Hormones play an extremely important role in creating balance and harmony in the body. It is important to have the correct ratio of oestrogen to progesterone in order for the body to function optimally. When this balance is disturbed, problems will arise.

Functions of oestrogen in the body include:

• The development and maintenance of secondary female sex characteristics that appear during puberty

• Regulation of menstruation and maintaining pregnancy

• Managing the clotting potential of blood

• Bone strength

• Blood vessel maintenance

• Regulating metabolic rate

• Bowel motility

• Muscle mass

• Fat storage and fluid balance

• In men, oestrogen is involved with sperm maturation and libido

What is Oestrogen Dominance?

Oestrogen dominance is a growing problem and can cause many problems such as PMS, loss of sex drive, sweet cravings, depression, heavy periods, weight gain, breast swelling and water retention. Oestrogen dominance either occurs as a result of too much oestrogen in the body or a lack of progesterone or a combination of the two. Stress can also cause deficient progesterone as progesterone is used to make stress hormones. The following factors seem to contribute to hormone imbalances: higher levels of oestrogen compounds in the atmosphere; poor nutrition; emotional, chemical and physical stress; and the use of synthetic hormones, which alter the natural balance in our bodies.

Causes of Oestrogen Dominance

Xenoestrogens – these are synthetic oestrogens that mimic oestrogen in the body. They are environmental chemicals and pollutants that we are exposed to in our food, air, water and are capable of disrupting our biological processes. They put strain on the liver as they aren’t as easily broken down as natural oestrogen and they remain longer in the body, which may result in them being reabsorbed into the blood stream. Too much oestrogen in a woman will burn out her ovaries and affect her fertility.

Today we are experiencing an ever-growing trend of infertility as well as increased exposure to xenoestrogens. If you aren’t eating organic meat and poultry then you will be getting a good dose of synthetic hormones, which are used to fatten up animals getting them to produce more and thus increasing profits. Plastics have also been found to leach oestrogen-like molecules. If you think you may be oestrogen dominant then try and avoid plastic use in storing food, drinking from plastic cups, heating food up in the microwave.

Nonylphenols and Octylphenols are the most common xenoestrogens and are the breakdown products found in detergents and household cleaners. Oestrogen from the birth control pill and HRT is able to pass through water treatment plants and into the water supply, thus affecting both men and women. Non-organic fruits and vegetables should be rinsed in water with some apple cider vinegar or grapefruit seed extract to get rid of pesticides and herbicides.

Symptoms

• Weight gain

• Headaches

• Bad temper

• Chronic fatigue

• Loss of interest in sex

• Fibrocystic breast disease

• Encourages development of breast cancer

• Osteoporosis

• Fibroids

• Increases risk of endometrial cancer

• High blood pressure

• Increased risk of stroke and heart disease

What can you do?

• Eat fresh, wholefoods that don't have a list of ingredients

• Exercise regularly as benefits include:

• Increase in oxygen levels in the blood helping nutrient absorption

• Builds strong bones

• Clears anxiety and depression

• Enhances mental clarity

• Enhances immune functions and lowers cancer rates

• Aids in relaxation and a restful sleep

• Helps maintain energy

• Improves elimination of wastes

• Alleviates symptoms of PMS

• Lowers cholesterol

• Normalises blood pressure

• Stabilises hormone levels

• Relaxation techniques help to alleviate stress to avoid an imbalance in hormone levels. Find something you enjoy, good options include yoga, meditation, tai chi, walking, reading a good book, painting.

• Avoid artificial oestrogens found in cling film, plastic bottles, petroleum products, tap water and non-organic food.

• Avoid toxins and pollutants like cadmium in cigarettes, tap water, pesticides and additives

• Stop smoking if you smoke

• Use glass or ceramic dishes to store food

• Do not heat plastic in the microwave or leave them in the sun

• Use natural household cleaners and detergents

• Use natural pesticides and herbicides in your garden

• Use an alternative method of birth control

• Regular Reflexology treatment will help to regulate and balance hormones.

What will you try today to restore balance to your hormones?

I would love to hear your feedback or questions, so please post on my facebook page below or reply to this and let me know.

With love,