Does Vitamin D Affect Estrogen Levels?
There is some evidence that vitamin D may play a role in regulating estrogen levels in the body. In a study conducted by The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, postmenopausal, obese, and overweight women received 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year. It was discovered that the women whose vitamin D blood levels rose the highest experienced the greatest drops in blood estrogens, which can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Vitamin D is stored in fat deposits, which explains why obese and overweight persons have lower amounts of the vitamin. The general belief is that as weight is lost, vitamin D that has been held in fat tissue is released into the circulation and made accessible to the entire body. However, even after accounting for the amount of weight the women lost, the lowest levels of sex hormones were found in the vitamin D-rich women, demonstrating that vitamin D affected hormone levels independently of weight loss. All things considered, the study implies that vitamin D supplementation may be a useful substitute for estrogen-lowering medications for overweight and obese women who have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
What you need to know about breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (via Mayo Clinic). There are several risk factors for developing breast cancer, including family history, age, obesity, alcohol consumption, and hormone replacement therapy. However, one of the most significant risk factors is having high levels of estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a hormone that helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and is involved in the development of female sexual characteristics. However, too much estrogen can be harmful and increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are several ways to lower your risk of developing breast cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and exercising regularly. Breast cancer is treated with a variety of methods, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. The treatment method depends on the stage and type of breast cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so be sure to talk to your doctor about regular screenings. If you are concerned about your risk of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.