The Pathway of Estrogen Metabolism
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Estrogen Metabolism
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Estrogen in women is created by the ovaries. The estrogen begins as estradiol and is broken down into estrone. The two types of estrogen must be further broken down in order to be removed from the body. This breaking down is the responsibility of the liver. Once the estrogen is broken down it is released in bile or urine. This process of estrogen breakdown is known as hydroxylation.
Estrogen serves important functions. It aids in cellular activity and affects body growth and development. Proper metabolizing of estrogen is essential to this activity and development. However, if estrogen is not metabolized properly, the hormone can build up to unhealthy levels which are carcinogenic. These levels are seen as links to a high risk of cancer.
The Pathway of Estrogen Metabolism
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The pathway of estrogen metabolism through the body has several routes. Two of these pathways are believed linked to cancer development; one pathway is healthier. As the estrogen is metabolized it can turn into one of three compounds: 2-hydroxyestrone, 4-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydroxyestrone. These compounds are often referred to as pathways for estrogen to pass through. The 2-hyrdoxyestrone pathway is the healthier route for estrogen to take out of the body.
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Medical Importance
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Estrogen metabolism is important to understanding the risk of cancer. When a woman's body has high levels of estrogen, these levels can lead to the presence of carcinogenics and the growth of breast cancer. Understanding the pathways the body uses for estrogen metabolism is considered a way to predict cancer risks. As stated by the Rocky Mountain Analytical Lab, the ratio of estrogen metabolism can tell both women and men of their chances for developing prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical dysplasia and tumors of the respiratory system.
In tests and studies, women with a higher ratio of 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone to 2-hydroxyestrone, had a 30 percent lower chance of developing tumors in the breast. With these findings, it is medically considered that the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway is better for overall health.
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