Q&A on Hormones with Jim

Q: What is the link between polycystic ovaries and hormonal imbalance?
A: Polycystic ovaries occur when numerous growths/cysts develop on the ovaries. This is commonly associated with a hormonal imbalance such as estrogen dominance and/or an excess of male hormones. In many cases, these cysts are benign and can shrink or even disappear when the hormone imbalance is corrected. The ovaries should be removed if the cysts are cancerous or causing pain and do not respond to treatment. For more information, call ZRT Laboratory 24-hour Hormone Hotline at 503-466-9166 and listen to Track 639.

Q: What is the link between uterine fibroids and hormonal imbalance?
A: Estrogen dominance, an imbalance caused by excess estrogen in the relative absence of progesterone, can cause the uterine lining to grow undetected. This can lead to the growth of tough, fibrous, non-cancerous lumps called fibroids. While the average fibroid is an undetectable lump in the wall of the uterus, about the size of a hen’s egg, larger fibroids often cause irregular bleeding and heavy or painful periods. Fibroids are the most common physical reason for excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Fibroids can grow dramatically during perimenopause when they are stimulated by hormonal imbalances and fluctuations in the body. Large fibroids secrete estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen, leading to estrogen dominance. Monitoring your estrogen levels through routine hormone testing and taking appropriate steps to maintain a proper balance of estrogen to progesterone is especially important. Please note: recent information cautions against the use of progesterone for the treatment of larger fibroids. With all fibroids, hormone supplementation should be kept as low as possible. For more information, call ZRT Laboratory 24-Hour Hormone Hotline at 503-466-9166 and listen to Track 643.

Q: What is the link between hormonal imbalance and breast cancer?
A: There are many factors associated with hormonal imbalance and increased risk of breast cancer including:

• Declining levels of progesterone with age and/or with removal of the ovaries in hysterectomy
• Environmental, “xeno”-hormones in the form of pollutants and pesticides
• Oral contraceptives
• Synthetic hormone replacement therapy

These factors can contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body known as “estrogen dominance.” Since estrogen stimulates cell growth, a predominance of it, especially in the absence of adequate levels of progesterone (common in the menopausal years with the waning of ovulation), presents an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the breast. For more information, call ZRT Laboratory 24-hour Hormone Hotline at 503-466-9166 and listen to Tapes 631 and 646.