“Struggling to balance your weight – especially over 40?
Finding your Hor’s are moaning too much?
Feel like you are going nuts?

Well the topic of hormone imbalance is one I have a lot of personal experience in. PMS and mood swings are “normal”, and that “menopause is going to be difficult”  – what really winds me up is that you know how we women have been told that for forever – well, guess what – it is BS (trying to stay clam here). PMS, wild swings in mood, post natal depression is our bodies crying out for good nutrition, hormonal balance and help. So read on – here is the information on the main players – get to the end and find out how you can get some help.

The balance between the two female sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone – is critical to maintaining optimal health.

A relative excess in estrogen, known as estrogen dominance, can cause and increased risk of breast cancer, fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis.

Here are some early warning signs of estrogen dominance: PMS, loss of sex drive, cravings for sweet taste, heavy period, weight gain, breast swelling and fluid retention.

A low progesterone level can create a condition called luteal phase defect – typically defined as having less than the normal 12 to 14 days between the time of ovulation and menstruation. Luteal phase defect can cause fertility problems, making it challenging for a women to conceive.

Estrogen dominance can be caused by excessive exposure to estrogenic substances – which are found in conventionally raised meat (which is most likely hormone-fed), dairy products, many pesticides and soft plastics (BPA, PVC), as some of the chemicals can leach into food when used as containers or for wrapping.

A low progesterone level can also cause estrogen dominance. Stress can affect the production of progesterone by raising the level of cortisol, which competes with progesterone for DHEA (a precursor of progesterone).

To help balance your hormones, make sure to have sufficient intake of these nutrients:

Essential fatty acids
Vitamins B3, B6, C, and E, biotin
The minerals magnesium and zinc

Try to avoid plastic containers and wraps for food storage – never heat up foods in plastic containers. Eat soy foods in moderation – substances in soy have an estrogenic effect, and the impact of large quantity of soy on our hormonal balance is still inconclusive.

So how can I help you?

In addition to my clinical therapies, and skills in helping you find the best treatment methods, stress management, and nutrition I also have access to the best hormone testing. It’s a saliva test (no blood or needles) and we can actually work out what is going on for you.

Come and get some help –

Reference:

Holford, P. The New Optimum Nutrition Bible. Crossing Press, Berkley. 2004.