Could Estrogen Receptors Be the Key to Many of Our Female Problems, Including Cancer?

Our estrogen receptors play a significant role in our health as women. Knowing what they are, what they do, and how they work really matters, especially if you want to feel informed and empowered about your health. While estrogen is not the enemy, estrogen receptors play a role in all female cancers, including uterine cancer, and many other health related issues.

Estrogen has hundreds of functions in the female body. There are actually different types of estrogens our body can make: Estradiol (made by the ovaries), estriol (made in pregnancy), and estrone (produced during menopause). These estrogens bind to proteins, called estrogen receptors, which are found throughout a woman’s body.

Both alpha estrogen receptors and beta estrogen receptors are expressed in our cardiovascular and central nervous system. Our cellular growth is greatly influenced by these receptor interactions too. While alpha is associated with hypergrowth and proliferation, beta is associated with balance and safety.

When estrogen acts on its own unchecked and unbalanced by progesterone—or when your system is hijacked by disruptors— issues related to estrogen proliferation can occur. Estrogen receptors can be influenced by chemicals as well, and these can act as a sort of virus on the receptors, causing dysfunction.

Estrogen is found in so many organs and systems in the female body, so the health of these receptors is crucial to healthy, functioning hormones. Molecules that can bind to these receptors include phthalates, BPA, pesticides, and more. These exogenous substances can bind to our receptors and lead to adverse health outcomes like infertility, various types of cancer, obesity, immune function problems, and more.