Estriol (E3) is the Safe/Protective Estrogen
The body makes three estrogens: Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2)and Estriol (E3). These three hormones need to be kept in balance to prevent excessive proliferation of cells that could lead to breast, ovarian or uterine cancer.
The two most concentrated and most potent estrogens during all times except during pregnancy are Estrone (E1) and Estradiol (E2). They are the hormones that stimulate cell growth of the uterine lining and breast tissue associated with preparation for pregnancy. Because they stimulate cell growth, they can also stimulate cancer cell growth.
Estriol is The Key Estrogen in Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
When a woman becomes pregnant, she stops making high levels of Estrone and Estradiol and starts making 1000 times more Estriol than at any other time of life. This increased quantity of Estriol is essential offset and counter balance the high levels of cellular proliferation that occurs during the 2 week Follicular Phase of every monthly Cycle. This elevated Estriol level during the 9 months of pregnancy and however many months she breast feeds, reduces a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer by 7% for every pregnancy and 4% more for every baby a woman breast feeds for at least 12 months. (Ref: Cancer Med. 2023 Feb; 12(4): 4616–4625.)
Estriol's Profound Epigenetic Effect on a Baby's Brain
Estriol accounts for more than 90% of the total estrogens circulating during pregnancy. Estriol is made in large quantitids by the placenta at first and then by the baby from its own adrenal gland, by making DHEA, which it then converting it into Estriol. Although Estriol is not required for the maintenance of pregnancy and has classically been considered virtually inactive, or the weak estrogen, new research in mice [BMC Biology volume 20, Article number: 93 (2022)] recently discovered that Estriol has a powerful and prolonged effects on the baby's brain and reproductive system that lasts the entire lifetime and profoundly affects the baby's future offspring.
This new research found that with Estriol supplementation, pregnant mice permanently altered the global gene expression and the DNA methylation profile of the babies that she was carrying. Additionally, researchers found that Fetal exposure to Estriol reduces the anxiety level of adult offspring and positively alters mRNA expression of anxiety-related genes in the adrenal cortex of adult offspring.
The Key to Optimal Health is Balance
Supplemental Estriol Benefits
- More likely to mate and have children
- Increased fertility and successful pregnancies
- Fewer miscarriages and Stillbirths
- Fewer pre-term or post-term births
Deficiency of Estriol
- Thinning of the skin, decreased collagen
- Osteoporosis
- Wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
- Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, droopy breasts
- Disturbed/Unrefreshing sleep
- Depression, irritability
- Constant tiredness
- Lack of sexual desire / arousal
- Loss of feeling attracted to partner
Excess Estrone & Estradiol
- PMS Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Migraines
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Breast Cancer
- Uterine Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
Estriol is also the Key Estrogen After Menopause
A low Estriol level puts you at risk for all the symptoms of Menopause. On the other hand, having an optimal level of Estriol stops hot flashes, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, thinning of the skin, mental dullness and brain fog associated with Menopause and Peri-Menopause. Making sure you have optimal levels of Estriol can also protect you from getting breast cancer. Estriol is the Safe/Protective Estrogen. It has been shown to protect the breasts from developing cancer and the nervous system from Multiple Sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.
Estriol (E3) is the “safe / protective estrogen” Because it selectively binds to estrogen receptor-beta (ER-beta), which inhibits breast cell proliferation and prevents breast cancer development. (Source: Postgraduate medicine, Vol 121, Issue 1, January 2009; Endocrinology. 2006 Sep;147(9):4132-50. Epub 2006 May 25.) Estrone and Estradiol, on the other hand, stimulate estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha), which activates breast cell proliferation and increases a woman’s risk of cancer.
Taking supplemental Estriol (E3) produces a 30% reduced risk of breast cancer, while Estradiol (E2) alone causes a 10% increased risk of breast cancer. (Source: Fournier et al, “Breast cancer risk in relation to different types of hormone replacement therapy in the E3N-EPIC cohort,” Int J Cancer 2005 Apr 10;114(3):448-54.)
Additionally, too much Estradiol (E2) increases a woman’s risk of cancer by activating a protein known as bcl-2, which promotes cancer cell growth and decreases Tumor Suppressor Protein (known as p53), which is one of the body’s primary cancer prevention mechanisms. Again the key is optimal balance. (Source: Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1998 Nov-Dec;28(6):360-9; Int J Cancer. 2003 Jul 10;105(5):607-12)
What is the Optimal Estrogen Balance?
Estriol is made outside the ovary in the peripheral tissues of the body. It is the safe / protective Estrogen. Estriol provides all the health benefits of its sister estrogens, but does not cause the excessive build up of breast cells or the uterine lining that is associated with breast and uterine cancer. In fact, research indicates that low levels of Estriol place you at an increased risk for developing cancer. You should check all of your Estrogen levels annually to make sure that they are in optimal balance. A woman should have at least ten times (10X) more Estriol than Estrone or Estradiol.
Summary
Estrogen makes a woman feminine. It creates the soft contours of a woman’s breast ts, hips and pelvis that prepare her for childbirth. Estrogen keeps the skin smooth and free of wrinkles. It prevents excess hair growth on the face, and keeps the vaginal membranes moist. It enhances sexual desire, prevents osteoporosis, promotes a happy enthusiastic mood and keeps your mind sharp.Supplementing natural Estriol (E3) can help improve neurological benefits to your baby during pregnancy, stop the undesirable effects associated with menopause and counteract the increased risk of cancer caused by imbalanced levels of Estrone and Estradiol.
Testing Details
Sample Type: Blood Serum
Collection Method: In person at Hansen Clinic
Timing: Testing should be in the AM; no specific day of the cycle or Cycle is required; If you are Pregnant, testing should be completed at beginning of week 32 AND week 36.