A hormone receptor is a protein molecule that binds to a specific hormone, triggering a response within cells or tissues. These receptors are typically located on the surface of cells or within the cell itself, and they play a crucial role in mediating the effects of hormones on various physiological processes in the body. Hormone receptors are like locks on cells, with each hormone acting as a specific key. When the key (hormone) fits into the lock (receptor), it triggers a response within the cell, similar to how unlocking a door allows access to a room.
In the world of breast cancer research, there's been a long-standing debate about the role of progesterone and progesterone receptors. Back in the day, people used to think progesterone might be bad news for breast cancer. But recent findings are shaking up those old beliefs.
Nowadays, loads of studies suggest that a certain type of progesterone called micronized progesterone, known as bioidentical progesterone because it's identical to the progesterone our bodies make, could actually be helpful in treating PR+ and ER+ breast cancer. That's a big change from what we used to think. Yet, a significant stumbling block persists: within the medical establishment, there's still a tendency to use progestins interchangeably with natural progesterone. For years, this mix-up has muddled the understanding of how progesterone affects breast cancer. Turns out, synthetic progestins (like those in some medicated birth control) might actually make breast cancer worse and could even play a role in reproductive cancers.
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