You have read a lot about the gut microbiome. But you may not have known that the breast also has its own microbiome. This mix of microbes could equally have an important effect on health, according to a new study in Applied and Environmental Microbiology. The results showed that microbes in the breast, even in low amounts, may play a role in preventing or increasing breast cancer risk.

One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. We know that many variables are associated with this risk including age, genetics and environmental factors. With this new growing body of research, bacteria may be considered as one of those environmental factors. We know that breast feeding, since the early 60’s has been associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. Recent work suggests that breast milk supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the breasts.

According to immunologist Delphine Lee who studies breast cancer at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica California, “It isn’t surprising in and of itself that the breast harbors microbes” The breast is exposed to the environment through the nipple and ductal system. Lactation also lowers breast cancer risk through the release of Oxytocin which clears the ducts of inflammatory debris. Dry brushing and nipple stimulation can actually create a healthy epithelial lining in the ducts.

Gregor Reid, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Western University in Ontario was the senior author of a study that analyzed bacterial DNA in breast tissue samples of 58 women who were undergoing lumpectomies or mastectomies for either benign or cancerous tumors. He and the other researchers also looked at 23 healthy women who underwent breast reductions or enhancements.

Findings showed that women with breast cancer had higher levels of some types of bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and Bacillus. Women without cancer had higher levels of other bacteria types, such as Lactococcus and Streptococcus. What we don’t know is whether certain bacteria found near breast tumors are the cause of breast cancer or whether they just thrive in the tumor environment.

These long named bacterial species may not mean anything to you now, but it will later as upcoming research will be able to use a patient’s bacterial makeup as a biomarker for cancer screening or to develop probiotics for improving prognosis and treatment outcomes.

Reference: Sheikh, K. “The Breast has its Own Microbiome”. ScientificAmerican.com, Oct 2016. p. 21.

Breakell, D. “Reducing your Risk for Breast Cancer.” Wellcast.org. Keynote, June 2014.

A 10-year study was conducted to compare the effects of transdermal (skin patches) and oral estrogen therapy on risk for cardiovascular events. The study looked at over 5000 women with the average age of 55. They excluded women who had a prior history of blood clots or coronary heart disease or who filled a prescription for any progestin, estrogen injection, gel or spray or a contraceptive pill during the study period or 6 months prior to starting the transdermal or oral estrogen.

Participants were exposed to an average of 16 months of estrogen therapy. Results showed lower venous thromboembolism (blood clots) and strokes among transdermal estrogen users. This is consistent with numerous observational studies. This is biologically plausible with the fact that transdermal application does not elevate liver production of clotting proteins. This supports the view that transdermal estrogen is indeed safer than the oral route with respect to blood clots. The European menopause Society (Maturitas 2011; 69:195) and the Endocrine Society (J Clin Endocrine Metab 2015; 100:3975) both recommend the transdermal formulation for menopausal women at risk for blood clots. This includes women with a previous history of blood clots, smokers and those who are obese).

This information may also explain the statistically significant increase in venous thromboembolism in women that participated in the Women’s Health Initiative Study launched in 1991 who were using oral Prempro (oral estrogen and progestin). That study was primarily looking at the risks and benefits of that particular drug vs hormone replacement therapy. As you can see, not all estrogens are alike nor do they get metabolized the same in the body. Personalizing a women’s hormone therapy is important. Discussing the types of estrogen and explaining the risks and benefits of route of administration is vital in helping women make the right choice that is effective and safe for them.

Reference: Simon JA et al. Venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease complications in menopausal women using transdermal versus oral estrogen therapy. Menopause 2016 June; 23:600.

Canonico M and Scarabin P. Y. Oral versus transdermal estrogens and venous thromboembolism in postmenopausal women: What is new since 2003? Menopause 2016 June; 23:587.

More than 100 million women use oral contraceptives (birth control pills) globally. These pills come with its conveniences and benefits in providing an effective form of birth control, but they also come with their side effects (headache, irregular bleeding, bloating). Some side effects however, can be dangerous such as venous and arterial thrombophlebitis (blood clots), heart attack and stroke. With so many birth control pills on the market, including generics, it is important to look at which pills are safest to avoid these concerning side effects.

In an observational study of 5 million French women (ages 15-49), researchers examined women taking birth control pills with 30-40 ug ethinyl estradiol (EE) compared to those taking a 20 ug EE pill between 2010-2012. Those containing the lowest amount of estrogen (20-ug EE plus levonorgestrel) had the lowest risk for pulmonary embolism, stroke and heart attack. Common names of these pills include Alesse, Lutera, Lessina, Levlite and Sronyx. Those taking the higher 30-40 ug EE plus Desogestrel pill ( Desogen, Ortho-cept) had the highest risk for blood clots of the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

So if choosing a birth control pill, the lower dose estrogen pill is a safer start. Cigarette smoking negates that risk reduction so please don’t smoke.

Also, we have to remember that pregnancy is associated with a much higher risk for venous thromboembolism then any available estrogen-progestin contraceptive. If remembering to take a pill every day is difficult, then consider a long-acting reversible contraceptive, like the IUD or a progestin implant.

Reference: Weill A et al. Low dose oestrogen combined oral contraception and risk of pulmonary embolism, stroke, and myocardial infarction in five million French women: Cohort study. BMJ 2016 may 10;353:i2002.

Sexual dysfunction is common in women of all ages, but for women in menopause (both natural and surgically induced) the symptoms are elevated due to declining levels of estrogen and testosterone. Although estrogen therapy improves vaginal dryness and pain, some women prefer to use a non-estrogen option. 

Sex steroids are vital for healthy tissue integrity of the labia, vagina, lower urinary tract and supporting pelvic structures. These tissues are rich in estrogen and androgen receptors. These hormones enhance blood flow to the genital tract which is necessary for general arousal and lubrication. 

The fall in estrogen at menopause and the decline in androgens (mainly testosterone) as we age results in vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) and an increase in vaginal PH. Theses changes allow the environment to be vulnerable for vaginal infections. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, irritation, itching, infection and pain with intercourse. This leads to diminished sexual desire, arousal difficulties, reduced physical and emotional satisfaction, and relationship issues. 

Vaginal estrogen therapy can thicken and revascularize the vaginal tissue, lower the PH and normalize vaginal flora. Although data show that vaginal estrogen acts locally,  some studies have shown blood estradiol levels increase with vaginal estrogen application. Therefore, researchers have looked for alternatives for women whom cannot or should not risk raising their level of estrogen such as women who have had estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The adrenal hormone dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important precursor for the biosynthesis of estrone and testosterone. 

A randomized controlled trial of the daily application of three different doses of vaginal DHEA ovules (3.25 mg, 6.5 mg, or 13 mg) was studied over 12 weeks in 218 postmenopausal women who met the entry criteria of dyspareunia (pain with intercourse). This one study resulted in a number of publications to support the effectiveness of this treatment for VVA. In these publications the investigators reported an improvement in the vaginal cells and a reduction in PH. At 12 weeks,  the total Menopause Quality of Life Questionnaire (assessing sexual desire, vaginal dryness, intimacy) scores showed significant greater response for each treatment group verses placebo. 

The improvements seen in this study are interesting. It is possible that the DHEA effects were due to local metabolism to estrone (stored estrogen) and testosterone which binded to the local receptors. Considering how well drugs are absorbed through the vaginal mucosa, this is reassuring. DHEA may be considered a promising treatment alternative but further studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Ideally future studies should evaluate less frequent administration of the DHEA ovule because most women may not like the daily administration. 

Reference: Davis, S. “DHEA for Urogenital Atrophy and Sexual Function.”  The North American Menopause Society e-consult, Medscape Edition. Jan, 15, 2015.

By now most of you have read about the new FDA approved drug “Addyi” used to enhance a women’s sexual drive. There’s lots of debate on whether this drug should have been approved at all.

A lobbying campaign helped push for approval of Addyi (pronounced ADD-ee) accusing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of gender bias for ignoring the sexual needs of women, given the many options available to men. Well…theres a problem with that statement in that Viagra, and other medications available for men are approved to help achieve erections or to treat testosterone deficiencies…not to increase sexual desire. Men don’t typically have a problem with libido (back me up here guys). Also, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker of Addyi payed part of the expenses for the coalition (Even the Score) lobbying for approval.

Critics on the other hand, felt the advocates of the drug pressured the FDA into approving a drug that was minimally effective and had concerning side effects such as low blood pressure, fainting, dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness. Not much fun if you want to get frisky!! It is also interesting that this medication was rejected by the FDA twice, in 2010 and 2013 for the same reasons. So what changed now?  Pressure by lobbyists?  In one trial, the drug did not increase desire more than a placebo when measured by a daily diary, but did so modestly when measured by a monthly questionnaire. 

Another consideration is the price. It was decided that the price of Addyi would cost roughly the same as the monthly cost of erectile dysfunction pills. But erectile dysfunction meds are taken as needed (not daily) while Addyi is supposed to be taken at night every day. So 10 Viagra pills (average monthly use) cost about $400. You do the math…Insurance may cover it but who knows. 

The biggest barrier I found was that Addyi could only be prescribed or dispensed by doctors and pharmacists who took an on-line slide presentation and passed a test. That doesn’t seem like a lot of time, but practitioners will need to assess whether it’s more trouble than its worth? Addyi is not supposed to be used by women who drink alcohol (because it would enhance side effects) and is indicated only for pre-menopausal women. Already doctors are talking about how they would still prescribe it to “casual” drinkers, post-menopausal women and even men.  Well, which is it? 

There is some disagreement on defining normal sexual desire in women. Is it truly a problem for some women or is it a problem for their partners? Studies have shown that all types of women, both premenopausal and postmenopausal can have a low sex drive. In large women’s surveys conducted around the world, about 30% of women (even those in their teens and twenties) report a lack of sex drive (lack of thoughts about sex or desire to have sex). This is different than intimacy.

Here are the facts:

Women need several hormones in play to drive sexual desire while men need only one, which is testosterone. Research conducted on women with low sexual desire found no difference between their levels of testosterone than those women who reported healthy sex drives. But women are complex and the hormones involved include estrogen, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), testosterone and oxytocin. Out of all these hormones, none is as significant as Oxytocin. This hormone makes us feel relaxed and connected to others. It is the hormone released during  breast feeding. Women with healthy levels of oxytocin have less worry and fear and accept their partners more for who they are and feel a sense of romantic attachment again. Natural ways to release oxytocin include cuddling, hugging, soft touch, massage, music, singing, physical exercise, positive social contacts and orgasm. Oxytocin releases dopamine which lights up the reward centers of the brain and helps women think of sex as something they want. This is why intimacy, romance, foreplay and making that connection turns women on! 

The other big factor is how stress plays a negative role in sex drive. Our stress hormone, Cortisol competes heavily with testosterone and inhibits the release of oxytocin. Addyi is thought to work by changing the balance of certain brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. I give them credit in getting closer to the biochemistry of what might work, but what about women already on an antidepressant (SSRI’s) that already increases serotonin? This puts them at risk for serotonin syndrome, a severe condition causing agitation, confusion, muscle rigidity, diarrhea, headache, shivering, fever, seizures and death. 

There are still questions and concerns about this drug. I prefer to discuss the factors that influence a woman’s sex drive. Many things are involved but what I see is the stressful lifestyle that we are all trying to manage and how chronically high levels of cortisol can effect not only sex drive but all aspects of our health. Oxytocin, bio-identical testosterone and estrogen, and DHEA are all available for women if they have deficiencies to help support hormone balance. If you choose to take Addyi, which is predicted to be available starting October 17 this year, make sure you discuss all the side effects and your true risks and benefits. 

Reference:  Pollack, A. The New York Times: Health. “F.D.A. Approves Addyi, a Libido Pill for Women”. Aug 18, 2015

Hertoghe, T. “Passion Sex and Long Life: The incredible Oxytocin Adventure”. International Medical Books. Jan 2010.

Hanley, K. “Lost Your Appetite for Sex”. Whole living.com. may 2010, p. 78-80.