The devastating effects that breast cancer has had on women in recent decades is staggering. It is estimated that over her lifetime, a woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer. The only cancer that has a higher occurrence rate among women is skin cancer.
It is not surprising that much research has been done on the effects that certain hormones have in the development of breast cancer. Little research has been done to determine the effect that testosterone therapy has on either increasing or reducing breast cancer rates in women.
What is surprising to some people is that increased testosterone levels have been shown to be potentially protective in some women. More research needs to be done before a definitive report on the effect of testosterone and breast cancer levels can be produced.
One study that is currently underway includes a 10-year evaluation and observation of women who were treated with subcutaneous testosterone implants. Many of these women were being treated to relieve androgen deficiency, which causes women to have symptoms like incontinence, musculoskeletal pain, heart discomfort, vaginal dryness and bone loss. The women who are participating in this study have no history of breast cancer.
There is no predetermined number set for the amount of patients who can be evaluated. Additionally, women who undergo these studies were not excluded as a result of age, whether or not they used oral contraception, if they have used hormones in the past, their menopausal status, their weight or their age.
So far, the results of the study have surprised many people. Continuous testosterone therapies are showing to be a safe and effective way to potentially address hormone symptoms. The effects were noted in women who are both pre- and post-menopausal. The study has shown that there was a significant decline in cases of breast cancer in women who had testosterone therapy. In some cases, these treatments were thought to have a protective effect.
These studies are showing that testosterone plays some type of role in helping women maintain their physical and mental health. For more information, contact Better Life Carolinas. We have offices in Mount Pleasant and Charlotte, and we offer a variety of services, including: hormone assessment, nutrigenomics, bioidentical hormones, and more. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.