Breast health is impacted by various factors: lifestyle, diet, genetics, and more. While some aspects are under a woman’s control, not all contributors to breast cancer and other abnormalities are the result of voluntary decisions.
One such genetic factor is hormones, chemical messengers that travel through the body to activate or deactivate specific processes. A woman’s hormones play a significant role in her risk of breast cancer and the way her breast tissue develops and changes throughout life.
While hormones are not necessarily within a patient’s control, knowing how they work and their role in breast health is a great way to stay informed. Patients who actively engage with their medical care are more likely to see better medical outcomes and approach their appointments more confidently.
Here is an overview of the main hormones that impact breast health.
Estrogen/Progesterone
Estrogen (and its related hormone, progesterone) is the main reproductive hormone found in women. While men have estrogen as well, it is higher in women because it and progesterone are tied to bodily functions such as conception and pregnancy.
While these hormones serve an essential role, they are a significant contributing factor to why one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. In contrast, one in 726 men are diagnosed with the same.
Insulin
The pancreas is the organ responsible for making insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. A consistently high level of insulin (that is, insulin that is poorly regulated due to issues such as untreated diabetes) is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
This contributing factor occurs because insulin inhibits the production of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that captures excess estrogen and prevents cells from absorbing it. When insulin is too high, estrogen is not controlled properly, contributing to greater breast cancer risk.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone that naturally waxes and wanes in women depending on their life stage. It is responsible for breast growth and can stimulate milk production and cessation of menstrual cycles during pregnancy.
High levels of prolactin, especially in postmenopausal women, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This connection is tied to how prolactin can facilitate cell growth, which may also promote faster growth of potentially problematic cells.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin is most widely known as the “happy” hormone, and it impacts not just mood but also pregnancy-related behaviors such as milk production.
Studies are mixed on its role in breast cancer; some indicate that oxytocin can be protective against breast tumor growth, while others demonstrate that it is a cell proliferator, causing tissues to grow quickly (which can support cancer growth). Oxytocin likely performs both roles, influencing how cancer progresses, not whether it occurs in the first place.
Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the body when and how to conduct the menstrual cycle, including when the egg is released from the ovary. Studies indicate that breast cancer tissue typically contains a higher level of LH than other body tissues.
While a blood test for luteinizing hormone does not constitute a reliable method of breast cancer testing, tissue sampling does. This means that while LH may contribute to breast cancer, it is also an effective method of testing for small or hidden cancerous tissues that may not appear clearly on a mammogram.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
In some women, breast cancer development can be tied to diethylstilbestrol, an estrogen variant that was used between 1940 and 1971 as a potential treatment for reproductive-related medical issues, such as miscarriage and premature labor.
Any women who were treated with diethylstilbestrol face an increased risk of breast cancer. In addition, their daughters are also at greater risk not just of breast cancer but of cancers of the cervix and vagina as well.
Studies are currently reporting that even their granddaughters face an increased risk of cancer due to genetic exposure todiethylstilbestrol.
It is essential for women to maintain a complete family medical history whenever possible to identify cancer-contributing factors such as diethylstilbestrol usage.
Get Regular Breast Exams Throughout Life
Hormones play an irreplaceable role in the body. They can also contribute to cancer development, especially when they are out of balance. Routine gynecologic visits and annual mammograms arethe best way to stay informed about potential issues before they worsen.
The Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness team seeks to empower patients with the knowledge they need to confidently manage their breast health. Contact Raleigh Gynecology & Wellness today to schedule your next mammogram!