This Post was updated on October 26th, 2016. To read the new version please Click Here.
So, the doctor told you that you need an aromatase inhibitor. Are you concerned about the side effects or the resulting effects? Or have you started on one and feel terrible? It might be time to look at alternatives. Just because your doctor prescribed an AI, doesn’t mean that it is right for you. Making the right decision for you, for your body, is bigger than just accepting doctor’s orders.
Aromatase inhibitors, drugs such as Fermara, Aromasin and Arimidex, stop the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women; more specifically, they block the enzyme aromatase, the enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis and balance of estrogens. As we age, our hormones become out of balance, and often make us more vulnerable to cancer. Estrogen can be metabolized in two different pathways in the liver, which results in two different kinds of estrogen, “good” and “bad” estrogen. “Good” estrogen metabolites are released into the bloodstream there they cause many of the benefits estrogen provides, such as prevention of heart disease, and strong, healthy bones. “Bad” estrogen, in large quantities, causes trouble. By blocking estrogen, less “bad” estrogen is available to stimulate the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer cells. However, this also means that you have less of the protective “good”. So, the question is, do they increase survival and prevent the cell mutations that contribute to cancer? Or do they come with too many resulting effects?
I remember when I first read about Tamoxifen; I learned that Tamoxifen does not increase survival; it’s just that you don’t die of your cancer, but rather the toxicity of the drug. Hum….what a trade off. It may well be the case with AI’s as well….or worse. Although AIs were found to prevent breast cancer recurrence, they were not found to prolong life, due to the resulting effects—as I like to call them—particularly the heart problems (think less “good” estrogen), and reduce quality of life due to the side effects, such as the never ending flu symptoms, hair thinning and loss, vaginal bleeding, skin rashes, joint pain, stiffness and swelling (severe enough to require pain medication), hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, nausea and headaches. Women may also feel tired and lethargic while on the drug, experience breathing difficulties, depression and mood swings, tightness in the chest, and again, because of the loss of the “good” estrogen, bone thinning (think broken bones). Osteoporosis is a major concern, and women should have the health of their bones checked before they begin aromatase therapy. If the bones are already showing signs of deterioration, an osteoporosis drug will probably be prescribed (more drugs, and drug interactions; wonderful).
Geez, where can I get some of this stuff? Okay, so is there a natural alternative to aromatase inhibitors?
Again, as I said in my post about Tamoxifen, there is not an easy answer. However, there are many powerful natural aromatase inhibitors in your local grocery store. Look for button mushrooms, celery, parsley, mushrooms, basil, artichokes, oranges, red grapes, onions, garlic, olives, olive leaves and extract and members of the cruciferous family. The key is to eat these foods every day, and several times a day—here’s where supplementation may be helpful if you can’t make this work with your schedule. Supplements can be in powered form or capsule, but as always, look for quality and choose organic when possible. Dindolylmethane (DIM) is a phytonutrient and plant indole found in cruciferous vegetables that has the ability to increase anti-cancer estrogen metabolites while decreasing cancer promoting estrogen metabolites; DIM can be taken in supplement form, and this is something I highly recommend. Juicing is also a great way to get these nutrients, as consuming more than one variety at a time, especially in the case of the crucifers, can increase the effectiveness of any one type. Keep in mind that the thousands of chemical compounds in plants, some known and some yet identified, work synergistically to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and overall anti-cancer benefits, so eat a wide variety of fruits and veges each and every day, several times a day.
Feeling a bit dull? Spice up your food, herbs and spices contain powerful anticancer agents, and “hot” spices, such as cayenne pepper and mustard have been found to boost the cancer-fighting properties in foods like broccoli, so spice up your life!
Natural AI’s may well be the best choice for an AI for preventing breast cancer. Not only do they work as effectively as drugs, but have no side effects and carry a host of other benefits. Remember, estrogen is not the only factor with breast cancer…so an overall anti-cancer strategy along with the boost of natural aromatase inhibitors is your best bet. Think of fruits and vegetables as soldiers doing double duty, as nutrients and plant-based chemicals are capable of halting or slowing the spread of cancer. While no one is suggesting that the compounds in food will single-handedly eradicate cancer, each provides a powerful punch in addressing the various mechanisms that drive cancer, and can synergistically interact to create an inhospitable microenvironment for cancer. For more on the ability of nutrients to fight cancer and block its pathways, please visit: https://elynjacobs.com/2012/06/02/why-we-are-not-winning-the-war-on-cancer/. For more information on specific foods to manage estrogen, please visit: https://elynjacobs.com/2012/01/15/natural-alternatives-to-tamoxifen/. For more information about food as an anti-estrogen, anti-cancer protocol, please visit:http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2012/09/food-natural-alternative-for-tamoxifen.html
Seem like too much? Consider the alternative. That said, have two stalks and call me in the morning…doctor’s orders.
A few more tips:
Remember to limit alcohol–as while recent studies have found red wine to be mildly protective against breast cancer, this may not be so for post menopausal women, and other types of alcohol don’t share this benefit. If you drink, enjoy red wine conservatively.
Limit sugar; avoid junk food and hormone laced animal products such as meat and dairy.
Nothing in this post represents medical advice, and I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist or naturopathic doctor. I have compiled this information solely for those seeking an alternative to aromatase inhibitors and cannot endorse either protocol.
Elyn
http://www.elynjacobs.com
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. To learn about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit: http://elynjacobs.com. To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit http://www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST). To view info on upcoming topics and guests, please visit: https://elynjacobs.com/elyns-blog/.
Twitter@elynjacobs
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Thanks, Elyn. As always, great information. Yes, we can all begin to protect ourselves by keeping to a healthy diet and including those foods that are known breast cancer protectors. As we make plans to engage yet another annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s be aware of how we can work to prevent the disease entire. Good job!
I couldn’t agree more….treatments are toxic and ineffective in most cases. And, while the list of natural AI’s and other cancer-fighting foods is impressive, these foods are not always available or convenient to all, nor are they terribly popular to many. So, onward Doc, get that vaccine in place!!!
[…] You may also be interested in Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors: https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/natural-alternatives-to-aromatase-inhibitors/ […]
I felt somewhat lucky that in a way I had Triple Negative and you can’t take tamoxifen. I believe in a healthy mind/body lifestyle and food is high on the list. So much we have at our disposal and so little we utilize it. As a 3 1/2 breast cancer survivor who relied on naturopathic medicine I realize now how important the greens really are to health. Also, the antioxidants that many fruits can give us. This is what we should be concentrating on and this is what the doctors should inform us about doing–not poisoning our bodies with toxic chemicals. Right on Elyn!
I am in search of a naturopathic in Maine; Can you tell me the selection process? I also have Triple Negative. I refused chemo,rad,and drugs…it has been 7 months since my stage IV diagnosis and I am experiencing some of the same problems as gals using drugs, ie, numb face, and severe leg pain. Thanks!
The best advice I can give you is to get a local recommendation. There is a national directory,http://www.naturopathic.org/ but I don’t personally know of one in Maine. But one thing to consider is the stress side of pain and presenting symptoms. https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/muscling-up-against-disease-cellular-memory-and-your-health/
But in your search, be sure that the ND you find is someone who doesn’t so much work alongside conventional, but rather that he/she takes the holistic approach….
[…] https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/natural-alternatives-to-aromatase-inhibitors/ […]
[…] https://elynjacobs.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/natural-alternatives-to-aromatase-inhibitors/ […]
[…] However, because of the tumor being hormone driven, he recommended that I go on an aromatase inhibitor called Arimidex for five years. The side effects include possible joint pain due to the drug drying up synovial fluid and a loss of bone density. He said that if I go on the drug I increase my chances of remaining cancer free to 97% but cited only a 25-30% success rate of the drug performance. Naturally, I asked him if he could recommend a more holistic approach. He brought up diet and nutrition and mentioned soy. He was not familiar with any plant-based supplements, so as soon as I got home I started researching online. I found an excellent blog post by Elyn Jacobs that discusses “natural alternatives to aromatase inhibitors.” […]
Thank you Sherri!! We can only hope that someday, drugs will be the last resort and the last to be recommended by our doctors.
[…] Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors […]
Thanks a thousand times for your indept information on natural alternatives to aromatase inhibitors.
Please what is the best source of soy free DIM ?
There are many manufacturers of DIM but it is difficult to know which one of them that is trully genuine.
Again what is the most effective dose and for how long can it be taken?
Your kind and honest response will be highly appreciated.
Peter
Hi Peter, I happen to like Nature’s Way, DIM-Plus, but unfortunately it has soy. I take one two times a day, each containing 100mg, but for men, the appropriate dose might be more like 200-400mg daily, (with food)…but, as always, talk to your doctor before self-dosing. I will see what I can find for soy-less DIM. In the meantime, I recommend a small book called “All About DIM” by Michael Zeligs and A. Scott Connelly…I think you can buy it on Amazon…it is a very small book for a big price, but I found it very helpful…see page 45 for info on soy and DIM (short of it is that it’s fine to have them together (unless, of course, you are avoiding soy). I attended a seminar on DIM given by Dr Shelena Lalji (Dr Shel)…very informative. You might also want to check with her for a recommendation.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Best, Elyn
[…] Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors […]
marinate raw broccoli with chopped coriander (chilantro) and garlic in extra virgin olive oil overnight and eat this salad three times a week. I promise you it’s delicious….
Sounds delicious too!
[…] 2 Natural Alternatives to Aromatase Inhibitors […]
Thank you for your info on arimidex. Do you know of a group of women who are doing alternatives? Has anyone done myomin? It is supposed to balance hormones
Hi Karen, so sorry that I am just seeing this. I am not a fan of myomin, but yes, many, many women opt out of AIs and Tamoxifen. Once you gain a full understanding of estrogen and its role in cancer, the protocol becomes quite clear. Best, Elyn
What alternative therapies are there for post menopausal women?, tamoxifen I thought was for premenopausal women, I don’t want to take any of them, heard the side effects are horrible, I have had 4 AC treatments of chemo and start 12 weekly taxol next Monday, Dr said after radiation I need to do 5 yr cancer pill and I have heard so many bad things about it, want to try alternative hormone blockers. Help!!
Hi Christine,
There is no need to add Tamoxifen to this toxic soup. There are many ways to manage estrogen. Please read this article https://elynjacobs.com/2012/01/15/natural-alternatives-to-tamoxifen/ and watch the video. However, please know that there is so much more involved than estrogen. I sent you an email with more information. Best, Elyn