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HOW IMBALANCES OCCUR
We are being bombarded by environmental estrogens called xenoestrogens or estrogen-mimickers. These man-made chemicals act like estrogen in the body. Estrogen-mimickers are found in everything from plastics to cosmetics containing parabens and phthalates, pesticides, dry cleaning chemicals, dairy products and more. Excess estrogen can upset the delicate balance of hormones in the body. Some of the most common estrogen dominant conditions affecting women are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cystic breasts, heavy periods, low thyroid, hormonal acne, severe menopausal symptoms, breast cancer and the list goes on. Too much estrogen can also block the uptake of thyroid hormone promoting low thyroid. It’s not surprising, then, that over 20% of Canadians take medications for low thyroid and an estimated 30% have undiagnosed low thyroid.
Women need estrogen but not the toxic type of estrogen found in the environment. Women are supplied with estrogen from their ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. When the ovaries take a much needed rest at meno-pause, or if the ovaries are surgically removed during a hysterectomy, the adrenal glands and fat cells become the main source of estrogen. The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and help us deal with stress, control water balance in the body and are key sources of hormones including testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and more. The liver is the key organ for detoxifying, processing and distributing estrogen. Our liver can become sluggish due to an inadequate diet made up of too many bad fats (from lard, margarine and refined oils), sugar and artificial sweeteners, and not enough vegetables and clean protein from wild, organic, free-range sources. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver’s ability to keep hormones balanced. When our adrenal glands become exhausted from too much stress, the balance of estrogen to other hormones is disrupted and hormone havoc ensues.
HORMONE HARMONY
When most women think of hormone imbalance, they think the ovaries must be involved. But the liver, thyroid and the adrenal glands must be in peak operating order for hormone harmony to occur. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and clean sources of protein is the basis for balancing hormones. Key nutritional supplements have been researched to support the adrenals, liver and thyroid and can be found in combination formulas.
ADRENAL SUPPORT
Eight hours of deep restful sleep will reverse adrenal exhaustion quickly. Take 3mg of melatonin sublingually (under the tongue) at bedtime to help with sleep. Nutrients that can be taken in combination to nourish the adrenals and help reduce the effects of stress:
Rhodiola increases resistance to chemical, biological and physical stressors; enhances mental and physical performance and regulates the heart by increasing oxygen use.
Suma is called para todo, which means ‘for everything’. It is a regenerative tonic for the nervous, reproductive and digestive systems, and is used to treat sterility, hormonal disorders, sexual dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, fatigue, diabetes, cancer and stress.
Siberian Ginseng normalizes reactions to physical and mental stress; boosts the body’s ability to withstand adverse conditions like heat, noise, increases in workload and physical endurance; regulates blood-sugar, protects the liver, and supports optimal adrenal function.
Schizandra Berry, a general tonic to promote liver health and counter effects of stress and fatigue. It's also used used for insomnia associated with changing hormones.
Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, the medical system of India. It increases energy to improve overall health and longevity. Studies have proven powerful anti-stress effects as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immune modulating properties. |
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ENHANCE THYROID HORMONES
The adrenal glands and the thyroid are directly linked so once the adrenals become exhausted the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone. The following nutrients have been found to help support the thyroid and can safely be taken along with thyroid medicines.
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the manufacture of thyroid hormones.
Ashwagandha supports the thyroid gland. Studies show it enhances thyroid function and produces a significant increase in T4 thyroid hormone. Guggal extract and Ashwagandha should be used together to support thyroid health.
Guggal extract supports complete thyroid health while enhancing the conversion of T4 hormone to the more potent T3 hormone.
Potassium Iodide, essential for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, was initially added to salt to combat the epidemic of low thyroid in Canadians. Since many people now avoid salt for fear of high blood pressure, low thyroid and goitres are on the rise in Canada.
ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGEN PROTECTION
We must avoid products containing environmental estrogens. Detoxification of these environmental estrogens is also important. Saunas and dry brushing the skin help to eliminate excess estrogens, as can eating organic cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. Supplementing with the following nutrients can help protect you from the dangerous effects of environmental estrogens and hormone imbalance.
Indole-3-carbionol (I-3-C) is an anti-cancer phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables. Over 800 studies have shown that I-3-C helps to breakdown cancer-causing estrogens to non-toxic forms. I-3-C maintains a healthy cervix, protects against HPV cervical lesions and controls abnormal cell growth found in those with uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
D-glucarate is a powerful detoxifier of excess estrogens via the liver. It helps to maintain healthy hormone balance.
Green Tea Extract contains polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids shown to be protective against estrogen related cancers and it stops abnormal cell growth. (Note: although uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and breast lumps may not develop into cancers, they are cells growing out of control.)
Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric and the chief ingredient in curry. This powerful anti-inflammatory agent works to inhibit all steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion and progression. Curcumin also supports the liver.
Milk Thistle enhances liver detoxification, inhibits replication of breast cancer cells and reduces toxic effects of chemotherapy.
Rosemary Extract, a potent antioxidant, inhibits mammary cancer development and helps to detoxify carcinogenic estrogens.
Lycopene, found in tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon, was recently shown to reduce breast cancer risk by 36% when women took 6.5 mg daily.
Sulfurophane, an antioxidant from broccoli sprout extract, has been shown to stimulate the body’s production of detoxification enzymes that eliminate xenoestrogens.
Lorna Vanderhaeghe, women’s health expert and author of 8 books including Sexy Hormones co-authored with Dr. Alvin Pettle, MD gynecologist. Lorna has a monthly talk show and award-winning website http://www.hormonehelp.com |
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