Oestrogen Metabolism - Crucial for Women's Hormonal Balance
Oestrogen and progesterone are the two primary female sex hormones. When they are doing their jobs properly, they work well together. However many female reproductive conditions are associated with a situation of ‘oestrogen dominance’.
This can lead to abnormal tissue growth, such as seen in endometriosis and fibroids. In addition, oestrogen is considered a contributing factor in the development of dysmenorrhoea and PMS.
Maintaining hormonal regulation has been compared to putting on a complicated stage play, with each of the different hormones having different roles to play. Hormone production is regulated by the ‘feedback loop’. This loop describes the hormonal communication between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the ovaries, which control the levels of hormones produced. The level of each hormone constantly see-sawing with its hormonal partner.
Can you relate to the following symptoms?
Heavier or longer periods
- Clotting
- Weight gain on hips and thighs
- Irritability
- Depression
- Premenstural headaches
- Bloating
- Swollen/tender breasts
- Food cravings ie. Sugar/bread
- Recurrent thrush
- Low libido
- PMS
- Irregular periods
- Endometriosis, Fibroids, Fibrocystic breast disease
These symptoms can be indicative of too much oestrogen.
Environmental oestrogens (xenoestrogens)
Environmental oestrogens can also be introduced into the body and are emerging as a significant contributing factor.
Found in certain pesticides, plastics, fuels and drugs xenoestrogens are usually synthetic and difficult for the body to break down, and can amplify the effects of estrogen. These substances can increase the estrogen load in the body over time, and are difficult to detoxify through the liver.
Sources of Xenoestrogens
- Commercially raised meat
- Canned foods
- Plastics, plastic food wraps
- Styrofoam cups
- Industrial wastes
- Personal care products
- Pesticides and herbicides
|
- Car exhaust and indoor toxins
- Cosmetics
- Birth control pills and spermicide
- Detergents
- All artificial scents
- Air fresheners, perfumes, etc)
- Paints, lacquers and solvents
|
Stress and Our Hormones
Stress can cause adrenal gland exhaustion and lead to reduced progesterone output. This is another factor that tilts the oestrogen to progesterone ratios in favour of oestrogen. Excessive oestrogen in turn causes insomnia and anxiety, which further taxes the adrenal gland. This leads to a further reduction in progesterone output and even more estrogen dominance. After a few years in this type of vicious cycle, the adrenal glands become exhausted. This dysfunction can then lead to blood sugar imbalances, further hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue.
In the female, a large part of hormonal balance is controlled by the three major glands: the adrenal gland, the thyroid gland, and the ovaries. Maintaining a proper balance among these three glands is of critical importance in any oestrogen dominance recovery program. Excessive estrogen affects both thyroid and adrenal function, and in turn, dysfunctional thyroid and adrenal fatigue makes oestrogen dominance worse. They all go hand in hand. When not functioning properly, these three glands, controlling the majority of the hormones in the body, can lead to a viscous downward cycle of hormonal imbalance.
Worse yet is that conventional medicine is often mislead into treating the symptoms without addressing the root cause. A wide variety of prescriptions from sleeping pills to anti-depressants are dispensed. Unfortunately, such symptom-based protocol will often make things worse instead of better.
Our modern diet and lifestyles are also playing a part by impairing oestrogen clearance via the liver and bowel. Studies have identified diets high in refined carbohydrates, low dietary fibre and high levels of saturated fats with an increased risk of oestrogen-dependant conditions. Unfortunately a diet too common in our today.
What Can I Do?
The good news is that you can take charge and make positive changes in your diet and lifestyle that can help balance this condition. Remember food is designed to nourish you. Its up to you to choose delicious, nutritious foods that are packed with vitality.
- Increase your consumption of fruit, vegetables and salad greens. Ideally consuming 1-2 pieces of fruit and 3-4 serves of vegetables.
- Increase dietary fibre eg, psyllium husks, pectin (found in the skin and rinds of fruit) and linseeds and wheat bran.
- Foods high in B-group vitamins, particularly B6, folate and B12. Good sources are leafy greens, legumes, eggs, nuts & seeds.
- Eat foods high in methionine – beans, legumes, onions and garlic
- Choose complex carbohydrates, as found in vegetables and whole grains, rather than simple carbohydrates, which raise blood glucose and insulin levels, adversely affecting hormone balance.
- Increase dietary Phytoestrogens, as found in tempheh, soy, tofu, miso, fresh herbs, legumes, alfalfa and flaxseed.
- Eat iodine rich foods. Even a mildly low thyroid function can cause an imbalance in other hormones.
Increase good fats, by eating more cold water fish, free-range eggs, avocadoes, extra virgin olive oil, raw nuts and seeds.
- Limit intake of saturated fats.
- Get hydrated. Drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day.
- Get moving with light to moderate exercise 3-5 times a week.
- Manage stress and anxiety.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol.
- Herbal medicine and nutritional supplementation can also assist in bringing balance. These should only be prescribed by a qualified naturopath and herbalist.
Deborah Draffin, Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist. Trained at Nature Care College in Sydney, and a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Deborah has a passion for women’s wellbeing, and specialises in hormone health and weight loss.
Deborah uses the time honoured knowledge of herbal medicine combined with the latest scientific research, evidence based products and testing methods to provide a common sense and supportive approach to healing. Deborah is the owner of Northern Beaches based Naturopathic Clinic, Sydney Wholistic and is also contracted to consult for the staff of a large city based multi-national company.
Read More About Sydney Wholistic Naturopathy
Sydney Wholistic
Suite 10, 876a Pittwater Road
Dee Why
Ph: 1300 650 169
