By Dr. Veronique Desaulniers

The worldwide low thyroid function epidemic is getting more and more press these days. But adrenal fatigue and its connection to major disease like cancer? Not so much. Research says there is definitely a link.

What are the Adrenals?
The adrenals are glands that rest just above the kidneys. They are the main production center for stress hormones, namely cortisol and adrenaline. What a lot of people don’t know, however, is that the adrenals also produce the reproductive hormone progesterone. According to many studies including a 2007 Italian investigation published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, progesterone is not only responsible for reproductive health. It is also a powerful cancer-protector.

What Happens During Chronic Stress
You may have heard of the “flight or fight” response. In fact, you have probably experienced it yourself (maybe even quite recently!). You may also know that when the body goes into this mode, it pushes out cortisol and adrenaline at a high rate, diverting energy and blood flow from processes like digestion to the extremities so you can run from that tiger (or your boss).

When you are “stressed out,” the body amps up production of cortisol and adrenaline in the adrenals to give you the best “chance of survival.” In the process, however, the adrenals also turn production of progesterone way down. When this occurs, a woman’s body doesn’t produce enough progesterone for puberty if she is growing nor lactation if she is pregnant.

Being in constant stress mode, also called chronic stress, can also lead to adrenal fatigue or “burn out.” Adrenal fatigue and burn out occur when the adrenal glands are unable to keep up with the demands for what it produces. It is estimated that in today’s stressed world, upwards of 80% of Americans may have adrenal fatigue. Many may not even know it.

When stress is chronic and adrenal fatigue sets in, this also means a greater cancer risk for any woman, regardless of her age.

Three Things You Can Do to Heal Your Adrenals, Increase Progesterone Production and Prevent Cancer!
A joint study conducted by Cambridge University, the University of Texas and others found that progesterone inhibited estrogen-mediate cancer cell growth. An important first step for balancing progesterone naturally is to heal your adrenals. Here are a few simple ways to do this:

Adrenal & Thyroid Activity

The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones in order for the body to function. These include catecholamines such as adrenaline, mineralcorticoids such as aldosterone and glucocorticoids such as cortisol. The thyroid secretes T4 and T3, hormones that have a major regulatory effect upon metabolic processes.

Many clinicians believe that low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is becoming an epidemic. A very important parallel is that excessive, depleted or exhausted adrenal activity is oftentimes the underlying cause of low thyroid function. At the very least, adrenal function absolutely must be taken into account when thyroid issues are present, and the opposite applies as well.

The 3 mineral ratios on a hair tissue mineral analysis that identify the “effect” of adrenal and thyroid function are:

1. Na/K (sodium/potassium): adrenals
2. Na/Mg (sodium/magnesium): adrenals
3. Ca/K (calcium/potassium): thyroid

The difference in a hair test is that the “effect” of adrenal and thyroid activity is a measurement through mineral activity. This is much different than a “free-fractioned hormone” in the saliva or a “protein-bound” hormone in the blood. Minerals are the “sparkplugs” of biochemical activity, and this includes hormones. Therefore a mineral pattern on a hair test coupled with a specific blood test is a much more accurate “predictor” of thyroid and adrenal activity than a just blood or saliva test. The saliva test may show you a current hormone level now, but the hair shows you a 3 month trend and a pattern of where the body is headed.

The hair test above shows a very elevated Calcium/Potassium ratio. High levels of Ca/K are reflective of LOW THYROID activity. This person was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 months before this test was taken by their physician using blood chemistry. This hair test provides a very accurate confirmation of the trend for hypothyroidism, as well as mineral activity.

What To Do About These Issues?

These are always the ultimate question with the hair analysis biopsy: what to do? First of all, by knowing a person’s Metabolic Type©, you are able to understand the most essential nutrient requirements.

What the hair & blood test test CAN do is to help to prioritize a strategy. Such as the needs digestive support and liver support, blood sugar issues an HCL insufficiency. Some gentle thyroid and adrenal support would be helpful, as would supporting hydration with water, electrolytes and mineral salts.

There is a clear increase in a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer as they age, in particular once they get into their 40′s, 50′s and beyond. Why would there be such an increase in breast cancer rates in women at this age? What is the significance of this time in a woman’s life?

Hormone Imbalances and Estrogen Dominance

During this time, a woman is likely experiencing hormonal imbalance as she enters peri-menopause, and eventually menopause. The primary reasons for this imbalance are:

• declining levels of progesterone that occurs with aging, surgical removal of the ovaries or excessive stress (high cortisol equals low progesterone)
• higher levels of estrogen as the body struggles make an egg from aging ovaries
• accumulation of environmental hormone disruptors in the body from a lifetime of exposure to pollutants, plastics and pesticides (all contain xeno-estrogens)
• use of oral contraceptives (past or current)
• synthetic hormone replacement therapy
• an unhealthy digestive tract (where hormones are removed from the body)

These factors can contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body known as Estrogen Dominance.  Since estrogen stimulates cell growth, a predominance of it, especially in the absence of adequate levels of progesterone, presents an increased risk of cancer, particularly in the breast.

Don’t get me wrong, estrogen is not a demon!  It is all about balance.  To better understand, let’s explore the relationship of estrogen to cell growth, particularly in the breast.  Humans produce three types of estrogen: Estrone, Estradiol and Estriol.  Each has a different effect on breast tissue:

• Estradiol: The most potent estrogen, equally stimulates and inhibits cell growth. In other words it is neutral.
• Estrone: The second most potent estrogen, stimulates cell growth.
• Estriol: The weakest estrogen, inhibits cell growth.

The key takeaway here is that having levels of Estrone that are too high in your body may result in more breast stimulation.  While higher levels of Estriol in your body results in less breast cell stimulation, and therefore, breast protection.

:Know The Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance:

• Unwanted weight gain/inability to lose weight
• Premenstrual weight gain/bloating
• Heavy/painful periods
• Irregular bleeding
• PMS
• Tender and/or fibrocystic breasts
• Mood swings
• Low Libido
• Depression
• Low thyroid symptoms
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• High stress
• Belly fat
• Low immunities/susceptibility to illness

What Can I Do to Prevent / Treat Estrogen Dominance?

First, I recommend testing using a HTMA and specific Blood Test. With these tests we will establish the root cause of the hormone imbalance,, also we will take a look at Blood Sugar Handling, Thyroid and Adrenal affect at cellular level, liver and also gut function.

It is important that your physician take the time to discuss all your symptoms and take everything into consideration along with your lab results.  This will give them the best picture of your unique situation and needs.

Address any problems you have with your digestive system.  Imbalances of the gut flora can reduce your ability to clear excess estrogen from your body.  Eating a whole foods diet, supplementing with a probiotic and getting adequate soluble fibre are all essential to establishing hormone balance.

Finally, consider having a Breast Thermogram.  This is a form of Breast assessment that does not require exposure to radiation.  Instead, it measures the heat released from the Breast, which indicates areas of increased cellular activity/growth.  A Thermogram can identify problems in Breast Tissue years before they can be seen by a mammogram or felt by your doctor.  

Other Important Steps to Take Include:

• Reduce the use of pesticides, pollutants, and chemicals in your home
• Eat organic foods that are free of hormones and pesticides
• Maintain an ideal body weight (excess fat increases estrogen production)
• Exercise regularly
• Find ways to better manage your stress

Signs you may be at high risk for Breast Cancer

In order to determine what the most appropriate intervention strategy for you to employ, we often recommend testing. Early detection and correction of risk factors can be one of your biggest allies in reducing your risk. If any of the following apply to you, you may be at high risk:

Excess Iron

How to test: Have the recommended Blood Tests coupled with a HTMA

Common in women after they stop menstruating, elevated iron levels can be indicative of a heightened cancer risk. Excess iron in the body works as a powerful oxidant, increasing free radicals thereby raising your risk. If you are a post-menopausal woman or have been diagnosed with breast cancer you will certainly benefit from having the recommended tests above. With these test we can establish if your iron recycle system is working properly. If the iron recycle system is not working, increased oxidative stress will occur in the body, increasing your risk of Breast Cancer, inflammation and indeed any other disease.

Estrogen Imbalance

Researchers have found that the body metabolizes estrogen into several different metabolites that can impact cancer development. One metabolite, 2-hydroxy-estrone, tends to inhibit cancer, whereas another 16-a-hydroxy-estrone can actually stimulate tumor development.A woman’s “bio-mechanical individuality” and liver metabolism determines which of these metabolites predominates. As iron accumulates in the body, this is a sign of low FOX enzyme function , (this is the master antioxidant enzyme). and estrogen is increasing as a direct result. The liver detoxifies estrogen in two different phase 1 phase 1 & phase 2. The results of the Tests above will provide information regarding the liver function. We will be specifically looking at the minerals that run the liver, deficiencies or mineral imbalances will be addressed..

Elevated Breast Inflammation

How to test: Get a Breast Thermography
A Breast Thermography is an assessment tool that looks at the function of the breast tissue. Remember change in function happens 8 to 10 years before a cancer will be detected on a structural test such as a mammogram or ultra sound.. By identifying areas of high inflammation, you can address the underlying cause of the inflammation before cancer has a chance to develop.

What else can you do to REDUCE your risk?

The steps we recommend taking to reduce your risk of Breast Cancer are also those of reducing your risk for many other diseases. In an effort to help you live a healthier life, we invite you to take note of which areas of your life need a little extra attention. Even small changes can lead to healthy habits, and can dramatically impact your future health.

Eat a wholefood diet

It is important to address your diet, This will nourish your body, aid in detoxification, and support the following breast cancer prevention strategies. Specific mineral and enzyme deficiencies will be identified through the above tests and addressed to restore balance and healing to your body.

Maintain a healthy balance of Estrogen

Estrogen is produced in fat tissue, which is the primary non-ovarian site for production. Consequently, women with excess weight have higher levels of estrogen which are associated with a greater risk for breast cancer. It is imperative that you maintain a healthy body weight if your goal is reducing your risk.We recommend and believe in reducing your weight and balancing your hormones, by adopting a nutritious diet and engaging in regular, physical activity to help prevent breast cancer.

Apply this advice today by structuring your week, so you log 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. If you have a hard time getting a solid 30 minutes, try breaking up your workouts to two shorter 15 minute bouts. When it comes to weight loss and exercise, weight training can have the greatest impact on your metabolic rate. In other words, when you build muscle, you’ll burn more fat calories throughout the day (even when you aren’t exercising). Over time, building muscle can have a big impact not only on losing weight but maintaining it.

Reduce Stress

Many studies have shown long term stress has a very negative impact on the body. Chronic stress has a profound impact on the liver biochemistry and enzyme function. It is important as part of your Healing Journey you identify, and find ways to reduce your stress. Consider such thigs as yoga, gentle exercise, meditation, EFT etc….

Get Proper Sleep

Proper sleep relies on getting enough sleep and sleeping between certain hours. According to Ayurvedic medicine, the ideal hours for sleep are between 10 pm and 6 am. Modern research has confirmed the value of this recommendation, as certain hormone fluctuations occur throughout the day and night. If you engage in the appropriate activities during those times, you’re ‘riding the wave’ so to speak, and are able to get the optimal levels. Working against your biology by staying awake when you should be ideally sleeping or vice versa, interferes with these hormonal fluctuations. You are at an increased risk of developing Breast Cancer ?

Our approach when treating a person is to establish the Root Cause of illness or disease. The body is a Self Healing Machine We need to identify and remove the obstacles in it’s way, by balancing, nourishing and supporting the body.

“Every woman should include Breast Thermography as part of their regular breast heath care. I have recommended the use of this technology extensively over the years in my newsletter. Thermography has the unique ability to “map” the individual thermographic readings in the breast.. Christiane Northrup, M.D. Noted Author and Leading Expert in Women’s Health Two years ago I researched Breast Thermography for an article in my newsletter and I was impressed with what I found. Finally, there was a sensitive test to support the information from mammograms. In addition, it could also detect potential problems at a very early stage. For years, I’ve been looking for a test to offer my patients who refuse mammograms. Some are concerned about cumulative radiation and complications from compression, and others have personal reasons for refusing this test. Yet, to do nothing is to put their heads in the sand, and this doesn’t save lives.
With all this information in hand, I decided to find out first hand what this technology was all about. I contacted Dr. Amalu and he spent some time going over the research and background of Breast Thermography. I also decided to have a Breast Thermogram. I was pleasantly surprised with the comfort and ease of the examination. I found in my research, and personally, that Thermography can help a woman take a possible
precancerous condition and turn it around. It supports mammography and provides additional information. Prevention is the gold standard of health care. In my opinion, Breast Thermography should be part of every woman’s yearly exam to help prevent breast cancer, and for early detection.
I will continue to have regular Thermograms and intend to keep writing about it in my newsletter until there are centers throughout the country.

Scott T. Miles, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., C.T.T. Fellow American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Women need to know that Breast Thermography is a promising and safe technology that is a welcome addition to helping women create breast health.

Susan M. Lark, M.D. Distinguished Author and Leading Expert in Women’s Health:
Breast Thermography is an excellent adjunctive arrow in the quiver of tools for breast screening. Whereas structural screening looks for static anatomical abnormalities, Thermography reveals physiological changes in the breast allowing for earlier intervention in the detection of remalignant
and malignant processes. Additionally, Breast Thermography allows for proactive rather than just reactive measures in the fight against breast cancer. However, it is not intended to replace structural screening, but rather is an extremely valuable addition to a Mammogram.

Nan Kathryn Fuchs, PHD Editor, Women’s Health Letter
My patients are overjoyed to find out about how Breast Thermography can help them maintain their breast health. Not only can the test pick up abnormalities long before they manifest via mammography, but it can also detect patterns of estrogen dominance, a possible precursor to breast cancer, which we can then work to change by balancing a woman’s hormone profile naturally. And it’s so simple and painless. My own experience of having a Thermogram was very comfortable and took about 30 minutes. Multiple images from different angles were taken of my
breasts and digitally processed by a sophisticated computerized system. I had had a recent breast ultrasound, wherein they could barely find the small superficial lump I had discovered. It was reassuring to add Thermography to my other tests for a more comprehensive examination.
I feel that is it important for every woman to have regular breast Thermograms. Every new patient is informed about Breast Thermography and I provide them with a brochure that explains the procedure.

Carol Knight, M.D. Private Practice Women’s Health:

The use of computerized medical infrared imaging for breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and as a high risk and prognostic indicator leads to both earlier detection of breast cancer and increases the overall survival of breast cancer patients.

Robert Elliot, M.D., Ph.D. Comprehensive Breast Care Specialist, Founder and Director EEH Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Center, President American Mastology Associationn. far Infrared imaging of the breast should be an integral part of any breast cancer screening program due to its value as an independent risk factor for breast cancer and its value as a prognostic indicator.

Jonathan Head, Ph.D., Tumor Cell Biologist and Pioneer in Breast Cancer Vaccines Director of Research EEH Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Center, Associate Professor of Biochemistry Tulane University:

Thermography imaging, based more on process than structural changes, and requiring neither contact, compression, radiation nor venous access, provides pertinent and practical complimentary information to both clinical examination and mammography. Quality controlled abnormal infrared images heighten our index of suspicion in cases where clinical or mammographic findings are equivocal or nonspecific and signal the need for further investigation rather than observation. With the addition of infrared imaging, our sensitivity of image detection has increased from 83% to 93%.

John Keyserlingk, M.D., Ph.D. Oncological Surgeon, Ville Marie Breast and Oncology Center, Department of Oncology St. Mary’s Hospital, Montreal, Quebec

Abnormal Breast Thermogram is the highest known risk marker for the presence of or future development of breast cancer. As such, Breast thermography should be a part of every woman’s regular
breast health care.