At Moody we are dedicated to unlock the secrets to what and how our hormones can affect our bodies. Hormones are the chemical keys to understanding how our bodies affect our moods. We want to explore the symptoms which can indicate an imbalance. We have been working with the brilliant doctors at the Marion Gluck Clinic to uncover some of the dominant hormones in our cycle and the facts behind how to spot and address these imbalances. This week we spoke to Dr. Valeria Acampora about Oestrogen.
Dr Acampora developed an interest in bio-identical hormones to restore and maintain optimal health and hormone balance. She completed her training with Dr Marion Gluck at the Marion Gluck Clinic. She believes in a scientific-based approach to ageing, focused on preservation of optimum human functions and quality of life, making every effort to modulate the process of ageing prior to the onset of degenerative ageing.
What are the triggers that can cause an oestrogen imbalance
There are many possible causes for a oestrogen imbalance. Common causes include:
• Diseases, such as PCOS, primary ovarian insufficiency, pituitary tumor, thyroiditis, eating disorders and diabetes
• Medications
• Under-eating or eating the wrong foods (too little fatty acids, too much soy, too much alcohol)
• Over-exercising
• Stress (your body steals from your sex hormone system in order to produce the stress hormone ‘cortisol’)
• Toxins (heavy metals, chemicals)
• Too high body fat percentage (too much body fat can results in higher oestrogen levels)
• Ageing (when women reach menopause, around the age of 45-55, when the levels of the oestrogen fall)
What are the symptoms associated to it
Common symptoms associated to an oestrogen imbalance are: weight gain, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold or heat, constipation, dry skin, fluid retention, increased heart rate, frequent urination, muscle aches, tenderness, stiffness, increased hunger, depression, decreased sex drive, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, sweating, vaginal dryness, infertility, acne, painful breasts, migraines, cellulite and a disrupted monthly cycle.
What are the five top tips for helping address an imbalance
Step 1: First of all have a blood test or a saliva test, in order to check your hormones. In case of any oestrogen imbalance, a proper diagnose is of the utmost importance. Depending on the symptoms, the Doctor may also suggest one or more diagnostic tests, such as, for example, a transvaginal ultrasound exam.
Step 2: Address your lifestyle. The first thing to investigate when hormonal imbalance is a problem is your lifestyle. Some women can rebalance their oestrogen without the use of drugs, just by changing their diet or lifestyle (stress, exercise, toxin exposure, etc.)
Step 3: Go “BHRT”. When medications are needed, prefer BHRT (Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Treatment) rather than HRT(Hormone Replacement Treatment through Non Bioidentical Hormones). Bioidentical hormones are natural hormones, it means they have the same structure as the hormones made by our own bodies. This makes them unlike synthetic hormones (HRT) which are intentionally made to be different from natural hormones. Synthetic hormones are quite strong and often produce intolerable side effects. Bioidentical hormones, instead, are natural, and are safer than the synthetic versions.
Step 4: Choose personalised medications. Medicine has evolved, now it is possible to be treated with medications made just for you. There are several branded versions of bioidentical hormones now available for use. However, they are produced as a ’one-size-fits-all dosage regimen’ which is very similar to that of synthetic hormones. I recommend getting ‘personalised’ bioidentical hormones, it means medication made from a compound laboratory which will make dosages according to your body needs.
Step 5: Follow-up. It is also important to have regular follow-ups with your Doctor in order to be sure your dosage is still right and to decide when, eventually, to stop the treatment.
What are the top ten foods that can help with oestrogen
In order to have a ‘oestrogen boost’, go for a natural source of phytoestrogen, which will mimic the way oestrogen is used by the body, such as: Flaxseed, Sesame Seeds, Chickpeas, Beans and Peas.
It is also important to think about the 5 foods to avoid or reduce, that are highest in oestrogen and could be quietly destroying your hormone balance: Food Additives (some of them have oestrogen-like effects); Meat & Dairy (all food from animals contains oestrogen to some extent); Alcohol (plants that are used to create alcohol contain oestrogen-like substances; also alcohol triggers oestrogen levels to increase); Tap Water (it contains xenoestrogens from the environment, which are a category of chemicals that alter the normal function of hormones); Wheat & Other Grains.
What are the top vitamins and supplements that can help
Research suggests certain vitamins and supplements do influence oestrogen levels. It appears the combination of vitamin C, folate, B-6 and B-12 is able to increase oestrogen levels. Also Vitamin D appears to boost oestrogen production. Herbal Maca, Black Cohosh and Red Clover are, instead, the best herbal supplements to help replace natural oestrogen levels in women’s bodies.
Daily wellness for women, tailored to your cycle.
