HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - phytoestrogens both as preventive agents and whether dangerous for those with ER+ bc

TSund · 06-26-2008, 06:45 AM

Lani,

This is a subject that's been on my mind quite a bit lately! I still wonder (despite all the discussion here) whether it's ever been proven that phytoestrogens feed ER+ bc . Is it possible they always do more good than harm if they are hooking up with receptors and therefore blocking the stronger forms of estrogen.

I have been reading about the 3 forms of estrogen, and my GP says the weakest form (estriol?) has even been shown to be helpful with certain bc's? To my limited knowledge that weakest form never been linked to bc despite the logic of that assumption. And if that is indeed true, it points to the phytoestrogens (weaker still) NOT harming bc status, possibly helping.

This is a huge issue in my mind, and I would welcome anyone who has seen definitive proof either way. It seems we are shooting ourselves in the foot on one side or the other of this argument and we better darn well get it straight.

06-26-2008, 06:45 AM	#2
TSund Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: DFW area (TX) Posts: 431	Lani, This is a subject that's been on my mind quite a bit lately! I still wonder (despite all the discussion here) whether it's ever been proven that phytoestrogens feed ER+ bc . Is it possible they always do more good than harm if they are hooking up with receptors and therefore blocking the stronger forms of estrogen. I have been reading about the 3 forms of estrogen, and my GP says the weakest form (estriol?) has even been shown to be helpful with certain bc's? To my limited knowledge that weakest form never been linked to bc despite the logic of that assumption. And if that is indeed true, it points to the phytoestrogens (weaker still) NOT harming bc status, possibly helping. This is a huge issue in my mind, and I would welcome anyone who has seen definitive proof either way. It seems we are shooting ourselves in the foot on one side or the other of this argument and we better darn well get it straight. __________________ Terri, spouse of Ruth, Dallas/Ft. Worth area Ruth dx 05/01/07 (age 50) Filipino multifocal, several tumors .5 -2.5 cm, large area Breast MRI showed 2 enlarged nodes, not palpable 100%ER+, 95%PR+, HER2+++ 6x pre-surgery TCH chemo finished 9/15/7 Dramatic tumor shrinkage 1 year Herceptin till 6/08 MRM 10/11/07, SNB: 0/4 nodes + Path: tumors reduced to only a few "scattered cells" now 50% ER+, PR- ??? Rads finished 1/16/08 Added Tamoxifen, Finished Herceptin 05/08 NOW is the time to appreciate life to the fullest. Last edited by TSund; 06-26-2008 at 06:49 AM..