Treatment of hormone-dependent tumors. Flax seed lignans - protection against estrogen-dependent tumors Hormone-dependent estrogen-dependent tumors

During embryogenesis, the female gonads (ovaries) are formed from the coelonic epithelium (the outer cortical layer is the female part of the gonad), mesenchyme (the inner medulla is the male part of the gonad) and germ cells of gonocytes migrating to the female or male part of the gonad. In a chromosomal male fetus 46 XY, functional hormonally active testicular structures (Leydig cells, Sertoli cells) are formed from the inner layer, and gonocytes turn into spermatozoa. In a chromosomal female fetus 46 XX, functional structures of the ovary (granulosa cells, theca cells, stroma) are formed from the outer layer, an oocyte is formed from gonocytes; the male part of the gonad is preserved as a rudimentary formation at the hilum of the ovary. Hormonally active ovarian tumors are neoplasms originating from the hormonally active structures of the "female" and "male" parts of the gonads, secreting estrogens or androgens, respectively, causing the development of feminizing or virilizing symptoms.

Feminizing ovarian tumors (characterized by slow growth):

Granulosa cell tumors develop from granulosa cells of atreziruyuschie follicles. In the vast majority of cases, the tumor develops in postmenopausal women. Histological types of granulosa cell tumors:

Microfollicular type

macrofollicular type

Trabecular type

Sarcomatous type (malignant);

Theca cell tumors - are formed from ovarian theca cells, are found more often in postmenopausal age, sometimes secrete androgens, are not prone to malignancy;

Granulosa cell tumors - consist of both types of cells that secrete mainly estrogen.

Clinical picture of feminizing ovarian tumors:

1) in girls of the first decade of life:

Premature puberty - an increase in the external and internal genital organs, the appearance of sexual hair growth, an increase in the mammary glands;

Bloody discharge of an acyclic nature;

2) in women of reproductive age:

Violation of the menstrual cycle most often by the type of acyclic uterine bleeding, less often heavy and prolonged menstruation;

Hyperplastic processes in the endometrium;

3) in postmenopausal women:

The resumption of "menstruation" (anovulatory), due to hyperplastic processes of the endometrium;

Perhaps the development of glandular cystic hyperplasia, endometrial polyposis, atypical hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma;

A symptom of "rejuvenation" is an increase in skin turgor, engorgement of the mammary glands, the resumption of libido, the disappearance of atrophic changes in the mucous membrane of the vagina and vulvar skin.

Diagnosis of feminizing ovarian tumors:

1) Anamnesis - recurrent hyperplastic processes of the endometrium, especially if their therapy is ineffective;

2) Clinical picture

3) ultrasound - enlargement of the ovaries;

4) Hysteroscopy;

5) Diagnostic curettage of the uterus;

6) Hysterosalpingography;

7) Laparoscopy;

8) Determination of estrogen in the blood

Treatment of feminizing ovarian tumors - surgical:

If changes in the endometrium are not malignant, it should be limited to the removal of the appendages of the affected side in women in menopause and postmenopause;

At a young age, partial resection of the ovaries within healthy tissue can be performed.

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Lignans- a group of biologically active compounds that are present in plants. They belong to the class of natural phytoestrogens.
They are found in large quantities in flax and sesame seeds, and in much lower concentrations in seeds of other plants, vegetables and fruits.
The husk of flax seeds is the richest source of lignans in the plant kingdom (800 µg/g). Lignans are compounds that form the building blocks of plant cell walls. At the same time, flax seed oil does not contain lignans.

How do lignans work in the body?

When you eat foods that contain lignans, bacteria in your gut convert them into metabolites (enterodiol and enterolactone) that circulate in your blood. Lignans and their biotransformation products in the human body - enterodiol (END) and enterolactone (ENL) are structurally similar to estradiol, which gives them estrogenic or antiestrogenic properties.
Lignans are phytoestrogens that help regulate estrogen levels in the body. When endogenous estrogen levels are too high, lignans act as antagonists of their own estrogens. In this case, lignans bind to estrogen receptors, blocking excess endogenous estrogen. When estrogen levels are low, enterolactone (lignan metabolite) provides estrogen support, i.e. acts as an agonist. Although lignans mimic estrogen and bind to its receptors, they do not have the same estrogen antagonistic effects.
Hormonal regulation also depends on the concentration of phytoestrogens: the higher it is, the more pronounced the antiestrogenic effect.
Studies have shown that lignan phytoestrogens reduce the risk of developing hormone-dependent tumors (cancer of the breast and prostate, colon, uterus, as well as endometriosis and mastopathy) by blocking estrogenic activity.
The ability of phytoestrogens to stimulate the formation of sex hormone-binding globulins (SHBG) in the liver has been revealed. The more estrogen is bound by globulins, the less its activity.
Lignans provide high antioxidant protection. Their action as antioxidants is more powerful than that of vitamin E. Such protection resists free radical attacks, which may be responsible for some types of cancer.
It has been established that lignans block the aromatase enzyme, which promotes the conversion of testosterone to estrogen.
Lignans provide cardiovascular support, reduce blood lipid oxidation, lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, have a cardioprotective effect, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.
Lignans reduce blood levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (a biomarker for vascular endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis).
Support healthy glucose metabolism
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Reduce hair loss and speed up hair restoration. Hair loss can be caused by the action of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Flaxseed lignans inhibit the production of an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
Lignans are sources of dietary fiber, and therefore fiber-rich foods
Lignans inhibit the enzyme 11-HSD (11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), which converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol. Thus, the negative impact on the body of the stress hormone cortisol is reduced.

How do lignans affect tumor growth?

1. Reduce the proliferation (growth) of tumor cells.
2. They block the blood supply to the tumor, reducing the production of the growth factor necessary to stimulate angiogenesis.
3. Reduce estrogen levels by blocking aromatase.
4. Block estrogen receptors.
5. Reduce the risk of metastasis.
6. Stimulate apoptosis (death) of cancer cells.

When is lignans indicated?

Hormone-dependent diseases and conditions:
Mastopathy
endometriosis
BPH
Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, breast, colon, prostate
Climax. Lignans are a safe and natural alternative (as opposed to synthetic hormone therapy) to compensate for hormonal fluctuations during menopause. A recently completed US clinical study showed that taking 50 mg of lignans per day for 4 weeks reduced hot flashes and night sweats by 53%.
Osteoporosis
Cardiovascular pathology
Hyperlipidemia

How much lignans should be consumed to maintain good health?
Most of us do not eat enough unrefined grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes to provide the body with plant lignans. The average consumption of lignans in the US is approximately 1 mg per day. But researchers say we should consume at least 50 to 100 milligrams of lignans a day.

What interferes with the absorption of lignans?
Dysbacteriosis, which lacks beneficial gut bacteria needed to convert plant lignans into metabolites that the body can use.
A food allergy that interferes with the conversion and assimilation process.
Inflammatory bowel disease.
High fat content in food.

Why have lignans gained so much attention in recent years?
Currently, the world is experiencing a significant increase in the number of hormone-dependent (estrogen-dependent) tumors and other diseases, which has already acquired the character of an epidemic.
In this regard, natural means of combating these ailments have acquired particular relevance, because. chemical drugs have a lot of undesirable side effects.
These natural remedies include phytoestrogens - substances of plant origin, the chemical structure of which is similar to estrogens. Because of this similarity, they can bind to estrogen receptors and mimic some of the effects of estrogen. But they can also block these receptors, thereby reducing their exposure to the body's more powerful own estrogens.

Until recently, most research on phytoestrogens has focused on soy isoflavones. The ability to study lignans was limited due to the complexity of their isolation from plants. But the emergence of new methods for extracting lignans has allowed them to be studied in more depth.

As a result of experimental studies, as well as clinical observations, scientific evidence has emerged that flax seed lignans can reduce the risk of developing hormone-dependent tumors.

Note! When talking about the antitumor effect of flax seeds, we are talking exclusively about the action of specific chemical components - lignans, isolated and studied in pure form, but this effect is not entirely correct to attribute to a whole food product, because. it is not standardized for the number of lignans.

Inna Bereznikova

Reading time: 4 minutes

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One of the most common estrogen-dependent tumors is. Most doctors considered it to be a benign tumor. However, since this neoplasm after some time was capable of developing into a malignant one, most experts considered it necessary to remove it, and the uterus, too, except when a patient with fibroids had never given birth.

In this variant of the development of the disease, it is possible to remove only the fibroid nodes. However, with such an approach to the problem, the risk of re-formation of fibroids is quite high, especially if the patient gives birth to a child in the future. In most of these cases, surgery was performed again.

In this regard, in the nineties, experts engaged in a massive study of this disease and came to the conclusion that fibroids are completely curable without surgical intervention.

The result of the great work done by scientists was the fact that fibroids cannot be unambiguously attributed to either benign or malignant tumors. As a result of the research, evidence was also obtained that excludes the very possibility of fibroids developing into a category of malignant neoplasms.

Uterine fibroids on ultrasound

Judging by the obtained characteristics of this disease, fibroids are more like a keloid scar (and / or a common wen). This fact is designed to completely refute any suspicions that arise in patients with fibroids about possible oncological complications.

Since uterine fibroids do not have pronounced symptoms, it is far from always easy to detect during its development.

Causes of fibroids

At the moment, the following main causes of this disease have been identified:

Uterus damage and wear

One of the main (if not the main) cause of this disease in patients is damage to the uterus, which is often accompanied by heavy and prolonged menstruation. Women by nature need motherhood (preferably multiple), and this reduces the number of periods. Moreover, the smaller they are, the uterus becomes stronger and much healthier. The very process of monthly discharge wears out the uterus, which can provoke a large number of gynecological diseases.

The cause of damage to the uterus can be the labor activity of the woman's body, as well as diagnostic curettage, unprofessional introduction of intrauterine contraceptive spirals, as well as a gross incompetent gynecological examination.

In most cases, the occurrence of uterine fibroids was provoked by multiple abortions, since any abortion is a huge hormonal surge for the entire female body. Another possible cause of the appearance and development of this disease may be inflammation of the genital organs or hormonal imbalance, which results in an increase in the amount of female hormones (another name is estrogens) and a decrease in the level of progesterone.

Almost always, such negative changes are the result of impaired functioning of the ovaries.

Currently, specialists are still divided into two camps. Some argue that a fibroid is not a tumor, while others believe the opposite - that it is.

However, no matter how large a fibroid is, it is an estrogen-dependent tumor.

In the case of women consuming refined carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, and, at the same time, reducing the amount of fiber consumed, the content of estrogen in the body increases. Finding out whether the level of this hormone in a woman is elevated is quite simple.

Such a woman usually has a blooming appearance, is very active, very energetic and looks much younger than her peers, in whom the amount of estrogen is within the normal range or reduced.

Heredity

A serious influence on the possibility of the appearance of such a disease as fibroids has heredity.

If the mother had this disease, then most likely her daughter will also have it.

An increased risk of uterine fibroids are those women who, for whatever reason, are unable to experience orgasm during sexual intercourse. In such women, blood stagnation occurs in the pelvic area, and the blood vessels remain in a tense state for a long time. All this eventually leads to a violation of the hormonal balance in the body of a woman.

Until ultrasonography became universally available, the diagnosis of fibroids was made on the basis of heavy and prolonged menstruation, since the relatively small size of this tumor made it difficult to detect by other methods.

However, the level of modern medicine makes it possible not only to determine the size of myoma nodes, but also allows you to accurately determine their location, determine their exact number, and also give a complete and specific picture of the disease itself.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids appear differently and individually for each woman.

The only thing that unites these various symptoms in different patients is a drawing pain (which periodically occurs in the lower abdomen in all sick women) and profuse bleeding from the uterus.

As secondary manifestations, there is also an increased frequency of urination and, conversely, a rare stool. In some cases, such formations can cause infertility.

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids happen:

submucosal;
interstitial;
intramural.

Among other types of neoplasms, submucosal is the most serious disease. Its development takes place in the uterus itself, very deeply. Diagnosis of this type of disease is possible only with the help of a thorough ultrasound examination. Neoplasms appear both on the outer part of the uterus and on the outer cavity of the pelvis.

The main signs of interstitial fibroids are heavy menstruation, as well as impaired urination and stool. During the development of this type of disease, a uniform increase in the size of the uterus is observed. In the case of the rapid development of this disease, there is a pulling pain in the lower abdomen. With this type of fibroid, the fibroid nodes are usually located on the inside of the uterine muscles.

The intramural type of the disease is characterized by failures in the monthly cycle, constant pain in the pelvic area and a significant increase in the size of the uterus itself.

For the effective treatment of all three types of uterine fibroids, first of all, a responsible attitude of the patient to herself is necessary. Only a qualified licensed physician should treat this disease.

And, of course, the key to a successful recovery is a timely appeal to a specialist!

To date, doctors have not been able to establish the exact cause that affects the development of cancer in the human body. However, it was still possible to identify some prerequisites that contribute to the development of such dangerous pathological processes. There are a large number of cancers that attack the human body, and estrogen-dependent tumors are no exception.

In this article, we will look at the main causes of the development of such ailments, as well as learn how to diagnose them and how to properly treat them. It is also very important to familiarize yourself with the consequences that may occur against the background of estrogen-dependent tumors. Read this information carefully in order to protect and arm yourself as much as possible.

What is this pathology

Estrogen-dependent tumors are benign formations consisting of muscle cells. One such cell begins to multiply actively, which leads to a huge accumulation of other cells that can form nodules in the uterus or mammary glands. Such nodules are called myomas.

Causes of the occurrence and mammary glands

There are no exact reasons why estrogen-dependent tumors of the uterus and mammary glands occur. Scientists are inclined to believe that such pathologies occur with excessive production of the female hormones estrogen.

However, there are other factors that can provoke the development of uterine fibroids:

Hormonal imbalance. This should include not only the improper functioning of female sex hormones, but also the activity of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands.
The emotional state of a woman. Frequent stress causes the development of estrogen-dependent tumors. Uterine fibroids can also attack the fair sex, prone to obesity. After all, a metabolic disorder entails general hormonal disruptions in the body.
Heredity. It plays an important role in such a dangerous process for health. Those representatives of the weaker sex who had relatives with fibroids in their family will be more prone to the development of such a pathology.
Abortion or the inability of a woman to have a child and breastfeed him.
The presence of various inflammatory processes in the female genital organs.
Injury to the mammary glands.
Wearing uncomfortable and tight underwear.
Chronic processes occurring in the mammary glands.

All these reasons contribute to the occurrence of estrogen-dependent tumors in women. What it is, it is recommended that every lady know in order to stay healthy for many years.

Symptoms of tumor formation in the breast area

In the presence of a hormone-dependent tumor, a woman usually endures very painful periods. However, these are not all symptoms of pathology. When palpating the chest, it is possible to detect seals in it ranging in size from several millimeters to several centimeters. Sometimes one small seal is felt in the gland, sometimes several at once. At the same time, when pressing on them, the patient will not feel pain, so it is not always possible to identify a life-threatening pathology at home.

Signs of uterine fibroids

Estrogen-dependent tumors are benign tumors that can become malignant over time. Therefore, every woman should carefully monitor her own health.

The fact that a fibroid has appeared in the uterus may be indicated by such signs as:

Prolonged and painful menstruation, accompanied by excessive bleeding. In this case, spotting and pain can also occur in the middle of the cycle. It can hurt not only the lower abdomen, but also the back and legs. Sometimes discomfort is felt during intercourse.
If the fibroid began to rapidly increase in size, then this can lead to frequent urination, as pathogenic cells have grown so much that they began to squeeze the bladder. Sometimes education also leads to the development of constipation, especially if it grows towards the rectum. Thus, the tumor begins to compress the organ, and this causes difficulty when going to the toilet.
Other symptoms may also develop. In patients, all organs may begin to hurt in the presence of estrogen-dependent tumors. The list of such diseases is not very large. Most often, these include pathologies of the uterus and mammary glands.

Diagnostic examinations of the breast

If you notice even the slightest change in your mammary glands, go to the hospital immediately! The first thing the doctor will do is conduct a visual examination, and also probe the chest for tumors. In fact, with tactile diagnostics, it is very difficult to distinguish fibroids from any other tumor. Therefore, other types of surveys will have to be carried out, such as:

Mammography. Most often, this procedure is prescribed for mature women.
ultrasound examination, allowing to determine the blood flow in the formed nodes.
Biopsy. When conducting this study, the doctor will take a small piece of deformed tissue and send it for histological examination. Only after receiving the results will it be possible to accurately determine the type of disease and prescribe the most appropriate treatment.

Features of the diagnosis of uterine fibroids

What are estrogen-dependent tumors, we have already considered. Now it’s worth understanding how to distinguish such a pathology from any other. First of all, you will have to go for a consultation and examination by a gynecologist, and after that the doctor will refer you for further diagnostics.

After the initial examination, the gynecologist sends the patient to an ultrasound, which is carried out by two methods. It is very important to analyze the condition of the abdominal cavity. A special device is also introduced into the vagina, which allows to determine the pathology of the internal cavity.

Another diagnostic method is hysteroscopy. In this case, a special device will be inserted into the uterine cavity, with which you can see everything that happens inside the organ.

Treatment with conservative methods

Estrogen-dependent and uterus are often treated with conservative therapy. In this case, doctors prescribe hormonal drugs to their patients that reduce the production of the hormone estrogen by the female body. Such drugs can cause a condition very similar to menopause. In this case, significant bleeding stops in the patient, and the fibroid itself gradually decreases in size. After stopping the use of this medication, the menstrual cycle in the fairer sex is usually restored.

It is also very important to take medicines that will stop the growth of fibroids. Every woman should come to a medical facility every few months for appropriate tests.

Surgery

The list of estrogen-dependent tumors in women is not so extensive, but it includes very dangerous diseases that, if ignored, can turn into malignant tumors. Quite often, doctors recommend that their patients remove fibroids with the help of surgery. Thus, the risk that the disease will occur again will be minimal.

Most often, estrogen-dependent tumors are removed in cases where there is a suspicion of the development of malignant tumors. Sometimes these are damaged tissues, and sometimes the breast or uterus is completely removed. According to doctors, if a patient has found breast fibroids, then quite often she later learns about the developed pathology in the female genital organs.

Preventive measures

Of course, any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat. It is very important to try to avoid factors that can lead to the occurrence of malignant tumors. What do doctors advise their patients for prevention:

protect your chest from injury, and also do not wear too tight and uncomfortable underwear;
timely treat any diseases associated with the activity of the hormonal system;
prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the genital organs. To do this, it is recommended to wear warm natural underwear, as well as to have sex only with a trusted partner;

And, of course, do not forget about the right lifestyle. You need to exercise and eat right. All kinds of bad habits should be eradicated. Doctors strongly recommend getting rid of a stressful state, since a large amount of stress can lead to cancer;
it is desirable to refuse hormonal contraceptives. All hormonal pills should be taken only when absolutely necessary, on the advice of your healthcare professional.

conclusions

Estrogen-dependent tumors can bring a lot of trouble to a woman. Therefore, the fair sex should start taking care of their health today. Take care of yourself, and then your body will start taking care of you!

Estrogens are sex hormones that are produced in the body of women. Thanks to them, the development of the uterus and its appendages, the maturation of the reproductive system and the acquisition of female beauty occur. But with an increased amount of estrogen, various diseases can occur. These include estrogen-dependent tumors.

Concept and reasons

Estrogen-dependent tumors are neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature that develop as a result of hormonal imbalance in the body. Female estrogens play a leading role in the occurrence of these diseases.

Such pathologies most often affect the uterus, ovaries and breasts of patients. The most common estrogen-dependent tumors include uterine fibroids, estrogen-dependent breast cancer, malignant. There are many reasons why a hormonal surge occurs in the body and the balance of hormones is disturbed. These include the following:

Pathologies of the female genital organs of an inflammatory nature.
Diseases of the uterus and its appendages, occurring in a chronic form.
Frequent abortions.
The onset of the climax.
Irregular intimate life.
Damage to the uterus or mammary glands.
Frequent stress and depression.
Infertility.
hereditary predisposition.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Diabetes.
Impact on the body of harmful substances and radiation.

The causes of uterine fibroids and ovaries do not end there. In the process of research, scientists are identifying more and more predisposing factors.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of estrogen-dependent tumors depends entirely on the organ in which they develop. If a woman has uterine fibroids, the symptoms will be as follows:

Soreness in the lower abdomen of a pulling nature.
Profuse uterine bleeding.
Problems with stool and urination.
Difficulty conceiving a child.

With the appearance of a hormone-dependent neoplasm in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary gland in women, a seal is found when the breast is felt. Also, patients notice discharge from the nipple, which normally should only be in pregnant and lactating mothers.

With a cancerous growth in the breast, women notice that the nipple sinks inward. With the growth of the lesion, one gland becomes larger than the other, a pain syndrome occurs, the skin becomes reddish, flaky and itchy.

Diagnostics

To identify an estrogen-dependent tumor, a complex of diagnostic measures is required. It includes laboratory and instrumental methods. First, the doctor conducts an examination himself, listens to complaints, studies the medical history.

Then the woman is required to donate blood for analysis. They check clinical and biochemical parameters, as well as the concentration of hormones in the body. If oncology is suspected, blood will also be needed to identify tumor markers. Additionally, a urine test may be ordered.

Of the instrumental methods, the following are used:

Ultrasound procedure.
Colonoscopy.
Mammography.
Computed and magnetic resonance imaging.
Radiography.

Diagnosis is completed by biopsy and histology. With the help of them, the doctor finds out whether the detected neoplasm is cancer or not.

Therapy

Treatment methods may be different for estrogen-dependent tumors. The main way to deal with them is hormone therapy. Patients are prescribed drugs containing female germ cells to normalize the balance of hormones. Restoration of the hormonal background allows you to suppress the division and growth of atypical cells, reduce the size of the tumor.

In addition to hormone therapy, other methods are used to treat neoplasms. The choice of method of dealing with pathology depends on factors such as:

The nature of the disease: benign or malignant.
The patient's age.
The stage of development of the disease.
Presence of comorbidities.
Localization of the tumor focus.

Also, the best way to treat formations is surgery. With a benign pathology, only the tumor is removed, with a cancerous lesion, the volume of the operation depends on the size of the focus, quite often it is necessary to remove the affected organ completely.

With the development of oncological diseases, radiation and chemical therapy are also used. They are combined with a surgical method or prescribed independently if the neoplasm is inoperable.

The prognosis for estrogen-dependent pathologies can be different. When it is mostly favorable, but with cancer it all depends on the stage of development. Doctors urge women to monitor their hormonal levels and, with any changes, undergo the necessary treatment.