Breast Cancer Risk Reduction- Increased 2/16 OH Ratio

Summary

A series of five tests over a year show how a young woman can detect her estrogen metabolic status and make dietary modifications to affect reduction of cancer risk.

History

Healthy 31-year-old female presents for evaluation of estrogen metabolism to rule out a risk factor for breast cancer. Patient is currently on OCP, nutritional supplementation including multiple vitamins and minerals, B complex, EFAs and vitamin E. No family history of breast cancer.

Age

32

Gender

Female

Description of Results

Her baseline ratio was significantly low, at which point she started on a DIM supplement 75 mg BID, increased cruciferous vegetables, flax, soy and EFA consumption and retested after 4 months.

Repeat testing showed a lowered ratio. We can only theorize that there may have been a rebound effect considering she did stop her DIM supplementation ~1-2 weeks prior to testing. We don't know whether there may be a rebound effect or not.

It was recommended that she increase the DIM to 2 BID and retest in 3 months. At this time the ratio improved to low normal. The patient then switched to a different formulation of DIM (100 mg) complexed with Vit C, E, B6, B12, folate, NAC, bioflavanoids and calcium-d-glucarate, BID.

Repeat testing 2 months later showed minimal increase in the 2/16 ratio however, after another 2 months of following the same regimen her ratio improved more significantly.

Recommendations

Continue DIM at current dose and repeat test in 6 months to determine whether dose reduction would be appropriate. Continue to include sources on DIM in diet, flax seed, EFAs and soy foods.

Other Comments

It appears in this case that time and formulation of DIM may have an impact on effectiveness of supplementation. DIM in combination with other hormonally supportive and cancer protective nutrients may have a more positive and profound effect on estrogen metabolism.