Annually, over 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. The disease is a tremendous burden on women and society. About 75 to 80% of breast cancer cases are hormone-receptor-positive cancers. Working primarily with women, Dr. Manja Podratz has met many breast cancer patients who suffered from hormone imbalances for years before being diagnosed with cancer.

Podratz noticed how similar patterns of hormone imbalances led to escalating health problems if not addressed properly; which led her to ask whether addressing hormone imbalances at their root cause could provide an innovative strategy for breast cancer prevention. She conducted a two-year study with women who followed a regimen consisting of dietary recommendations, specific supplements, exercise, auriculotherapy and reiki. The results demonstrated that all women could improve their estrogen metabolism, which translates to protection from DNA damage and cancer. Following those insights, Podratz teaches women to understand and proactively influence their estrogen metabolism phases and pathways.

Early detection through mammograms examines cancerous changes in the tissue but doesn’t teach prevention. Gynecologists commonly test estrogen and progesterone levels. However, measuring hormonal levels does not reveal if the imbalance is due to over- or underproduction, slow metabolite formation or impaired elimination. Thus, it is often difficult to give the right advice. Podratz uses the DUTCH Complete and other functional medicine tests to monitor results upon implementing lifestyle changes. Her mission is to empower women to participate in their long-term wellbeing.