The Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are a group of enzymes that play an important role in the detoxification process. Detoxification is a process by which toxins and unwanted substances are removed from the body. There are three stages of detoxification, and CYPs help in phase 1 detoxification.
According to the Human Genome Project, 57 different types of CYP enzymes are identified in human beings.
The CYP1 group of enzymes is a major part of the CYP family. The Cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP1A1) is one of the three CYP1 enzymes that help in detoxification. This enzyme is majorly found in the lungs.
The CYP1A1 gene helps produce the CYP1A1 enzymes.
Xenobiotic substances are those that reach the body from external sources. These are not produced or found internally. The CYP1A1 enzymes work on removing Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the body.
PAHs are groups of chemicals found throughout the environment, in the air, soil, and water. PAHs are produced when fossil fuels like coal, gasoline, and oil are burnt.
These are also produced when tobacco and wood are burnt. PAHs are common toxins in charred and burnt meat. There are hundreds of PAHs in the atmosphere. Few common ones are:
Endogenous substances are those that are produced or available in the body. The CYP1A1 enzyme helps in the metabolism of certain endogenous substances.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids or PUFAs
The CYP1A1 enzyme converts PUFAs into signaling molecules. These signaling molecules are needed for various bodily functions.
CYP1B1 enzyme converts arachidonic acid, a type of PUFA, into 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (19-HETE). 19-HETE controls high blood pressure and the growth of cancer cells.
17β-estradiol
CYP1A1 enzymes play a role in 17β-estradiol metabolism. 17β-estradiol is an estrogen hormone. This is responsible for regulating the female reproductive system.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is a condition where the number of free radicals in the body is higher than the number of antioxidants. This imbalance leads to cell damage and an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. Some studies show that the CYP1A1 enzymes fight against Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and prevent oxidative stress.
Multiple changes or variations in the CYP1A1 gene lead to increased or decreased CYP1A1 enzyme activity. These gene variations protect against or increase the risk of conditions like cancer, PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and diabetes.
| Haplotype | Effect | Implication |
| CYP1A1*2C | Increased enzyme activity | CYP1A1 enzyme at higher levels can accelerate phase 1 detoxification and result in increased production of free radicals. |
| CYP1A1*2A | Increased enzyme activity | CYP1A1 enzyme at higher levels can accelerate phase 1 detoxification and result in increased production of free radicals. |
Overactive CYP1A1 enzymes can result in free radical damage. This can be treated with an antioxidant-rich diet. The following are some great sources of antioxidants:
- Berries
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Chocolates
- Spices and herbs
The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in tobacco in cigarettes increase CYP1A1 enzyme levels. Overactivity of the enzyme leads to quick phase 1 detoxification and increased free radical damage in the body. Quit smoking to bring down the risk of cancers and other diseases.
CYP1A1 genetic testing can help you identify changes in your CYP1A1 gene. This can give some insights into your CYP1A1 enzyme levels. If you have increased levels of this enzyme, your doctor may ask you to get screened for different types of cancers frequently. A genetic counselor can also help you interpret the report and understand it better.
1. The Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) enzymes play a role in phase 1 detoxification. CYP1A1 is one of the important enzymes in this group.
2. The CYP1A1 enzyme helps with the metabolism of toxins like Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and certain hormones and fatty acids in the body.
3. Certain changes in the CYP1A1 gene can increase the activity of the CYP1A1 enzyme. As a result, the phase 1 detoxification stage occurs quickly, increasing free radical molecules in the body.
4. Free radicals can damage DNA and lead to an increased risk of many types of cancer, including breast, biliary, and lung cancer.
5. Including an antioxidant-rich diet plan can help prevent free radical damage.
6. In people with high CYP1A1 enzyme levels, smoking can increase the risk of free radical damage and can cause cancers in the breast, lungs, liver, and cervix.
7. Genetic testing can give you insights into your CYP1A1 enzyme levels. For people with errors in the CYP1A1 gene, regular screening of cancer is recommended.
The CYP1B1 enzyme is a part of the Cytochrome P450 (CYPs) family and was first identified in 1994. The CYP family is a group of enzymes that play a major role in detoxification in the body.
This enzyme helps in the metabolism and clearance of the various endogenous (produced internally) and exogenous (produced externally) substances.
It is especially important for metabolizing cancer-causing agents (procarcinogens) like 17 beta-estradiol (an estrogen hormone) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). This enzyme is also responsible for adding oxygen atoms to other molecules.
This enzyme is produced in many tissues in the body, including the eyes. The CYP1B1 gene controls the production of the CYP1B1 enzyme. Certain changes (or mutations) in this gene can lead to overproduction or insufficient production of the enzyme and lead to diseases like primary congenital glaucoma.
The CYP1B1 enzyme helps in processing polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
The CYP1B1 enzyme is the most important enzyme required for 17 beta-estradiol (E2) metabolism. Metabolism is the process by which large and complex food molecules and medicines are broken down into smaller components to produce energy, build or repair body tissues, produce hormones, and do more such activities needed for the body. This hormone is responsible for the female reproductive system management. High levels of E2 in the body can increase the risk for breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
Melatonin is a natural hormone found in the human body. Melatonin is secreted at night by the pineal glands and controls the sleep-wake cycle. Recent studies have identified that melatonin kills certain types of cancer cells in the body - melatonin has anti-cancer properties. The CYP1B1 enzyme helps in the transformation of melatonin into N-acetylserotonin (NAS). NAS helps destroy cancer cells.
PAHs are chemicals commonly found in certain natural sources like fossil fuels and many man-made products like toiletries, tobacco, garbage, and different plastic and rubber products. PAH is also produced when meat and other kinds of food are cooked at high temperatures and charred. PAHs are air-bound and enter the body when people breathe.
Both the CYP1A1 and the CYP1B1 enzymes help convert PAHs into a more active form in the phase 1 detoxification stage. With more exposure to PAHs, the body produces more CYP1B1 enzymes, and more free radicals are produced. This increases the risk of cancers.
Inducers are substances that increase the metabolic activity of the enzyme. Inhibitors are substances that bind to the enzyme to reduce its activity.
There are many drugs that inhibit CYP1B1 activity. Some of them are:
CYP1B1 enzymes, produced by the CYP1B1 gene, protect the body from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused due to increased free radicals in the body, resulting in cell damage. Changes in the CYP1B1 gene can decrease or increase the levels of the CYP1B1 enzyme produced.
| Haplotype | Effect | Implications |
| CYP1B1*2 | Increased enzyme activity | Increased risk of oxidative stress and different types of cancer |
| CYP1B1*3 | Increased enzyme activity | Increased risk of oxidative stress and different types of cancer |
| CYP1B1*4 | Increased enzyme activity | Increased risk of oxidative stress and different types of cancer |
| CYP1B1*12 | Decreased enzyme activity | Lowered risk of oxidative stress and different types of cancer |
A haplotype is a group of gene changes that are inherited together. The *2, *3, *4, and *12 are star alleles. Star alleles are used to name different haplotypes.
Certain foods can encourage high levels of estrogen production in the body. To process high estrogen levels, the body produces an excess of the CYP1B1 enzyme.
This can lead to a high risk for different types of cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer.
The foods listed below can naturally bring down estrogen metabolism in the body.
Cigarettes contain multiple Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and various other chemicals. Smoking encourages PAH-DNA adduct formation in the lungs. PAH-DNA adduct is the accumulation of genetic changes in the DNA cells, leading to the formation of cancerous cells.
In a 2000 study, the relationship between CYP1B1 enzyme, regular smoking, and PAH-DNA adduct formation was examined. The CYP1B1 enzyme metabolizes PAHs. The study reported that people who smoked had more risk for increased PAH-DNA adduct formation and hence had higher chances of developing lung and other types of cancers.
According to certain studies, over-exposure to UV-B rays encourages the excess production of the CYP1B1 enzyme. This is one of the top causes of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Genetic testing can tell you if you are at a higher risk for excess production of CYP1B1 enzyme in the body. If so, you may be asked to get yourself screened for different types of cancers. Genetic testing will help diagnose cancers and other health conditions because of CYP1B1 gene mutations early and improve the success rate of treatments.
The earliest documented evidence of genetic predisposition for cancer is from the neuroanatomist Paul Broca. His detailed history of 15 members of his wife’s family with breast cancer courted controversy when it was published in 1866. However, with the advent of multi-gene testing panels, it is now possible to perform BRCA gene testing from DNA raw data containing the important BRCA polymorphisms. The raw data is primarily from ancestry genetic testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA.
The US Food and Drug Administration approved the BRCA gene markers for 23andMe’s health reports in April 2017. These markers are common in people of the Ashkenazi Jewish population. These are more consumer testing than cancer screening reports. Raw data from 23andMe tests are not clinically certified. Increased cancer risk or lack thereof from these reports must be validated using clinical diagnosis.
Prevalence of Breast Cancer:
About one in eight women have a chance of developing breast cancer during an 80-year lifespan. Out of this, 5 to 10% may be due to hereditary factors. Another 10 to 30% may be due to familial inheritance. About 60 to 85% of sporadic cancers develop due to many other factors.
NOTE: A negative result is not absolute. Meaning it does not infer that you are completely immune from developing breast cancer. At the same time testing positive for BRCA genes does not imply that you will develop breast cancer.
Find out more about why you need to take up genetic testing for breast cancer here.
Xcode’s BRCA gene testing from the 23andMe DNA raw data panel targets genes which are associated with cancer susceptibility. This includes high penetrance, FDA authorized genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 as well as genes that have middle and low penetrance levels. These markers are common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The test can potentially identify the risk for breast cancer. This information can be used to develop personalized screening schedules and preventive strategies to reduce risk. Taking a genetic counseling session using this report can prove very useful.
The report includes the following aspects:
Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have helped in identifying multiple genes associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. If you carry many of these high-risk genes then you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, compared to the general population.
The risk for the following different types of breast cancer can be identified from the BRCA gene testing report:
Read more about predisposition to breast cancer here
Prognosis varies between individuals, though the type of cancer may be the same. This may be indicative of genetic aspects. Identifying the extent of genetic influence in prognosis will help plan a better treatment strategy.
Read more about breast cancer prognosis here
Breastfeeding duration is also associated with the gene variants that an individual carries. The heritability of breastfeeding duration ranges between 44-54%. This is another critical factor in the risk for breast cancer. Increased breastfeeding duration lowers lifetime exposure to estrogen, thereby the risk for breast cancer. Understanding the genetic tendency to breastfeed will help in altering feeding duration to lower risk.
Read more about Breastfeeding duration and breast cancer risk here.
The morphology of the breast is associated with breast cancer. The genetic variants which are associated with an increased breast size (non-fat breast tissue) are also indicated in breast cancer. The heritability of breast size is 54%. A lean woman with a breast size of D has 1.8 times increased risk of breast cancer. Understanding the tendency to have an increased breast size will help in structuring personalized exercise routines to lower breast size.
Read more about breast size and breast cancer risk here.
Menopausal hormone therapy is commonly used by peri and postmenopausal women to overcome symptoms of menopause. Women with certain genetic variants are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer on menopausal hormone therapy. Women with more than 5 or 6 high-risk variants in specific genes were found to have an 86% increased risk for breast cancer on the recent use of menopausal hormone therapy. Understanding the genetic variants carried will help in utilizing menopause symptom reducing strategies that do not increase the risk for breast cancer.
Read more about menopause hormone therapy use and breast cancer risk here.
Some female hormones have been associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. The level of this hormone decreases drastically postmenopause. However, women with certain genetic variants continue to have increased levels of this hormone even after menopause. Identifying the genetic variants present in an individual will help in determining the plasma levels of female hormones. This will help to deduce unique hormone therapy to lower the level of this hormone and thereby lower the risk of breast cancer.
About 1% of men have an elevated risk for breast cancer. Identifying this risk will help in determining the most effective treatment strategy to lower risk. A woman with an affected brother has a 30% higher risk of developing breast cancer than if her sister was affected.
Chemotherapy has been associated with hypertension but the extent of hypertension is variable and has a genetic aspect. Identifying the risk for hypertension will help in determining suitable treatment strategies. This can be done by BRCA gene testing from Ancestry DNA raw data.
Most women find it hard to control hair loss in their battle against breast cancer. Identifying the risk for alopecia on chemotherapy will help in developing more suitable treatment strategies or in better coping mechanisms. It is possible to estimate the risk for alopecia using BRCA gene test results based on DNA raw data.
Pharmacotherapeutic studies have been successful in identifying genetic variants that are associated with the susceptibility, toxicity, and efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. Using BRCA gene testing from DNA raw data from companies like 23andMe and Ancestry DNA has picked up. It may help identify the genetic response to chemotherapeutic drugs. This will also help in developing personalized treatment plans using drugs that have optimum efficiency with relatively lower toxicity.
Also read: Learn about your breast cancer risk from your DNA raw data
As a sign-off note, BRCA and breast cancer are best interpreted and explained by a genetic counselor. Visit your genetic counselor to get the maximum benefits from your BRCA report.
The CYP2C19 gene is a member of the cytochrome P450 family responsible for the detoxification of drugs and toxins from the body.
The CYP2C19 gene is primarily found in the liver and provides instructions for the production of the enzyme that participates in the metabolism of at least 10% of commonly prescribed medications.
An important substrate that the CYP2C19 acts upon is Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet drug. Abnormal changes in the CYP2C19 gene contribute to clopidogrel resistance by affecting enzyme activity. In such individuals, the drug is less effective than in people with the normally functioning enzyme.
Considerable differences exist in the efficiency and amount of CYP2C19 enzyme produced across individuals. Depending on this, they are categorized into one of the four metabolizer statuses:
As the name goes, these individuals have higher than normal levels of the CYP2C19 enzyme. It occurs when a person has one or two copies of a form (variant) of the CYP2C19 gene called CYP2C19*17.
<5% of Asians carry this variant.
These individuals are resistant to proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy. PPIs are used to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), gastric or duodenal ulcer, H.Pylori infection, and NSAID damage.
Individuals having at least one copy of CYP2C19*1 are considered to be extensive or normal metabolizers. They have normal levels of the CYP2C19 enzyme.
The variants CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C*3 results in loss of function of the gene and cause low enzyme activity. They are called null variants. Individuals having these variants are called poor metabolizers.
Around 10% of people are poor metabolizers, and the antiplatelet drug Clopidogrel has little or no effect on these people. So, alternate antiplatelet drugs are prescribed to them.
Blood levels of the drug amitriptyline ( a cyclic antidepressant) are found to be high in poor metabolizers. A lower starting dose may benefit these individuals.
Similarly, the blood levels of voriconazole (an antifungal drug) are found to be high in these individuals, and treatment using this drug usually begins with lower doses.
The CYP2C19 gene acts upon many prescribed drugs and medications. Common substrates of this gene include:
While some substrates induce (or increase) the activity of the gene, some substances reduce it.
Studies have shown a reduced activity of the CYP2C19 gene in women who take oral contraceptives. This is said to occur because the metabolic product of the oral contraceptive reduces the CYP2C19 function.
The CYP2C19 enzyme helps to convert arachidonic acid (a healthy omega-6 fatty acid that is beneficial for health, especially in infants) into Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). These EETs have a beneficial and protective effect on the heart and blood vessels.
A study reported that reduced activity of the CYP2C19 enzyme is associated with heart disease.
Higher activity of the CYP2C19 gene has been associated with depression. Also, low CYP2C19 activity has been associated with a lower prevalence of major depressive disorder and depression symptoms.
Inducers are substances that increase the activity of an enzyme whereas inhibitors are substances that bind to an enzyme to reduce its activity.
There are over 30 known variants (or types) of the CYP2C19 gene.
| Haplotype | Effect |
| CYP2C19*2 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*3 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*4 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*5 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*6 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*7 | Inactive (Non functional variant) |
| CYP2C19*8 | Decreased enzyme activity |
| CYP2C19*17 | Decreased enzyme activity |
| CYP2C19*27 | Decreased enzyme activity |
A haplotype is a group of gene changes that are inherited together. The *3, *4, *17, *27, etc., are star alleles. Star alleles are used to name different haplotypes.
The commonly studied variants are CYP2C19 *2, *3, and *17.
CYP2C19*2
This is the most common type seen in the Caucasian population. This type reduces the activity of the CYP2C19 gene, reduces the metabolism of certain drugs, and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
CYP2C19*3
The presence of this type of gene reduces the metabolism of commonly prescribed drugs in individuals.
CYP2C19*17
Individuals who are carriers of this variant of the CYP2C19 gene show aggravated response to Clopidogrel and have an increased risk of bleeding.
Recommendations For Optimum CYP2C19 Activity
Individuals with excessive or reduced activity of the CYP2C19 gene are advised against making significant changes to their diet, lifestyle, or taking supplements with their healthcare provider.
Genetic testing is recommended for individuals who need to be prescribed medications that the CYP2C19 gene acts on to determine the right alternative and the appropriate dosage.
References:
Sulfation is a process where sulfate molecules are added to different endogenous (produced internally in the body) and exogenous (consumed from outside) substances. Sulfation is one of the essential processes of Phase 2 detoxification.
Sulfation happens with the help of the Sulfotransferase enzymes (SULTs). This reaction was first identified in 1876 when a scientist detected phenyl sulfate in the urine of a person who consumed phenol.
The SULTs transfer sulfonate (SO3 –) from the 3‘–phosphoadenosine 5‘–phosphosulfate (PAPS) coenzyme and add them to the hydroxyl or amino group elements that need to be detoxified.
There are two groups of SULT enzymes.
Membrane-bound SULTs - They primarily help metabolize endogenous hormones, neurotransmitters, peptides, and lipids. The enzymes are present in the Golgi apparatus (a subunit within the cells)
Cytosolic SULTs - These are present in the cytosol (a liquid component found inside cells) and help regulate endogenous and exogenous substances.
Sulfation helps in clearing many phenolic drugs (drugs derived from plants), hormones, neurotransmitters, and environmental toxins.
SULTs metabolize the following endogenous substances.
SULTs also play a role in converting major procarcinogens (cancer-causing agents) into their more active form before the body eliminates them.
Most of the detoxifying enzymes are expressed only in adulthood and are not found in early life. SULTs are different in that way. Studies show that SULTs may help in detoxification in the liver of fetuses as early as 20 weeks of pregnancy).
In some cases, adding a sulfate molecule to another molecule makes it more water-soluble and is then quickly eliminated from the body.
There are three kinds of SULT families identified in human beings: SULT1, SULT2, and SULT4. All these, together, produce about 13 different enzymes.
The SULT1A1 enzyme is one of the essential sulfotransferase enzymes and is expressed majorly in the human liver. It is also found in other places like the brain, intestine, platelets, kidneys, and lungs.
SULT1A1 enzyme converts a lot of cancer-causing agents into their more active intermediate forms. These intermediates can cause gene changes (mutations) and an increased risk of cancer.
A 2004 study explored the effects of SULT1A1 gene changes and the risk of breast cancer in Chinese women. The study reports a positive relationship between SULT1A1 gene variations, changes in the SULT1A1 enzyme levels, and breast cancer.
Another meta-analysis analyzed the reports of 20 individual case-control studies that related SULT1A1 gene changes to the risk of breast cancer. This study concluded that the SULT1A1 Arg213His gene variation (genetic polymorphism) can increase the risk of breast cancer, especially in the Asian population.
The C allele homogenous of the SNP rs1042157 of the SULT1A1 gene leads to slow sulfation of phenolic substances and drugs.
The below are substances that get sulfonated in the body.
Genetic testing can help understand SULT activity in the body. Some people with changes in the SULT genes may need to get screened for cancers more frequently.
Certain kinds of foods and ingredients induce or inhibit SULT activity in the body.
Substances that induce SULT:
Substances that contain dietary sulfur and can boost sulfation:
Below is the list of foods and substances that can inhibit sulfation activity. If your SULT enzymes are underactive genetically, then you should restrict or avoid these.
Estradiol (E2) is a type of estrogen steroid hormone. It is one of the female sex hormones and is responsible for managing the reproductive cycle. It also plays a major role in the reproductive health of a woman.
Both men and women have natural estradiol hormones in the body. A woman’s body produces more estradiol than a man’s.
According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence rate of breast cancer has been increasing by 0.5% every year. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States.
Excess estradiol in the body interacts with two Estrogen Receptors (ERs) - ERα and ERβ. Estrogen receptors are proteins that get activated on exposure to estrogen. These ERs are responsible for controlling a variety of genes and their functionalities.
The ERα interacts directly with DNA repair proteins with varying impacts on DNA repair mechanisms. In some cases, it can result in abnormal cell production and multiplication, leading to breast cancer.
A 2002 study analyzed the effects of serum E2 levels and the risk of breast cancer. 7290 postmenopausal women under the age of 80 were included in the study. The study records that women with estradiol levels higher than 10 pmol/L had a 6.8 fold higher risk for breast cancer.
According to a 2001 study, postmenopausal women with higher estradiol levels (>12 pmol/L) had a 2.07 fold higher risk for invasive breast cancer.
Another study explored how estrogen metabolism influences breast cancer risk. 1298 postmenopausal women with cases of breast cancer and 1524 matched controls were considered for the study. The study reported that total estrogen levels were positively and strongly associated with breast cancer risk.
The CYP19A1 gene produces an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase helps convert androgens (hormones associated with male traits) to different forms of female hormones (estrogen).
This enzyme is very important in the production and maintenance of female reproductive hormones. This enzyme is also needed for the last step of estrogen production in the body (biosynthesis).
Certain types of CYP19A1 gene can lead to excess production of estradiol, leading to an increased risk for breast cancer.
Women who have increased estradiol levels in the body and a family history of breast cancer (first or second-degree relatives with a past or present cancer diagnosis) are at higher risk.
Gender: 99 out of 100 breast cancer cases occur in women, making the female sex a risk factor for breast cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is recommended for women during their menopausal period to help manage the symptoms better. There are two common types of HRT procedures recommended:
Combination HRT increases the levels of estradiol in the body. This can increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 75%.
Estrogen-only HRT also increases estradiol levels, but the effects are seen only after 10 years.
According to a 2005 study, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) remains the most important risk factor for ER+ breast cancer.
Reproductive cycle: Girls who get their periods before 12 and women who don’t experience menopause before 55 are more exposed to estrogen. This increases estradiol levels in the body and can increase the risk for breast cancer.
Breastfeeding duration: Women who breastfeed have higher levels of prolactin. Higher prolactin levels lead to lower estradiol levels. Hence, women who breastfeed for a longer duration may be protected against breast cancer.
Gut health: The human Gastrointestinal Tract (GI tract) contains billions of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that keep the body healthy.
Estradiol is produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and adipose tissues. It circulates through the bloodstream and is converted into usable forms in the liver. The remaining estradiol is sent out to the bile and the urinary tract. Certain bacterial species can pull out this estradiol from the bile and send it back to circulation. This leads to increased estradiol levels and an increased risk of breast cancer.
Obesity: According to a 2010 study, in postmenopausal women, obesity was associated with increased levels of estradiol. Obese women had higher levels of estradiol when compared to non-obese women. This increases their risk for breast cancer too.
Genetic testing can help assess your breast cancer risk by analyzing your BRCA genes. It also helps analyze other risk factors like estrogen exposure. You can talk to a genetic counselor to get more information on this.
Certain chemicals used in making everyday products can cause problems in the endocrine system. These are called Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs).
Some of these chemicals are:
Most plastics used at home have one or more of these chemicals in them. A study reported that younger people who have a higher exposure to BPA and have early puberty show higher estradiol levels in the body.
In another study, female rats that were exposed to higher levels of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) showed increased levels of estradiol.
Switching over to more natural crockeries, tableware, and cookware can help bring down the risk of increased estradiol levels.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce estradiol fluctuation in the body and decrease the risk of breast cancer.
Women’s natural estradiol levels fluctuate extremely during menopause. Perimenopausal women (women in menopause) may have up to two times the normal estradiol levels.
During this period, it will help if you are regularly screened for breast cancer. This will help with early diagnosis and a better prognosis.
