Hormone Imbalance in the form of high Estrogen levels or Estrogen dominance affects more than 70% of the women, specifically in their late 30s and in their 40s when they near the menopause.
Estrogen (Oestrogen) is a growth hormone responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. It is produced every day in men and women.
The excess Estrogen or unused Estrogen has to be metabolized and excreted by the body to maintain healthy Estrogen levels in the body. If Estrogen detoxification process is not working properly, it can recirculate in the body causing symptoms like menstrual cramps, breast tenderness, sleep problems, low sex drive, mood swings and migraine headaches.
In addition, elevated estrogen level can increase cell growth in estrogen receptor (sensitive) tissues, such as in the uterus and breast. This can lead to fibroids, endometriosis, heavy periods and fibrocystic breast disease.
In this post, you will learn how to flush out excess estrogen from your body in a natural way so as to achieve complete estrogen detoxification and estrogen balance. We will also look into the causes, symptoms and signs of Estrogen detox that you should know.
Estrogen Metabolism and Estrogen Detox Pathways
In women, estrogen is released in high amounts during the first 2 weeks leading up to ovulation (the follicular phase). The production of Estrogen in women happens through the ovaries, fat tissue, and the adrenal glands. Thus, the amount of estrogen produced in your body is tightly tied to your menstrual cycle, stress levels and your body fat composition.
Estrogen helps the body to prepare for a menstrual cycle and directs the thickness of your uterine lining.
It also helps to grow egg follicles (ovulation), growth of breast tissue (hence size and health of breasts), and supports healthy bone density.
Additionally, estrogen can control the metabolism of glucose and lipids, thus directing your weight and fat profile.
Estrogen Metabolism and Estrogen Detoxification Pathways
At the end of its life, estrogen is converted in the liver to via a series of enzymes which prepare it for excretion through the bowel and kidneys.
The liver detoxes excess estrogen, body toxins and metabolic wastes through two phases:
- Phase I is oxidation of estrogen with oxygen and enzymes to make highly dangerous and unstable Estrogen metabolites.
- Phase II is conjugation or combination of Estrogen metabolite with other substances to make them less dangerous and ready for excretion through the kidneys and bowel.
Liver Detoxification and Estrogen Dominance
Thus, the health of your liver and hence functioning of the 2 phases of Estrogen detox determines the levels of Estrogen in your body. If your liver detoxification is not optimal, it may lead to build up of Estrogen or unstable estrogen metabolite that lead to inflammation, oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance.
To make sure that circulating Estrogen is metabolized and flushed out safely from your body, you need to make sure that your liver and kidneys are healthy and also that you have regular bowel movement (by maintaining your gut health).
The liver needs multiple nutrients and enzymes such as P450 enzyme, Vitamin D, B vitamins, vitamin C, and the master antioxidant, glutathione to perform its detoxification functions.
In addition, bile juice produced by the liver is important for binding up excess estrogen that contribute to estrogen dominance. It also induces the CYP1A1 gene, which increases 2-hydroxy-estrone, a protective form of estrogen.
Symptoms & Causes of Estrogen Dominance and High Estrogen Levels
Estrogen imbalance can happen due to one or more of the following situations:
- Type of Estrogen (E1, E2, and E3 level) in the body
- Relative to Progesterone levels in the body
- Amount of Estrogen metabolites in the body
Eventually, excess hormone level may lead to a chronic condition of Estrogen Dominance.
Common Symptoms
High estrogen levels and estrogen dominance can make you feel miserable, keeping you in pain, exhausted, and overweight. It can lead to insomnia, mood swings, cellulite, varicose veins, belly fat and hip fat, thinning hair, lumpy breasts, painful or irregular periods, fibroids, thyroid nodules, uterine polyps, endometriosis, and even infertility or a tendency toward miscarriages.
Excess estrogen levels and estrogen dominance, stimulates the liver to make more thyroid binding globulin (TBG), which thus binds thyroid hormone and decreases the amount of thyroid hormone available to the body. Thus, you may have normal levels of thyroid hormone and a functioning thyroid gland but still suffer from thyroid hormone imbalance.
Estrogen dominance can even set you up for hormone-sensitive tumors and malignancies as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, or uterine (endometrial) cancer down the road.
Causes of Estrogen Imbalance
- Weight gain or rapid weight loss: the adipose tissue or body fat has estrogenic properties, that’s why excess weight or sudden changes in weight can release Estrogen in the bloodstream causing Estrogen dominance.
- Exposure to estrogen via hormone replacement or birth control
- Hormonal transition such as postpartum or menopause
- Liver stagnation or issues with detoxification
- Exposure to toxins and endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens
- Excessive stress
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Loss of muscle has similar effect in changing the body composition thus making you prone to Estrogen dominance
Ayurvedic Approach to Estrogen Detox and Estrogen Balance
Ayurveda guides us with number of Ayurvedic medicines, herbal supplements, foods and lifestyle choices for healthy liver function, Estrogen detox and hormonal balance.
Here are the highly effective natural ways that you should follow to safely detox excess Estrogen, balance your hormones and find relief from your health symptoms.
Ayurvedic Natural Ways for Liver Health & Estrogen Detox
Following a healthy lifestyle is an excellent way to support the health of your liver, reduce stress in your life and also regulate your hormone levels. Here are Ayurvedic lifestyle tips for Estrogen detox and hormone balance:
1. Manage Stress
One of the most important things you can do for your liver health is to manage stress. Stress creates imbalances in the body that can lead to hormonal imbalances and other health problems.Practice Relaxation Techniques: There are many different relaxation techniques that you can practice to reduce stress.
2. Regular Sleep
Getting regular sleep is another important Ayurvedic lifestyle tip for liver health. Sleep gives your body a chance to rest and heal. Health problems can often be exacerbated by lack of sleep, so make sure you are getting enough rest.
3. Exercise
Exercise is important for overall health, but it is also helpful to eliminate excess Estrogen through sweat and stimulate liver function. Exercise helps to reduce stress and improve circulation.
4. Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is essential for liver health. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugar and alcohol.
5. Remove Hormone Disturbing Chemicals
Limit your exposure to hormone- disrupting chemicals by eating organic foods, using natural cleaning products and personal care items.
6. Herbal Supplements
Certain herbs can be helpful in supporting liver health. Fennel seeds, burdock root, yellow dock, turmeric and ginger are all excellent choices. You can take these herbs in supplement form or add them to your diet.
7. Nutrition
Nutrients as Omega 3 fats, Proteins, B Vitamins (folate, B12, B6 and B9), Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Sulphur are essential for liver function. Make sure you are getting sufficient vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in your diet.
8. Regular Bowel
Proper elimination and daily bowel movements are important for liver health as they help to eliminate excess Estrogen from the body. Make sure you are getting regular bowel movements and if you are not, consider taking a gentle laxative or stool softener.
9. Assess your current medications
There are a range of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can change your hormone levels. Birth control pills stop your body from making its own hormones, and you are relying on the hormones in the pill. If you are using hormone replacement therapy, you may be getting too much estrogen. Other medications such as antibiotics can also add to a hormone imbalance.
10. Ayurvedic Herbs
There are a number of helpful Ayurvedic herbs for liver health. Bitter herbs such as neem, guduchi, kalmegh, milk thistle, chitraka, dandelion, amla, bibhitaki, turmeric and ginger are excellent herbs for estrogen detoxification, digestive health and optimal liver function.
Estrogen Detox Diet and Best Foods for Healthy Estrogen Levels
Most women know that estrogen is an important hormone in the female body, but few know how to keep their estrogen levels healthy. An estrogen detox diet can be a great way to cleanse your system and promote healthy estrogen levels.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices for an estrogen detox diet. These veggies contain a compound called indole-3-carbinol, which has been shown to promote healthy estrogen metabolism.
- Another great food for an estrogen detox is flaxseed. Flaxseed contains lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that can help balance estrogen levels in the body. Including flaxseed in your diet is an easy way to get more lignans into your system.
- Eating plenty of fiber is another important part of an estrogen detox diet. Fiber helps in estrogen excretion, which can help keep estrogen levels in check. Foods like beans, whole grains, fruits and insoluble fibre as psyllium husk are all excellent sources of fiber.
- Finally, make sure to drink plenty of water when you’re doing an estrogen detox. Water helps to flush toxins out of the body and keeps you hydrated, which is important for overall health. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, and add lemon or lime juice to your water for an extra boost of detoxification power.
Takeaway
If you think you need to do an estrogen detox, it is important to talk to an Ayurvedic doctor. The doctor will look at all your symptoms and decide if you have a hormone imbalance. He or she will give you advice on how to treat the imbalance, which might involve changing your diet, taking a supplement, or adjusting your medication.
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle will improve your well being. However, if you are planning to make major changes to your medication or take Ayurvedic herbal medicines, it is best to consult an Ayurvedic doctor. This is because they can help make sure that you are making the right changes and that you aren’t making your health problems worse.
FAQ
1. How can I detox my body from estrogen?
There are many things that can contribute to an excess of estrogen in the body, from taking hormone replacement therapy to eating a diet high in soy. When estrogen levels get too high, it can lead to a variety of problems, including weight gain, bloating, and mood swings. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to detox your body from estrogen. For example, you can eat more cruciferous vegetables, which contain compounds that help break down estrogen. You can also take supplements like vitamin C and magnesium, which help to flush excess estrogen from the body. Finally, regular exercise helps to increase circulation and eliminate toxins from the body, including excess estrogen. By following these simple steps, you can help to restore balance to your hormones and improve your overall health.
2. How long does it take to get estrogen out of your system?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the type of estrogen you are taking and your own individual metabolism. Generally speaking, though, it can take several weeks for estrogen levels to return to normal after stopping treatment. This is because estrogen is slowly excreted from the body through the kidneys. In some cases, though, it may take longer for estrogen levels to return to normal. This is more likely to be the case if you have been taking a high dose of estrogen or if you have a slow metabolism. If you are concerned about the amount of time it is taking for your hormone levels to return to normal, talk to your doctor. They will be able to give you more specific advice based on your individual situation.
3. How do I naturally detox my hormones?
Hormones are essential to our health and well-being, but they can also become imbalanced, leading to a range of problems. Thankfully, there are a number of natural ways to detox your hormones and restore balance. One of the most effective ways is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients that help to detoxify the body and protect against hormone imbalance. Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and Ashwagandha are also great for detoxifying the body and supporting hormone balance. Finally, be sure to get enough sleep and exercise regularly, as both of these activities help to reduce stress levels and promote overall health. By following these simple tips, you can achieve hormone balance and enjoy better health.
4. What is a hormone belly?
A hormone belly is a term used to describe the accumulation of fat around the waistline. This condition is often seen in women who are going through menopause or who have other hormonal imbalances. The exact cause of a hormone belly is not fully understood, but it is believed that estrogen plays a role in the storage of fat around the abdomen. When levels of estrogen drop, the body may begin to store more fat in this area. In addition, hormonal changes can also lead to an increase in appetite and cravings, which can further contribute to weight gain. If you are struggling with a hormone belly, there are several things you can do to try to reduce the size of your stomach. First, focus on eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. You should also try to limit your intake of processed foods and sugar. Finally, make sure to get plenty of exercise each day. Walking, jogging, and strength training are all great ways to help shrink your belly.
5. How can I balance my hormones naturally Ayurveda?
There are a few lifestyle and diet changes you can make to help balance your hormones naturally. Ayurveda recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, as well as incorporating more whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables into your diet. Exercise is also important, but it should be moderate rather than intense. That means yoga, walking, or light weights rather than running or lifting heavy weights. Getting enough sleep is another crucial factor in hormone balance. Finally, managing stress is essential, as stress hormones can have a profound impact on the entire endocrine system. Meditation, deep breathing, and spending time in nature can all help to reduce stress levels. Making these changes can be daunting, but taking it one step at a time will increase your chances of success. And remember, you don’t have to do it all perfectly–just do your best and trust that your body will respond in Kind.
6. How can I naturally normalize my estrogen levels?
Many factors can contribute to an imbalance in estrogen levels, including diet, stress, and environmental toxins. However, there are several simple things you can do to help normalize your estrogen levels naturally. First, avoid processed foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that help to break down excess estrogen. In addition, make sure to get plenty of fiber, which helps the body eliminate toxins. Taking a supplement like black cohosh or Dong quai can also be helpful in balancing estrogen levels. Finally, try to manage stress with regular exercise and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. By making these simple lifestyle changes, you can help bring your estrogen levels back into balance.
