We are subjected to many environmental estrogens, also called xenoestrogens or estrogen mimickers. These man-made chemicals act exactly like estrogen in the body. Estrogen mimickers are found in everything from plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides to dry cleaning chemicals, dairy products (particularly non-organic), and more. Too much estrogen upsets the body's delicate balance of hormones. Some of the most common female estrogen-dominant conditions are PMS, endometriosis, abnormal PAP tests, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, cystic breasts, heavy periods, hormonal acne, severe menopausal symptoms, and breast cancer. Too much estrogen can block the uptake of thyroid hormone, promoting, hyppthyroidsm, or low thyroid.
Women need estrogen but not the toxic type found in the environment. They get estrogen from their ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells. When the ovaries stop producing at menopause, or if they are surgically removed during a hysterectomy, the adrenal glands become the main source of estrogen.
The adrenal glands sit atop of the kidneys and they help us deal with stress and control of water balance in the body. When they become exhausted from too much stress, hormonal havoc ensues. Classic symptoms include the type of insomnia where you fall asleep easily but wake up several hours later and can't get back to sleep, caffeine, salt cravings, lack of energy, difficulty handing stress, and weight gain around the middle. We must take good care of our adrenals in order to have balanced hormones.
The liver is the key organ for detoxifying excess hormones; it also breaks down estrogen and other hormones and regulates hormone balance. Your liver determines whether your estrogen is going to stay in the healthy form or be converted into cancer-causing forms. The liver can become sluggish due to a diet of too many unhealthy fats, sugars and artificial sweeteners, and fried foods, and not enough vegetables and good protein. Regular alcohol consumption also negatively affects the liver's ability to maintain hormonal balance.
Hormonal Harmony
The liver, thyroid, and adrenal glands must operate at peak performance to ensure hormonal harmony. The basis of a healthy hormone program is a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables and lean protein. There are are also key herbs and nutrients that support the adrenals, liver, and thyroid.
Adrenal Support
Eight hours of deep, restful sleep at night will reverse adrenal exhaustion quickly. At bedtime, take a natural sleep aid containing chamomile, hops, valerian, and passionflower to help with sleep like Women's Balancing Sleep Blend, and melatonin. The following herbs may also be taken in combination to nourish the adrenals and help reduce the effects of stress:
Rhodiola increases the body's resistance to all types of stress, enhances mental and physical performance, and regulates the heart by increasing oxygen utilization.
Schizandra berry is a general tonic that promotes liver health and counter the effects of stress and fatigue. It's also used for insomnia associated with changing hormones.
Ashwagandha increases the body's energy to improve overall health and longevity. Studies have proven it to have powerful anti-stress effects, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immune-modulating properties.(1) Ashwagandha not only supports the adrenals but also has been found to improve thyroid function.
Boosting Thyroid Function
The adrenal glands and the thyroid are directly linked, so once the adrenals become exhausted, thyroid function decreases. The following nutrients have been found to help support the thyroid. These nutrients can be safely taken along with thyroid medicines, but it is best to consult your prescribing physician before discontinuing thyroid hormone medications.
Tyrosine is an amino acid necessary for the manufacture of thyroid hormones. It assists a sluggish thyroid and can help in burning unwanted fat.
Ashwagandha also support the thyroid gland, as mentioned above. Studies show that it promotes a significant increase in T4 thyroid hormone, which enhances thyroid function.
Guggul extract supports complete thyroid health while enhancing the conversion of T4 hormone to the more potent T3 hormone. Guggul extract and ashwagandha can be used together to support thyroid health.
Potassium iodide is essential for the manufacture of thyroid hormones, and was initially added to table salt to combat the epidemic of low thyroid. Since many people now avoid salt for fear of high blood pressure, low thyroid and goiters are on the rise.(2)
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Resources
1. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., Anishetty, S. (2012). "A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults." Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.
2. Merck Manual. "Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism." Accessed November 2024.
Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/thyroid-disorders/hypothyroidism.
