Recent research has uncovered an intriguing link between certain hormones and neurotransmitters and breast cancer treatment. This connection involves four key players: estrogen, serotonin, dopamine and progesterone. Each of these substances plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, but their impact on cancer growth and treatment is now coming into sharper focus.
Estrogen, primarily known as a female sex hormone, regulates reproductive processes, bone density and cardiovascular health. However, it’s also recognized for its ability to promote cancer growth. Many breast cancers, for instance, are classified as estrogen-receptor positive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen.
Serotonin, often misleadingly called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is an antimetabolite, meaning it suppresses your body’s ability to create energy in the electron transport chain of your mitochondria. Recent studies suggest serotonin also stimulates the growth and spread of cancer cells.1
On the other hand, dopamine, another neurotransmitter, is showing promise in cancer treatment. Typically associated with pleasure, motivation and reward systems in your brain, dopamine is being investigated for its anticancer properties. Research indicates that it may help inhibit tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.2
Progesterone, another sex hormone crucial for reproductive health and pregnancy, is also emerging as an ally in cancer treatment, because it’s not only anti-estrogen but also inhibits cortisol and improves mitochondrial production of cellular energy by blocking estrogen and cortisol.
Could boosting your dopamine levels naturally help lower your cancer risk?
The study’s findings suggest that increased dopamine activity may indeed have anticancer effects. Your body produces dopamine naturally, and there are several ways to increase your dopamine levels without medication:
| Exercise — Regular physical activity has been shown to boost dopamine production and release in your brain. | Sleep — Getting adequate, quality sleep helps regulate your body’s dopamine systems. |
| Diet — Consuming foods rich in tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine, may help. These include bananas, beef, eggs and green tea. | Sunlight exposure — Sunlight not only helps your body produce vitamin D but may also increase dopamine levels. |
| Music — Listening to music you enjoy has been linked to increased dopamine release in your brain. | Stress reduction — Chronic stress depletes dopamine, while stress-reduction techniques may help maintain healthy levels. |
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/10/16/dopamine-breast-cancer.aspx