How to Support Estrogen Metabolism

💥 Not all estrogens are equal.

Maybe you’ve heard that estrogen fuels breast cancer risk.

But did you know that there are many different estrogen metabolites and some present a greater risk than others?

Also, estrogen metabolites interact with genetics, liver enzymes, antioxidants, and other biochemical pathways to ultimately determine breast cancer risk.

Meaning estrogen is only part of the puzzle 🧩

Some things we can do for healthy estrogen metabolism include:

▪️ Support estrogen elimination from the gut with fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and supplements like calcium-d-glucarate

▪️ Support estrogen metabolism in the liver with sulfur-rich foods (like onions, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts) and antioxidant supplements like resveratrol

▪️ Support production of more favorable estrogen metabolites with supplements like DIM (diindolylmethane) and I3C (indole-3-carbinol)

The best approach is one that is personalized to YOU.

If you are looking to strike the perfect balance of hormonal health today and disease risk reduction down the road, we are here to help.

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!

#estrogenmetabolism #breasthealth #hormoneoptimization #hormonehealth

REFERENCES:

-Das S, Somisetty VS, Ulven SM, Matthews J. Resveratrol and 3,3'-Diindolylmethane Differentially Regulate Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Estrogen Receptor Alpha Activity through Multiple Transcriptomic Targets in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2023;24(19):14578. [link]

-Siddiqui R, Makhlouf Z, Alharbi AM, Alfahemi H, Khan NA. The Gut Microbiome and Female Health. Biology (Basel). 2022;11(11):1683.. [link]
-Starek-Świechowicz B, Budziszewska B, Starek A. Endogenous estrogens-breast cancer and chemoprevention. Pharmacol Rep. 2021;73(6):1497-1512. [link]

Step 1 = Listen to Your Hormones

But wait! Let me finish ⬇️

Hormonal changes are not the only possible causes for these issues. To fully understand, we need to look at the complete picture, including your health history and labs.

That being said, I believe you deserve to understand your body!

Here’s what more women need to know:

Perimenopause can begin as early as age 35. It’s common for progesterone to decline before estrogen, creating a picture of high estrogen. That means…

👉 Worsening PMS, bloating, and heavy periods rather than what you might be expecting from “menopause.”

The good news is that we have an extensive toolbox to support healthy hormones and ease the transition with lifestyle, nutrition, and supplementation.

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Do You Know What’s Normal for Your Hormones?

Read to the end for my top hormone health tips ⬇️⬇️

But first, what most women don’t know is that “hormone balance” changes over time. Here are the differences in a nutshell…

🌸 Premenopause (typically under age 40)

During this time, it’s normal to have a monthly period. It’s normal to notice cyclical changes in your body and emotions as your estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall each month.

One hormonal imbalance to look out for at for at this stage is 💥estrogen dominance. This is when estrogen levels are too high in comparison to progesterone. Signs can include heavy or painful periods, breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating.

🌸 Perimenopause (can begin as early as age 35)

This is a transitional time that lasts an average of 4 years but can last up to 10! It’s normal for your hormones to fluctuate dramatically, making your menstrual cycles shorter, longer, or irregular.

One hormonal imbalance to look out for at this age is 💥low progesterone. This happens if progesterone levels fall faster than estrogen levels. Signs of low progesterone include insomnia, headaches, and anxiety.

🌸 Postmenopause (average age of 51)

Once you’ve gone 12 months without a period, you are officially postmenopausal. This stage of life is naturally defined by 💥low estrogen and progesterone.

Some of the best ways to support hormone health at ANY stage:

✔️ Eat high-quality proteins and healthy fats

✔️ Manage stress and support adrenals with nutrients and adaptogens

✔️ Support liver health with antioxidants for healthy hormone metabolism

✔️ Optimize gut and digestion with fiber, probiotics, and an anti-inflammatory diet

✔️ Build muscle strength and a healthy metabolism with resistance training

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to healthy hormones! If you’re looking for an individualized and personalized approach to hormone health...

🔗 Follow the link in our bio to get started!

When Women Ask If I Think It’s Their Hormones…

💥Female hormones start with estrogen & progesterone BUT ⬇️⬇️

They don’t end there.

If you’re dealing with period problems, PMS, mood swings, painful breasts, no libido, hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, or anything else you suspect *might* be your hormones, this post is for you!

Yes, it might be your hormones.

AND ALSO your hormones might be out of whack because of one of these 6 contributing causes I see most often in my practice:

1️⃣ Detoxification (estrogen is metabolized in the liver)

2️⃣ Gut Health (estrogen metabolites are eliminated in everyday healthy 💩)

3️⃣ Stress (stress causes the body to favor cortisol production over progesterone)

4️⃣ Blood Sugar (spikes in blood sugar and insulin lower the levels of SHBG, increasing free estrogen and testosterone)

5️⃣ Nutrient Depletion (magnesium and B6 are especially important for hormone metabolism)

6️⃣ Xenoestrogens (everyday chemicals can mimic our hormones)

Don’t worry. It’s not your job to make sense of all this.

That’s my job.

If you want to stay informed and empowered in your health and prefer a root-cause approach, you’re in the right place.

Follow for more on Female Hormone Health.

🌱 Get started at our practice through the link in our bio!