Are You Detoxing Estrogen Properly?
As women, we make estrogen in our bodies. However, estrogen-like compounds(endocrine disruptors) are also found in the environment. For example,phytoestrogens, and man-made chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates which can also mimic estrogen when it comes into contact with our bodies and cause an imbalance 😬
And...they must be properly metabolized to be excreted from the body. Let me tell you how...
Estrogen is mainly metabolized in the liver through detoxification, which is the process of breaking down estrogens into metabolites that can be excreted from the body (mostly through poop).
There are 3 different possible estrogen metabolites at the end of phase 1 liver detoxification. They are 2-OH,4-OH,16-OH.
The 2-OH metabolite is the weakest and has the least estrogenic activity overall in the body and is considered the safest metabolite (some call this metabolite the "good" estrogen).
The 4-OH is a much stronger estrogen metabolite and has been shown to alter DNA, leading to potential tumor growth.
The 16-OH has also been shown to have potential tumor initiation properties.
Here are some causes of estrogen imbalances:
1. Poor liver function,because the liver is the location for most estrogen metabolism. So, if it isn't functioning optimally, the result could be an imbalance of estrogen. Things like dandelion + milk thistle tea support the liver, cofffee enemas, glutathione or NAC.
2. Gut dysbiosis, because the gut microbiome strongly influences the overall metabolism of estrogen. So, if the gut microbiome is disrupted or not diverse enough, an estrogen imbalance could occur. I always recommend running a GI map stool test with a functional provider.
3. Endocrine disrupting chemicals, because they mimic the real estrogen in our bodies, which causes a rise in overall estrogen. Aim to eat oragnic to avoid pesticides on food, avoid plastic food containers, metals, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals in personal care products.
So..how do you know if you have an imbalance?
I recommend running a DUTCH hormone test to not only check your hormone levels, but also, how well your liver is detoxing those hormones out of your body.
Interested in running functional labs to optimize your health? Don't keep putting your health on the back burner. Check out my package offers here and let me help you thrive today!
You deserve it, Babe! 💕
