Question
I am told I have low estrogen levels, yet am still estrogen dominant because the other hormone (and precurser) levels are low and out of balance. I was prescribed Premarin for the low estrogen, but didn’t use it because I was unwilling to use a synthetic hormone, and besides, I didn’t think it was actually addressing my problem. Do you have any suggestions for me to get back into a healthy balance? Erika.
Answer
Thanks Erika, this is a great question because not only is it a very common problem, it is simple to correct with ‘holistic’ nutrition.
Like every single process in our bodies, building and balancing of hormones requires certain nutrients. Not having these pre cursor nutrients can result in inadequate hormone levels and symptoms such as pcos, acne, weight gain, headaches, irritability, hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness, lethargy, irregular periods, and many other uncomfortable symptoms and potentially troublesome issues such as gall bladder congestion and disease, fatty liver, arterial disease, and cancer. Eating the wrong foods contributes to the buildup of excess hormones and again requires certain nutrients to clear the bloodstream.
It takes several weeks to stop experiencing symptoms and rebuild your hormone system.
Be consistent, keep focused on the outcome of being symptom free, happy and healthy, to reinforce and help this new way become who you are.
Pay attention to the messages your body is telling you and it will gently guide you to what it needs to heal.
Note: For Information about PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and how it relates to nutrtion go here: PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Holistic Nutrition. [1]
Gradually do less of the things that cause symptoms and more of the things that make you feel better. Like this:
Do more of the things that increase precursor nutrients and add balancing phytoestrogens
- Chick peas and Hummus Try, Heavenly Garlicky Hummus [2]
- All beans and peas
- All nuts and seeds in raw form always
- All berries
- Red Clover Tea
- Organic Tofu, Tempeh, Naturally Fermented Soy
- Ground Flax Seeds, Cold Pressed, unrefined Flax Seed Oil
- Hemp Seeds and Hemp Oil
- Try Chocolate Strawberry Hemp Smoothie [3]
- Eat more raw food
Help your body excrete excess hormones
- Exercise
- Stay well hydrated at all times
- Get lots of sleep
- Get lots of downtime
- Pamper yourself
- Cleanse your liver and digestive system by drinking lots of fresh water and lemon juice
- Try lots of different cleanses until you find what works for you and stick with it
- Always be gentle with yourself when cleansing to minimize waste off symptoms and stay calm and happy
- No stress needed, even when cleansing, try Cleanse Your Body [4]
Do less of the things that add extra estrogen and decrease your ability to excrete estrogen
- Stress
- Eat less estrogen producing foods:
- Meat of all kinds
- Dairy of all kinds
- Eat less foods that contribute to congestion in your liver, gallbladder and arteries:
- Fried foods
- Saturated fats in meat and dairy
- Hydrogenated fats, partially hydrogenated fats like those in peanut butter, modified oils and fats
- Cooked foods
- Reduce all plastic use in and around your home, especially those coming in contact with food and beverages. Use stainless steel or glass water bottles, to reduce the intake of powerful synthetic estrogen acting compounds.
- Eat organic food
Here is an article that explains more about phytoestrogens and hormones The Hormonal Personality of Hummus and foods with estrogen. [5]
Thanks again for this great question Erika.
Lisa