As a physician, I, Dr. Mary Louder, believe that understanding our menstrual cycle is one of the most empowering things we can do as women. By embracing the magnificence of how our bodies complete this intricate cycle each month, we not only gain a deeper appreciation for our health but also foster a stronger connection with ourselves. I’ve seen firsthand how connecting more strongly with our emotions, and detoxifying both emotionally and physically, can enhance our mind-body connection. By doing so, we can live in greater alignment with our intended purpose and achieve a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Often, we want to detach ourselves from these feelings and of the experience of “OMG, I got my period again.” But ~ And ~ However, I would like us to to consider a reframing exercise by embracing who we are and how amazing our month is as we literally cycle through our days.
For those of you who have passed over into menopause, or are around menopause (perimenopause). This is still good stuff to know as I am going to talk about our emotions in the next blog and how we can tackle those pesky thoughts, anxieties and depressive feelings that we routinely experience and encounter. Those are apart of us as well and I can help you with those as well. Onward!
The Role of Estrogen in the Menstrual Cycle
Estradiol is essential for more than just reproductive health. It helps maintain strong bones, keeps blood sugar levels stable, supports a healthy weight, and even influences mood and memory. When estradiol levels are balanced with progesterone, these functions usually work well. But if estradiol levels become too high or are not balanced with progesterone, it can lead to problems such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Acne
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of certain cancers
These symptoms are signs that there might be a hormonal imbalance that needs to be addressed.
Estradiol and Stress: The HPA Axis Connection
Estradiol levels can also be affected by stress. The body’s stress response is controlled by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which can influence hormone levels. When the body is under stress, the HPA axis can become overactive, leading to a decrease in estradiol levels. This can cause symptoms like irregular periods, mood changes, and other signs of hormonal imbalance.
On the other hand, if estradiol levels are too high and not balanced with progesterone, this can also disrupt the HPA axis and worsen stress-related symptoms. Understanding how stress and hormone levels are connected is important for managing these imbalances.
When Estradiol Levels Are Too Low
Low estradiol levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Trouble sleeping
- Joint pain
- Dry skin
- Low sex drive
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Vaginal dryness
- Weight gain
- Weaker bones
- Increased risk of heart disease
These symptoms can greatly affect your daily life. Low estradiol can be caused by several factors, such as high stress, thyroid problems, high prolactin levels, or being in perimenopause. It can also be linked to intense exercise, low body weight, or certain medications.
To support low estradiol levels, it’s important to manage stress, support thyroid health, and consider dietary or herbal supplements that help boost estradiol levels naturally.
When Estradiol Levels Are Too High
High estradiol levels can also pose significant health risks, especially if they are not balanced with progesterone. Symptoms of high estradiol include:
- Heavy periods
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Headaches
- Weight gain
High estradiol, particularly when not balanced with progesterone, increases the risk of certain types of cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer. Causes of high estradiol include obesity, insulin resistance, stress, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
To help balance high estradiol, it’s important to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and ensure proper liver function, as the liver plays a key role in metabolizing hormones.
Understanding Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen dominance occurs when estrogen levels are too high compared to progesterone levels. This can happen even if estrogen levels are normal, but progesterone levels are too low. Estrogen dominance can cause symptoms like:
- Heavy bleeding
- Painful cramps
- Breast tenderness
- PMS
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Fatigue
Addressing estrogen dominance requires a multifaceted approach that includes:
- Balancing estrogen and progesterone levels
- Supporting liver detoxification
- Managing stress and HPA axis dysfunction
- Supporting thyroid health
- Addressing gut health
- Implementing dietary and lifestyle changes
Key Steps to Balance Hormones
Balancing estradiol levels requires a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Managing Stress: Stress has a major impact on hormone levels. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress and support hormonal balance.
- Supporting Liver Health: The liver helps detoxify excess hormones. Supporting liver function with a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and using supplements like milk thistle can aid in hormone balance.
- Maintaining a Healthy Gut: A healthy gut is crucial for hormone balance. Eating a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics supports a healthy gut microbiome.
- Dietary Support: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats supports overall health and hormone balance. Avoiding processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol is also important.
- Regular Monitoring: Regular hormone testing, such as the DUTCH test, can help identify imbalances early and guide effective treatment.
Call to Action: Take Control of Your Hormonal Health
If you suspect you might have a hormonal imbalance, taking action now can make a big difference. Here are key steps to get started:
- Test Your Hormones: The DUTCH test provides a comprehensive analysis of your hormone levels, helping to identify any imbalances. This is a crucial step in understanding your hormonal health.
- Use Our Specialized Detox Bundle: Our Detox Bundle is designed to support your body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to bring balance to the gut-hormone axis and improve overall health. This bundle includes supplements that support liver function, hormone metabolism, and reduce inflammation.
- Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Along with testing and detox, adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques are essential for maintaining hormonal balance.
By understanding your body and taking these steps, you can achieve better health and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait—start your journey to balanced hormones and better well-being today!
CALL TO ACTION
"Know thyself better" by taking the DUTCH hormone test to gain deep insights into your menstrual health. Follow up with our signature Detox Bundle, designed specifically with estrogen support, to help balance your hormones and enhance your well-being. Take the first step towards a healthier you today! #DUTCHTest #HormonalHealth
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