While estrogen stimulates cell proliferation, progesterone ensures the proper maturation and stabilization of cells. A saliva test is the most reliable way to assess hormone levels.

The use of a transdermal bio-identical progesterone cream increases progesterone levels. The recommended dose for menopausal women is rubbing 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon twice daily on soft tissue such as the abdomen, inner arms, or inner thighs. Bio-identical progesterone is available from pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription.

The liver is responsible for clearing estrogens from the body. Liver problems and liver congestion will raise levels of circulating estrogen. Taking vitamin B complex (100 mg daily) helps support the liver by enabling it to break down estrogen while vitamin E (600 IU daily) normalizes estrogen levels.

Calcium D-glucarate (150 to 300 mg daily) clears estrogens out of the body. Liver support herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke help the liver detoxify hormones. Once released from the liver into the small and large intestines, estrogen may be reabsorbed back into the body if the intestines are sluggish. Since slow transit time and constipation raise estrogen levels, increasing water consumption and fibre intake and taking bowel-cleansing herbs will aid proper elimination.

Indole-3-carbinole (150 to 300 mg daily), an active ingredient of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, has a powerful effect on the liver’s ability to properly metabolize estrogens. The lignans found in ground flaxseeds are also effective (three tablespoons daily). The active ingredient of flax lignans can be taken as a supplement.

A daily nutritional regime should include the following nutrients: A multi-vitamin and multi-minerals, fish oil, an anti-oxidant, and probiotics.

All food that contributes to estrogen excess must be reduced or avoided, including non-organic food, pasteurized dairy products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, unfermented soy products, trans fats, alcohol, and coffee.

Environmental estrogens found in cosmetics, household cleaning products, plastics, and pesticides also promote estrogen excess. It is best to use only organic, chemical-free products.

Stress plays a major role in upsetting hormonal balance. A regular program of relaxation, meditation, and exercise will reduce the negative effects of stress.

As with any hormonal problem, the goal is always to address underlying issues that contribute to imbalance.