How to clear Excess Estrogen

Rebalancing Your Hormones: A Naturopathic Approach to Estrogen Balance

As a naturopath, herbalist, and clinical nutritionist, I often see how deeply interconnected our hormonal health is with overall well-being. Estrogen dominance, a state where estrogen levels are disproportionately high compared to other hormones like progesterone, is a common imbalance that can significantly impact health, especially for those navigating conditions like Hashimoto's disease and an underactive thyroid. But even without a diagnosed thyroid issue, many can experience the effects of excess estrogen.

Understanding and addressing estrogen balance is a cornerstone of holistic health, focusing on supporting your body's natural detoxification pathways and reducing exposure to hormone disruptors.

Understanding Estrogen Dominance: Why It Matters

Excessive "unfavorable" estrogen metabolites in the body can have wide-ranging effects. This imbalance is often implicated in conditions such as:

• Endometriosis

• Fibrocystic Breast Disease

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Obesity

• Cellulite

• Fibroids

• Insomnia

• Thyroid Disease

• Certain Cancers (Cervical, Ovarian, Breast)

For individuals with hypothyroidism, especially Hashimoto's, there's a recognized connection. Research suggests that estrogen dominance can exacerbate hypothyroidism by increasing Thyroid Binding Globulin (TBG), which binds to thyroid hormones, making them inactive and unavailable to cells. Studies also indicate that certain estrogen metabolites can negatively impact thyroid cell morphology and viability.

What Leads to Excess Estrogen?

Our bodies are designed to process and eliminate hormones efficiently, primarily through the liver. However, several factors can disrupt this delicate balance:

• Imbalanced Progesterone Levels:

  • Progesterone, produced after ovulation, naturally counteracts estrogen. If ovulation doesn't occur, or if progesterone production is "stolen" for stress hormone synthesis (a common occurrence in our busy lives), estrogen can become unopposed.

  • Studies show that stress can lead to increased cortisol, which can influence progesterone levels, further impacting hormonal equilibrium.

• Environmental Estrogen Mimics (Xenoestrogens):

  • We are constantly exposed to chemicals that mimic estrogen, known as endocrine disruptors or xenoestrogens. These can be found in plastics (BPA, phthalates), parabens in personal care products, pesticides, and various man-made substances.

  • The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) conducts extensive research on these chemicals, highlighting how even low doses can alter the body's sensitive systems and lead to health problems by mimicking, increasing, or decreasing natural hormone levels.

• Excess Body Fat:

  • Adipose tissue (body fat) is not just storage; it's an active endocrine organ that produces estrogen. The more fat tissue present, the more estrogen can be produced. This connection is why excess weight is often linked to fertility challenges, as estrogen can act as a natural contraceptive.

Our goal is to support the body's natural detoxification pathways, ensuring excess estrogen is metabolized correctly and efficiently excreted. This is where holistic strategies truly shine!

Nourishing Your Body: Dietary Support

Diet plays a pivotal role in supporting your body's ability to process and eliminate excess estrogen.

• High-Fiber, Plant-Based Whole Foods:

  • A diet rich in fiber, especially from leafy green vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, is crucial.

  • Research indicates that dietary fiber can significantly reduce circulating estrogen levels by altering the gut microbiome and preventing the reabsorption of estrogen. Fiber helps bind to estrogen in the intestine, facilitating its excretion through stool.

• Cruciferous Powerhouses:

  • Include plenty of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage.

  • These vegetables contain compounds like Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) and its metabolite Diindolylmethane (DIM), which are known to support healthier estrogen metabolism. Studies show that DIM can help shift estrogen metabolism towards more protective pathways (e.g., increasing 2-hydroxy-estrone, a "good" estrogen metabolite, and lowering "bad" ones like 16-hydroxy-estrone and 4-hydroxy-estrone).

• Quality Protein Sources:

  • Prioritize fish and organic, grass-fed animal proteins to avoid added hormones and antibiotics often found in commercially raised products. Protein is essential for liver detoxification.

• Essential Nutrients:

  • Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, and Selenium: These are vital for overall hormone health and cellular function.

  • Magnesium and B Vitamins: These minerals and vitamins are crucial cofactors for the liver's detoxification pathways. Magnesium, in particular, is noted for its role in regulating estrogen metabolism and supporting hormonal balance. Many B vitamins, especially activated folate, also support methylation, a key Phase II detoxification process.

• Foods to Limit or Avoid:

  • Caffeine, Sugar, Excess Salt: These can contribute to systemic inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance.

  • Commercially Raised Saturated Fats and Dairy: These may contain hormones and antibiotics that can contribute to your body's overall toxic burden.

  • Sources of Copper and Arsenic: Be mindful of potential exposures, as these can interfere with detoxification processes.

• Seed Cycling:

  • This practice involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. For example, flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase (days 1-14) and sunflower and sesame seeds during the luteal phase (days 15-28).

  • While scientific evidence is still emerging and often based on small studies or anecdotal reports, proponents suggest that the phytoestrogens and essential fatty acids in these seeds may modulate estrogen activity and support menstrual regularity. It's a gentle, complementary approach many find beneficial.

Supportive Lifestyle Practices

Lifestyle choices are incredibly powerful in promoting hormonal balance and detoxification.

• Lymphatic and Elimination Channel Support:

  • Lymphatic drainage massage: This gentle massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays a critical role in fluid balance, immune function, and toxin removal. Emerging research highlights its benefits in supporting detoxification and reducing fluid retention, which can be particularly helpful for symptoms related to hormonal shifts. The lymphatic system helps move waste to the bloodstream, then to the liver and kidneys for excretion.

  • Infrared Saunas: These saunas provide deep, penetrating heat that promotes detoxification through sweating. Studies suggest that regular infrared sauna use can support hormone balance by reducing cortisol levels, improving sleep quality (which aids melatonin production), enhancing overall detoxification (helping eliminate excess estrogen), and supporting thyroid function.

• Reduce Chemical Exposure:

  • Organic Body Products and Makeup: Opt for natural, organic alternatives to minimize exposure to parabens, phthalates, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body.

  • Organic Natural Cleaning Products: Similar to body products, conventional cleaning supplies can contain chemicals that interfere with your hormones.

  • Store Foods in Glass, Pottery, or Stainless Steel: Avoid plastic containers, especially when heating food, as plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food and beverages.

Mind-Body Harmony: Metaphysical & Stress Reduction

Our emotional and mental states profoundly impact our physical health, including hormone balance.

• Stress Reduction:

  • Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol, which can impact the delicate balance between estrogen and progesterone. Practices that calm the nervous system are essential.

  • Consider incorporating practices like:

    • Counselling or therapy

    • Flower essences

    • Kinesiology

    • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

    • Theta healing

  • Meditation & Yoga: These practices are well-known for their ability to reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and support overall well-being, which indirectly benefits hormonal health.

• Crystals:

  • Many individuals find benefit from working with crystals for energetic support. Moonstone, for example, is often associated with feminine energies and hormonal balance.

• Self-Care & Prioritization:

  • As Louise Hay suggests, prioritizing your own needs and well-being is fundamental to healing and balance. This includes setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace.

Remember, every step towards a more balanced, nourishing lifestyle contributes to your hormonal health. Start with what feels achievable and gradually incorporate more practices as you go along!