Hormones... they affect a lot in our life... when they are off balance, our bodies start sending SOS signals.
Today we are going to talk about something that affects hormones for both men and women ... Estrogen Dominance.
Hormones are all about balance; so when Estrogen takes over, it affects all the other hormones and how they communicate with our bodies. And a lot of us may not even realize that Estrogen Dominance is what is causing our hormone problems.
Common Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Water retention
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Headaches, migraines
- Fibrocystic breast changes
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
- Hair Loss
- Painful Periods
- PMS
- Prostate problems
- Lower libido
- Breasts in men
- PCOS
- Breast Cancer
So what causes the hormone Estrogen to become dominant?
Xenoestrogens
These are man-made chemicals that mimic estrogen, have estrogenic activity in the body and negatively impact hormone balance. Xenoestrogens can be found in plastics, cleaners, and personal care products. (Fav toxic free cleaner and Fav place for personal care products. )
Liver Health
Poor liver function can also cause big problems for your hormones. The livers job is to make estrogen water-soluble so the body can excrete it in the urine.
Herbicides and Pesticides
Our food is a lot different than it was for our Grandparents. Herbicides and Pesticides are used on crops and it is affecting our overall health, but also our hormones.
Nutritional deficiencies such as zinc, B vitamins, and magnesium
Because of nutrient depleted soil and food choices a lot of us are deficient in these vitamins and minerals. HERE are my favs for these three (if you are needing energy in the afternoon, super b is going to be a game changer)
A low-fiber diet
When stool remains in the bowel longer than it should (constipation), the estrogen is reabsorbed. Yup, here I am again talking about how important gut health is! So get adding more fruits and veggies to your diet or add a good quality fiber supplement. (Fav Fiber Supplement HERE )
Emotional stress or trauma
We all have daily stresses and things that we have experienced in our life. Click HERE for my free 14 days to Self Love campaign with some of my fav ways to support my mental health.
Factory farmed meats
Nearly 80% of all antibiotics go towards farming-not even for humans. Feeds used contain a number of hormone-disrupting toxins including pesticides, antibiotics, and drugs. When buying meats, be sure it is grass-fed, free-range
Now that we know some things to avoid, let's talk about some things that you can use to help improve your hormone life. Here is your cheat sheet!
The endocrine system is a network of glands throughout the body that make hormones - insulin, thyroid hormone, cortisol, sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) and more. The hormones made in the endocrine system are responsible for almost every cell, organ, and function in the body.
Adrenal, thyroid and sex hormones work in a cycle together. Thyroid hormone affects sex hormones. Adrenal hormones affect thyroid hormones. Sex hormones affect adrenal hormones. So when one part of the cycle is out of balance, there are consequences for the entire endocrine system.
THYROID & ADRENALS
The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys and are known for the 'fight or flight' response. This response is natural and necessary. It protects us when in high stress situations (like running from a lion), but the constant stress of daily life often keeps our adrenals on overdrive.
Stress: try CortiStop, EndoFlex Vitality, NingXia Red and Super B
The thyroid gland performs a myriad of tasks in the body. It regulates metabolism, energy, body temperature, and hormone production which impacts just about every other body system in some way. Thyroid support is always important, but it is especially so for women aged 25-45 and before/during/after pregnancy.
Thyroid: try Thyromin, NingXia Red, and EndoFlex
SEX HORMONES
Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play a huge role in our overall health - everything from reproduction to muscle tone to mood to energy levels. Chronic stress, improper nutrition, low vitamin D levels, an unhealthy gut balance and yeast overgrowth can all negatively affect estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
- Low estrogen: try FemiGen, Clary Sage, and EndoFlex
- Low progesterone: try Progessence Plus, FemiGen and EndoFlex
- Men's hormone health: try PowerGize, Idaho Blue Spruce, and NingXia Red
- Overall hormone balance (estrogen/progesterone/testosterone): try Progessence Plus, EndoGize, NingXia Red and Super B
MENSTRUAL CYCLE
When estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are out of balance, it can cause some pretty uncomfortable symptoms during the monthly cycle. Other factors for painful periods include overall inflammation and even dietary sensitivities. This topic is multifactorial, but here are a few options when it comes to balancing and supporting menstrual cycles.
- Hormonal tension: try Clary Sage, EndoGize, and Golden Turmeric
- Fertility support: try Progessence Plus, EndoGize, and NingXia Red
- Menstrual support (PMS, cramping, etc.): try Progessence Plus, EndoGize, Golden Turmeric and NingXia Red
- Menopause: try FemiGen, Clary Sage, and Golden Turmeric
- Uterine tissue support: try Progessence Plus, Golden Turmeric, and CortiStop (intermittently)
For more on these, check out the individual spotlights linked below!
I hope this helps answer some of your hormone questions! And if you would like to dive more into your specific hormone needs, schedule a free 15 min Health Chat with me.
- Bailey Lowe
Functional Nutrition Coach
Young Living Brand Partner
(989) 245-5358
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