Podcast with Drs. Michael Karlfeldt and Jeffrey Dach MD

Hormonal Factors and Cancer Risk

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On this episode of the DR. K Show with Dr. Michael Karlfeldt is joined by Jeffrey Dach, MD. Dr. Jeffrey Dach discusses the critical differences between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, explaining how the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 dramatically reduced hormone replacement therapy prescriptions due to breast cancer concerns. He clarifies that the study used synthetic progestin combined with Premarin (horse estrogen), which led to misleading conclusions about hormone safety. Interestingly, the second arm of the study published in 2004 showed that Premarin alone actually reduced breast cancer risk by 23%, contradicting conventional beliefs about estrogen. Above Header image courtesy of Dr. Michael Karlfeldt.

The molecular biology of different estrogens reveals why certain forms are protective while others may increase risks. Dr. Dach explains that Premarin targets estrogen receptor beta, which provides breast cancer protection. He contrasts this with human estrogens derived from cholesterol and discusses the benefits of estriol in bioidentical hormone therapy. This scientific understanding helps explain why natural forms of hormones often have different safety profiles than their synthetic counterparts. Natural progesterone and testosterone play crucial roles in hormone replacement therapy and cancer prevention.

Unlike synthetic progestins, natural progesterone reduces breast cancer risk and provides neuroprotective benefits. Similarly, testosterone contributes to cancer prevention when used appropriately. Dr. Dach emphasizes that using the correct forms of these hormones is essential for achieving their protective effects while avoiding the risks associated with synthetic versions. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers significant benefits for bone density, muscle mass, brain function, mood, and cognitive abilities. Dr. Dach contrasts these positive outcomes with the negative effects often seen with pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for menopausal symptoms. He argues that maintaining proper hormonal balance is fundamental for overall well-being and longevity, suggesting that the medical community needs better education about bioidentical hormone options for patients experiencing hormonal changes.

The Women’s Health Initiative study caused a dramatic decline in hormone replacement therapy prescriptions, though later findings revealed Premarin alone actually reduced breast cancer risk by 23%.

Premarin targets estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), providing breast cancer protective effects unlike synthetic progestins which can increase cancer risks.

Natural progesterone offers anti-cancer activities and neuroprotective benefits that synthetic versions don’t provide.

Testosterone, when used appropriately in hormone replacement therapy, can contribute to cancer prevention and overall health.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy supports bone density, muscle mass, brain function, and cognitive abilities without many of the negative effects associated with pharmaceutical alternatives for menopausal symptoms.

About Dr. Micheal Karlfeldt:

Dr. Karlfeldt is an expert in Integrative Oncology and the author of a best-seller on Amazon, A Better Way to Treat Cancer.

Michael Karlfeldt, ND, PhD is a Board-Certified Naturopath, and has been in clinical practice since 1987 and runs a busy integrative medicine center, The Karlfeldt Center, in Boise, Idaho. His drive to investigate and implement safe cancer therapies was fueled by losing his father to colon cancer in his twenties.  His fascination with naturopathy began at an early age when he met Dr. Ingemar Wiberg, a leading Swedish Naturopathic Doctor, in Switzerland when he was 13 years old. After studying Engineering for two years, he worked with Dr. Wilberg for seven years in a demanding, rigorous, and carefully-supervised apprenticeship. Dr. Karlfeldt currently practices at the Karlfeldt Center in Meridian, Idaho, where he works with patients using numerous healing tools including: IV Therapy, Naturopathic Oncology, Natural Medicine, Nutritional Therapies, and others. Dr. Karlfeldt is a a sought-after lecturer, writer, and professor. His current endeavors include hosting of the popular TV show “True Health with Dr. Karlfeldt” available on Amazon Prime and the HealthMade Radio Show and Podcast. Tens of thousands of patients have sought his naturopathic expertise in his clinic in the more than 30 years that Dr. Karlfeldt has been practicing. Dr. Karlfeldt is a lecturer, writer, and educator and host of the Dr. Michael Show, which aired 100 episodes discussing important health-related topics, reaching approximately a million viewers.

CONNECT WITH DR. Michael Karlfeldt at his Website: TheKarlfeldtCenter.com

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Click Here for link to book on Amazon: 

Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition (2025) by Jeffrey Dach MD

Three Volume Series e-book. Read the ebook for only 99 cents! Limited Time.

Articles with Related Interest:

Free Video Introduction to Book

Introduction Video to Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition (2025)

Bioidentical Hormones for Breast Cancer Survivors  Video Presentation

Jeffrey Dach MD
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, Fl 33314
954-792-4663
my blog: www.jeffreydachmd.com 
Bioidentical Hormones 101 Second Edition
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warmest regards,
Jeffrey Dach MD
Offices of Willow Grove
7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190
Davie, Fl 33314
Telephone 954-792-4663

Published on July 9th, 2025 by Jeffrey Dach MD