In the last blog I explained how the monthly menstrual cycle works. This sets the stage for understanding how imbalances in cycle can take place. During the menstrual cycle there are four hormones that are essential for the process to work. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogens and progesterone all have specific levels that need to be reached during different times of the menstrual cycle.
If the amount of the hormones are at improper levels during the menstrual cycle it will cause imbalances and symptoms for women. So as we talk about imbalances of estrogens and progesterone, it will be in relationship to the normal ratios that occur during the cycle. In Susan M. Lark, MD’s PMS Self Help Book: A Woman’s Guide, she talks about abnormal estrogen and progesterone levels. When estrogens levels are too high in relation to the normal levels women tend to feel anxious. When progesterone levels are higher than normal levels of progesterone women tend to feel depressed. High estrogen levels are much more common than high progesterone levels so in addition to anxiety women my also experience breast tenderness, poor sleep habits, headaches or migraines, irregular bleeding, water retention, mood swings or weight gain. If the estrogens are levels are running without any progesterone kicking in at the second half of the cycle women may experience increase risks for infertility, heavy bleeding, fibroids, breast or uterine cancer and or heart disease.
One reason that woman may experience higher than normal estrogen levels is being overweight. Our fat cells, called adipose cells actually increases estrogens levels in the body. A women that is 20 or more pound overweight is increasing her estrogen levels and that may be affecting her periods. Xenoestrogens are industrial made compounds that mimic estrogen effects in the body. Xenoestrogens are found in many plastic products and this is why there are cautions about heating foods in plastic containers in the microwave or leaving plastic water bottles in the hot car. These will increase the xenoestrogens the estrogens in the body and increase the chance of estrogen imbalances in the body.
How to you test to find out about your hormonal levels? My suggestion is to use salivary testing so you can test several days to get a good picture of if your hormones are at appropriate levels throughout the menstrual cycle. This allows your doctor to create a treatment plan that is specific to your underlying hormonal cause. For more information about salivary testing find me on the web www.healthydaes.org.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.amazon.com or www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Daemon "Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, The Healthydaes Newsletter, and is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.org