Estrogen is like the ugly step sister who gets blamed for everything, but actually it’s essential for women!
Yes, too much or too little will easily throw your body into a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, if you can get this hormone in balance, it can be a superpower.
Estrogen is a hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, although it’s also made in smaller amounts by fat cells, adrenal tissue, and even neural tissue. It plays a central role in:
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Puberty: Triggering the development of secondary sex characteristics.
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Menstrual Cycle: Building the uterine lining to support fertility.
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Bone Health: Supporting bone density and strength, essential for preventing osteoporosis.
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Muscle Repair: Aiding in muscle repair and building.
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Heart Health: Contributing to cardiovascular health by protecting blood vessels.
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Brain Function: Crossing the blood-brain barrier to influence neurotransmitter production and cognitive health.
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Skin, Hair, and Nails: Supporting the health of mucous membranes and connective tissues.
An imbalance in estrogen can lead to a variety of challenges:
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Estrogen Dominance: Common in conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids, excess estrogen can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and hormonal disruptions.
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Low Estrogen Levels: Often caused by stress, restrictive eating, or menopause, this can result in low bone density, poor muscle recovery, and difficulty maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle.
Here’s a fascinating (and frustrating) fact: fat cells produce estrogen. For those with excess adipose tissue, this can create a cycle of estrogen dominance, which can be challenging to break. On the flip side, rapid weight loss can release stored estrogen from fat cells, temporarily disrupting your cycle and causing symptoms like heavy periods or cramping.
Let’s balance that estrogen:
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Nutritional Support: Seed cycling and eating for your cycle can help regulate estrogen levels month after month.
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Herbal Tinctures: Incorporating Eastern medicine herbs like estrogen-balancing tinctures during the first two weeks of your cycle and progesterone-supportive tinctures during the second two weeks can be game-changing.
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Liver and Gut Health: Your liver and gut are responsible for processing and eliminating excess estrogen. A nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated can support these pathways.
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Stress Management: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone production. Practices like yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep can keep your hormones in check.
Hormones like estrogen don’t operate in isolation. They’re part of a dance with other hormones, like progesterone, which counterbalances estrogen. When your body’s cycle is supported, magic happens: regular cycles, easier weight management, and improved overall health.
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