GENERAL
DISCUSSION
Exogenous
hormones (contraceptive hormones, HRT, ERT) may effect the cervical epithelium
of various individuals. Doses with high levels of progesterone may
limit maturation of squamous epithelium to the parabasal level (eg: Depo-Provera).
Pregnancy and post-partum may produce similar cell changes. Sometimes these
cell changes may appear as dysplasia or glandular hyperplasia (Ljusa
D, 2000, Valente
PT, 1998, see also ASCP Tech Sample CY-5, 1997). These
worrisome changes (BCC, ASC-US
or AGS) have been associated with hypomethylation of DNA within the
nuclei of cells due to B vitamin deficiency,
especially folic
acid, and have been known to disappear
or improve when these nutrients are increased or hormones are discontinued.
Antioxidant vitamin deficiencies may cause similar cell changes to those
of folic acid deficiency
(Li
X, 1995, Harper
JM, 1994, Ciavatti
M, 1991, Butterworth,
1982). Zinc, a
crucial antioxidant involved in maintaining the integrity of the structure
of DNA, is often depleted with chronic
hormone use (see excerpts from the Art of
Cytology on Zinc and Cancer).
It is paramount that any woman on prescription hormones take a high quality
multivitamin/mineral supplement to safeguard her cellular health (see Estrogen's
Role in Cancer).
Beginning in the 1960's, wide-spread significant use of and exposure to
synthetic hormones began in women of developed countries starting with
DES,
then ERT (estrogen replacement therapy; eg:
Premarin,
touted as a "youth" serum), and finally The
Pill, Depo-Provera,
and HRT (eg: Prempro).
Various estrogen and/or progesterone combinations were also given to many
of these women to stop lactation after child birth (estrogen) and for ovarian
and menstrual disorders (The Pill). Now the big craze is prescription doses
of so called "bio-identical" hormones that have been revved up to
drug effectiveness in compounding pharmacies using plant based estrogens
(yams) instead of animals (horses). These drug level substances,
even though they may be more bio-identical to human hormones, must be prescribed
as they carry the same risks. No placebo controlled studies have ever proven
otherwise
(see
Gaia
Research). It has been known for over 30 years that a
naturally high estrogen effect in vaginal
cells is a
red flag
for a cytologist to screen diligently for endometrial
cancer on a Pap
test (see endometrial
cancer). Having a high level of estrogen when a women is no longer
ovulating is not a good thing. Estrogen and progesterone are now
on the NIH
list of substances known to cause human cancers
because they are reproductive cell proliferators, meaning they are growth
promoters of reproductive cells (Chlebowski
RT, 2009, NIH-2002).
Similar
substance found in plastics (eg: BPA's)
also mimic estrogenic effects and for this reason are considered by many
to be carcinogenic. Progesterone
and similar compounds may be even be more carcinogenic than estrogen at
unnaturally high levels (see Dr.
Ellen Grant, MD, Miracle
or Menace).
Although contraceptive hormones are highly effective in preventing unwanted
pregnancies, they were never intended to be dispensed indiscriminately
for use as recreational drugs. They carry serious side-effects (see
the black box warnings which include heart
disease, blood clots, stroke, liver tumors, and cytopathology
in reproductive organs to name a few) especially for certain vulnerable
populations. Women who smoke and/or have a familiar history of certain
diseases such as heart disease, liver disease, or breast cancer, should
never take them. Smoking, alcohol
consumption, and poor diets deficient in micronutrients compound their
side-effects. They should be prescribed
only to those who qualify and used for the least amount of time possible
(ideally, less than five years). Because of the seriousness
of their side-effects, Japan has never allowed the wide-spread use of The
Pill and have always had the lowest
rate of breast cancer (cancer
project). In recent years however, Japan women have petitioned
the government to relax its stronghold on the dispensing of it. Consequently
rates of breast cancer are rising quickly.
In the early 2000's and for the first time since records began being kept,
breast cancer rates took a suddenly dramatic dive. This
was shown to have occurred in tandem with the discontinuance by women around
the world of various forms of HRT after the
huge long-term WHI studies finally confirmed what many
smaller studies had been concluding all along--that various types of replacement
hormones (eg: HRT
such as Prempro
and ERT
such as Premarin)
were undeniably linked to not only heart
disease but also various pathologies of the reproductive organs (endometrium,
vagina,
cervix,
breast,
and ovary),
especially cancer (Chlebowski
RT, 2009, Parkin
DM, 2009). The fear many medical pathology professionals now
have is that the rates will once again rise as older women resume hormone
use, however more natural forms (see excerpts from The Art
of Cytology - Estrogen Risks and Menopause).
The wide-spread use of these hormones is so great that their by-products
are now showing up in our rivers and streams near discharge sites of sewage
treatment plants. Studies show many birds, fish and amphibeans near
these waters have associated reproductive anomalies (see
Endocrine-Disrupting
Chemicals). Our food chain is already contaminated with
these hormones as well because for years the animal industry has been dosing
their animals with these growth hormones in order to increase productivity.
Gender
disphoria and infertility in human male offspring has also been linked
to the wide-spread exposure to these hormones, in particular DES.
Premature puberty in girls has also been linked to exposure to various
endocrine-disrupting
chemicals (EDC's) such as Bisphenol
A (BPA), an estrogen mimic found in plastics. Taking hormones periconceptually
(just before pregnancy) may also have an effect on the programming of reproductive
function in the developing fetus.
HRT
compounds are only permitted by the FDA to be used for the shortest
length of time and at the least dose possible to deal with temporary menopausal
issues. They contain the same ingredients as contraceptive hormones
and carry similar, if not worse, risks. "Bio-identicals" should
be used with the same cautions (Pharmwatch).
None of these drugs act as youth serums, contrary to the medically uneducated
opinions of such people as Suzanne Somers, whose breast cancer occurred
after over 20 years of contraceptive hormone use. Diet
and life-style changes get to the root of
the problem and do a much better and long-lasting job at reducing menopausal
symptoms and preserving longevity (Mitrou
PN, 2007).
See Also
Human
Papilloma Virus, The Pill, and Folic Acid Deficiency
Folic
Acid Deficiency and Hormone Use
National
Cancer Institute and The Pill
Pharmwatch:
Bioidentical Hormones
Commentary:
Australia, US, and Europe-
Highest
Rate of Hormone Use, Highest Rate of Reproductive Cancers
Get on the The
Color Diet and Save your Life
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