Scientific studies show a link between the hormone progesterone and breast cancer. When women have too little progesterone in their bodies, they may face a higher risk of developing cancer of the breast tissue. It is important to understand, however, that the problem isn't usually just related to a lack of progesterone alone; instead, it is caused by an imbalance of progesterone and estrogen. When progesterone levels are low and estrogen levels are too high, a woman may suffer from estrogen dominance. In such a case, she may face a higher level of risk when it comes to breast cancer and other health problems.
The hormones that are produced and released in the body have significant effects on health. Two very important hormones, called estrogen and progesterone, are both very important for the health of the breasts and reproductive organs. Both hormones are usually kept well in balance in the female body, but problems may occur when levels change. Imbalances of these hormones are at the root of the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer. If progesterone levels fall too low for a sustained period of time, a woman may face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
When considering the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer, the term estrogen dominance is often mentioned. Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels rise too high and progesterone levels drop too low. In such a case, a woman may face a higher risk of developing not only cancerous breast tumors, but also a range of other health problems. For example, a woman who struggles with estrogen dominance may have abnormal periods or struggle with infertility, uterine cancer, or unwanted weight gain. Some scientists even assert that estrogen dominance and lacking progesterone may even lead to immune problems.
A person can think of progesterone as a protective hormone when analyzing the relationship between progesterone and breast cancer. Scientific studies show that unchecked estrogen is a problem when it comes to cancers that affect the breast tissue and reproductive organs. As such, the presence of significant levels of progesterone, which work to balance estrogen levels, may actually reduce estrogen-related cancer risk. For this reason, people may consider it a natural type of protector. It is important to understand, however, that even people with normal progesterone levels can develop these types of cancers, as there are many factors that may affect a woman's breast cancer risk.
