3 Ways to Reduce Toxic Hormones During Menopause
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are closely associated with adverse hormonal health for women during menopause and perimenopause. Common exposures include plastics, such as bisphenol A and phthalates, as well as parabens, which may act as estrogen mimetics in the body. In women, these chemicals may impact the estrogen and androgen pathways through activation of antagonistic or agonist response to the hormone-signaling receptors. Reducing chemical exposures and overall toxic burden is one consideration in improving hormone balance in menopause, perimenopause and all phases of life, along with diet and lifestyle.
Here are 3 Ways to Reduce Toxic Hormones 1. Diet: Pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and glyphosate (aka RoundUp) have been added to our food system for decades. Research has shown repeatedly that these chemicals act as endocrine disrupters, causing our hormones to become imbalanced, and some pesticides are been linked to cancer in humans and animals.
- Eat a diet that is organic and plant based, along with wild caught fish, meat, dairy, eggs and poultry that are pasture raised, free range, not treated with hormones, and organic will lower your exposure to hormone disrupters, added hormones and toxic chemicals in the food you eat.
- Avoid drinking beverages and eating foods from bottles and cans containing BPA.
- Use glass, metal or ceramic cookware to cook and store your food instead of plastic.
Here is a link to list of the 2023 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Foods by the Environmental Working Group Check out the EWG Consumer Guides
2. Skincare & Household Cleaners: Click HERE to order your Natural Home Cleaning System Click HERE to order your Natural Skincare System It is alarming to read the list of potential hormone disrupters in our skin care, body care and household cleaners. The good news is that we have a wide variety of organic, non-toxic skincare and cleaning products that do not cause hormonal imbalance.
- Read Labels!
- Avoid skincare and body products containing parabens (ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben)
- Avoid skincare and products containing phthalates. Phthalates are in hundreds of products, such as vinyl flooring, lubricating oils, and personal-care products (soaps, shampoos, hair sprays). Some phthalates are in polyvinyl chloride plastics, which are used to make products such as plastic packaging. Phthalates are often added to personal care products, such as nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, hair gels, shampoos, soaps, hair sprays, and body lotions, to help lubricate other substances in the formula and to carry fragrances.
- I highly recommend the Environmental Working Group’ Cosmetic Database where you can find safer personal care products.Book a Complimentary Call with Dr. Helene for Natural Skincare and Non-Toxic Household Products
- Lifestyle approaches such as nutrient supplementation and exercise may have potential to naturally reestablish hormone balance and optimize hormone pathways for women in menopause and perimenopause. Dr. Helene offers cutting edge Functional Medicine Hormone Testing, along with nutrition guidance and personalized supplement protocols to help you look and feel your best!
Read the Blog on Hormone Testing For Breast Health
In Health, Dr. Helene