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Complementary Medicine Questions about Integrative and Complementary Medicine |
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| 6/5/2010 | "Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen. These are more commonly called dietary estrogens and are found in plants. There is evidence that suggests that phytoestrogens prevent the formation of breast and prostate cancers which are caused by hormonal imbalances. Epidemiological studies have shown protective and preventive effects against breast cancer."I don't understand this -- how can something that is a phytoestrogen prevent hormone dependent breast cancer? Resveratrol is in red wine (from the skin of the grape), and some skin creams have resveratrol in them. Are they OK for people with hormone dependent IDC like me? thanks, | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 6/5/2010 | tamoxifen has properties similar to phytoestrogens. Tamoxifen works as an antiestrogen on breast tissue but AS an estrogen on bones. controversy continues regarding substances that contain phytoestrogens, like soy products too. ask your medical oncologist if he/she is comfortable with you ingesting substances that contain phytoestrogens. most are comfortable with one glass of wine a day. most are comfortable with ingestion of soy in moderation. more research is needed to end the controversy though. | ||
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