Estrogen is a female hormone that helps regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle and reproductive system. It is produced naturally by the body, however we also acquire it from our environment and diet.
We are constantly exposed to estrogen-like compounds called xenoestrogens, through plastics, herbicides, pesticides and growth hormones as well as pharmaceutical hormones like those used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
During perimenopause a woman’s sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) start to decline. However, in some cases estrogen can remain high leading to what is called estrogen dominance.
Estrogen dominance is thought to be the cause of many types of hormone related cancers, including breast, uterine and prostate cancer.
How do you know if you have estrogen dominance? Common symptoms include:
- acne
- cramps
- weight gain
- mood swings
- irregular periods
- constipation
- insomnia
- bloating
- hair loss
- endometriosis
- uterine fibriods
- gallstones
- varicose veins
What to do if you have estrogen dominance?
Love your liver
The liver breaks down estrogen and most hormones. Fatty liver, alcohol, drug use, liver disease and any else that impairs liver function will lead to an estrogen build-up. Check out my handout on castor oil packs – a great at home treatment to help with liver detoxification (image above).
Get Moving
Exercise has been proven to help detoxify the body of hormones. Sweating, increasing your metabolism and reducing fat tissue will enhance the removal of estrogen. 30 minutes 5 days per week of moderate (brisk) exercise. Fat tissue by the way is a natural source of estrogen as well.
Say “NO” to Plastic
Xenoestrogens (environmental estrogen) are in plastics, cosmetics, water, soil and food products; they mimic and amplify the effect of estrogen.
Eat Organic
Some meat and dairy products can contain hormone additives which may increase your exposure to unwanted estrogen.
A Broccoli A Day…
Daily consumption of cruciferous veggies: broccoli, cauliflower and kale have compounds (di-indolmethane/Indole-3-carbinol) in them, which helps with liver detoxification and hormone breakdown.
Take A Probiotic
Probiotics help to regulate gut hormone production and enhance elimination of toxins. Keep them happy with fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, kombucha and lots of dietary fiber (legumes, beans, whole grains)
Drink Green Tea
Evidence has shown that 3-5 cups of green tea daily helps with liver detoxification, hormone elimination and reduces the risk of hormone related cancers.
This information is not intended to diagnose and treat medical conditions, it is provided solely for informational purposes.
If you have specific questions for your health related concerns please schedule a telemedicine appointment with Dr. McMurry.
Dr. McMurry’s goal is to increase access to naturopathic preventative medicine. She provides on-site workplace preventative health appointments to employees. As well as telemedicine (virtual video) appointments to cancer patients seeking integrative naturopathic cancer care.
If you’re interested in learning more about what she does and/or who she is please feel free to email her at info@naturopathiccancertreatment.com.
