Do estrogens really provoke tumors? A doctor explains

Today, the topic of estrogens is extremely popularized—social networks actively discuss their impact on weight, skin and hair condition, the development of fibroids, endometriosis, and even oncological processes in women. Vasyl Beniuk, obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, and head of the Department of Faculty Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Bogomolets National Medical University, spoke in more detail specifically for UNN about how estrogens actually affect the female body and whether they can provoke cancer.  

Despite popular claims on social media, the doctor emphasizes that estrogens themselves are not dangerous for the female body, but are even beneficial and important. However, the key role is played by how the body is able to metabolize and excrete them. 

Estrogens are not "bad" hormones. They are fundamental regulators of the female body's functions, ensuring the normal operation of the reproductive system, bone tissue, cardiovascular system, brain, and skin. The problem arises not so much from the fact of the presence of estrogens, but from disturbances in their metabolism and excretion. That is why modern medicine increasingly speaks not of an "excess of estrogens," but of an imbalance in estrogen metabolism,

At the same time, even normal hormone levels in tests do not always mean the absence of problems, because what matters is which portion of the estrogens is active. 

It is important to remember that a hormone in the blood is not always a hormone in the cell. A significant portion of estrogens is in a bound state with sex hormone-binding globulin and is biologically inactive. Free estrogens have the greatest impact. In cases of insulin resistance, obesity, liver pathology, or chronic inflammation, the level of sex hormone-binding globulin may decrease, causing the proportion of active estrogens to rise even with normal laboratory indicators,

Vasyl Beniuk also stressed that today doctors pay attention not only to the level of estrogens but also to how the body processes them, and the liver plays a vital role in this.

The metabolism of estrogens in the liver deserves special attention. Under the influence of the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, various estrogen metabolites are formed—some of them have a relatively safe profile, while others are capable of stimulating cell proliferation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. It is the disruption of the balance between these pathways that is considered one of the mechanisms for the development of endometrial hyperplastic processes, uterine fibroids, and estrogen-dependent neoplasias. Therefore, today we evaluate not only the hormone levels but also the metabolic state of the patient as a whole: liver function, body weight, the presence of insulin resistance, the state of the gut microbiota, and chronic inflammation,

Separately, Vasyl Beniuk commented on popular advice regarding "estrogen diets." Most often, social networks recommend increasing the amount of cruciferous vegetables in the diet. The doctor confirms that nutrition does indeed have a certain influence, but it is not a "magic treatment method."

Regarding nutrition—it does have a certain impact. The most evidence-based data has been accumulated regarding cruciferous vegetables—broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. They contain the compounds indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane (DIM), which can affect estrogen metabolism enzymes and promote a shift in their metabolism toward less proliferative metabolites. Currently, Indole-3-carbinol and diindolylmethane are available in the form of medical drugs used as part of complex therapy, which requires consultation with a doctor. A rational diet, sufficient fiber, maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity, and normal liver and bowel function are indeed important components of preventing metabolic and gynecological disorders. At the same time, it is important to avoid extremes. No single product or "detox diet" is capable of independently "cleansing" the body of "excess" estrogens or curing hormone-dependent diseases,

At the same time, the professor emphasized that one should not trust advice from the internet, but instead consult an appropriate doctor if there are health concerns; the basis of prevention remains a balanced diet, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and timely medical consultation. 

Furthermore, advice on social networks does not constitute qualified medical prescriptions, so if health problems exist, one should consult a doctor. Thus, the modern view of estrogens is much deeper than the concepts popular on social media. What matters is not only the level of hormones but also how the body is able to metabolize, neutralize, and excrete them. It is the balance between hormonal stimulation and detoxification systems that determines the line between physiology and pathology,

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