Estrogen Metabolism & How to Balance It

1 of the 2 top hormones that are affected in women in our day and age is ESTROGEN.

Both men and women have it, men have fewer women have more.

It regulates the growth, development, and physiology of the human reproductive system.

It binds to target organs and exerts its physiological effect.

At a healthy level, it’s a potent anti-inflammatory hormone. 

However, in women, we are unfortunately seeing excess and or low amounts of this hormone.

What Are Some Symptoms:

• Acne
• Bloating
• Painful cramps
• Heavy bleeds
• Irritability
• Cold hands/feet 
• Cyst in the breast
• Tender breasts
• Sleep disruptions 
• Low sex drive
• Fibroids in the uterus 

High estrogen in men and women is a predisposition to various diseases like thyroid, and heart disease, stroke, and breast + ovarian cancer.

— How estrogen is broken down is important though —

Estrogen is first broken down through Phase I in the LIVER by hydroxylation and Phase II Methylation and Glucuronidation — These phases are important to help excrete estrogen from the body; you don’t want excess hanging around!

After Phase I 3 types are produced: 2-4-16 OH

Healthy individuals with healthy metabolism typically have 60-80 % 2 OH and the remainder 4-16 OH

2 OH has a WEAK estrogenic effect on the body, however, 4-16 OH DOES NOT, they have continuous estrogenic activity in the body which is NO Bueno since it asserts a higher level of genetic mutation.

Phase II makes estrogen LESS damaging in the body - THIS pathway reduces the potential for biological damage.

— If you’re able to facilitate a HEALTHY breakdown of estrogen in the body you’ll be more likely to have a healthy estrogen balance —

These are the TOP ways to balance the estrogen in your body (in particular order):

• AVOID plastic - the disruptor of all disrupters - if you’re getting in contact with any of the BPs through filter paper, unfiltered water, canned foods, makeup products, synthetic fragrances, cosmetics, etc. then you are going to come in contact with extra estrogen in the body.  It’s not to overwhelm but just be aware so you can limit it.
• BOWEL movements - constipation is a disruptor of healthy estrogen metabolism. If you have gut issues or irregular bowel movements, it can lead to the RECIRCULATION of estrogen in the body.
• Stress - high cortisol leads to an imbalance of all other hormones - find your stress management methods that work for YOU
• ALCOHOL - is a STRESS on the liver, where does estrogen get metabolized? In the liver. If we have HIGH amounts of alcohol, then our liver is compromised therefore it cannot metabolize estrogen as well and is then subject to recirculation. Beer is the most estrogenic of alcohol for both men and women so try to limit that and have a green tea/matcha following drinking!
• Fitness - why? Obesity! Adipose cells RELEASE an enzyme that helps liberate or create more estrogen in the body. Fitness is also important for the clearance of these hormones as it activates the liver + movement helps your bowels.
• Sleep - hormones are restored and rejuvenated when we sleep.  Cortisol should be going down in the evening, which releases melatonin, and in turn, enforces a healing effect on the body.
• Blood Sugar - insulin/sex hormones are tightly bound! The more you eat refined, processed, or high glycemic foods, the more it can have a potential chance to lead to insulin sensitivity - when in an inflamed state with high amounts of sugar the first hormone affected is estrogen! Emphasize eating a whole food, balanced fibre-rich diet!
• Cruciferous Vegetables - help support liver metabolism, Indole 3 carbinol is found in these foods, and it stimulates detoxification enzymes. Broccoli Sprouts are great for this, as are broccoli, and cauliflower 
• Minerals + Vitamins: magnesium / B12 B2 B6 plays a positive role in phase I + phase II detoxification - 50-75% of the population doesn't get enough magnesium. 
• Do your research when it comes to Hormone Replacement Therapy - Birth Control can affect your hormones. Be sure to read all predispositions to taking these medications. You have to ask yourself, what are the cost benefits?
• Pesticides + Herbicides - estrogenic to the body and inflammatory - build a garden at home and be aware of the Dirty Dozen!

Oracle Beauty Hub's Aura program focuses on building a foundation for the female body through hormone regulation, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle.  To learn more click store in the navigation bar.