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Control estrogen levels by lowering body fat?

Page last modified on: September 29, 2008
Question from Christin: Can you control your estrogen levels by dramatically lowering your body fat and then what percentage would you want to be at? I currently am 47 and have 23% body fat, but have been told my estrogen levels are still too high.
Answers —Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: The amount of estrogen in your body depends on a number of factors. If you are pre-menopausal, the estrogen levels depend mostly on how much estrogen is being made in your ovaries. After menopause, most of the estrogen in your blood comes from a chemical process in your fat and muscle cells. The more fat you have, in general, the higher the estrogen levels in your blood stream. Controlling the amount of fat in your body, therefore, has only a partial effect on how much estrogen is in your blood.
Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D.: It's important to eat healthy and remain physically active in an effort to reduce body fat. Compared to most women in America your age, you're well on your way at 23% body fat. You're much healthier than most. Keep up the good work! That's not a high body fat.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Nutrition and Weight. Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. and Marisa Weiss M.D. answered your questions about nutrition and weight.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D.Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. is an associate professor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona - with joint appointments in medicine and public health.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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