Estrogen Detox

WHAT IS AN ESTROGEN DETOX & WHY?

Hormones; such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline, insulin, and cortisol (among many others), are critical chemical messengers that travel throughout the body coordinating complex processes like growth, metabolism, and fertility. They can influence the function of the immune system, and even alter behavior. Estrogen, the primary female hormone, is a category of hormones responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Three major endogenous estrogens have estrogenic activity: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3).

Estrogens that are produced within the body are called endogenous estrogens, while estrogens that are administered either as medication or encountered via the environment are referred to as exogenous or synthetic estrogen. Synthetic estrogens differ from endogenous estrogen in their chemical structure.

ESTROGEN DETOX 101

High levels of estrogen or “estrogen dominance” can develop naturally but can also result from the use of certain medications. Estrogen replacement therapy, for instance, a popular treatment for menopausal symptoms, may cause estrogen to reach problematic levels. Estrogen dominance can impact sugar metabolism, fat accumulation and breakdown, energy levels, and even neurotransmitter production which can result in anxiety and a range of mood disorders. Just as importantly, estrogen dominance can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and a range of autoimmune diseases. Compounding the problem is the astounding number of endocrine disruptors in the environment today. In fact, did you know that of the hundreds of thousands of man-made chemicals, it is estimated that about 1,000 may have endocrine disruptive properties?

ESTROGEN DETOX SUPPLEMENTS

Fortunately, many supplements exist that are intended specifically to rebalance hormones and help detox from estrogen dominance, thus helping safeguard your overall health and wellness. Some of the most well-researched nutrients for estrogen detox include:

Indol3-carbinol (I3C) 

a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables that has been shown to help to break down toxic estrogens into non-toxic forms. In addition, it’s also shown to help maintain a healthy cervix, protect against cervical lesions, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, as well as breast lumps.

Diindolymethane (DIM)

a by-product of the breakdown of I3C, DIM has been shown to help break down harmful estrogens into non-toxic forms.

Sulforaphane

a broccoli sprout extract that has been shown to stimulate the body's detoxification and to help evacuate environmental estrogens.

Calcium D-Glutarate

a powerful antioxidant and potent detoxifier of estrogens, that's been shown to reduce the risk of unhealthy cell growth.

Chaste Tree Extract (Vitex)

a well-researched plant that naturally increases progesterone and regulates the menstrual cycle and hormone balance.

GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid)

from evening primrose oil and borage oil, supplies essential fatty acids that help relieve PMS, cramps, and cyclical mastalgia (monthly cycle breast pain).

Zinc

an important mineral required for hormone balance.

Of course, there are also several combination supplements available that are formulated specifically to address estrogen dominance, as well as to detox from excess endogenous, or exogenous estrogens, and protect overall health.