Are Your Hormones
Making You Sick?

By Keli Macintosh

Hormones are an integral part of our lives. They dictate many of our body’s most important activities. Fortunately, we have a built-in system of checks and balances to keep things running smoothly. However, when there is an imbalance, an overload or a deficiency, severe problems can develop.

Let’s take a look at estrogen, since most people are somewhat familiar with that hormone, and its controversy has been the topic of much discussion in recent years. Research has shown that the side effects of this hormone can be worse than the malady for which it is taken. Many women are still confused as to whether Hormone Replacement Therapy would be beneficial for them. There is even some disagreement as to the normal estrogen levels for various stages of life.

The idea that women need estrogen replacement is being challenged by Dr. Eldred Taylor and his wife Ava Bell-Taylor in their book Are Your Hormones Making You Sick? They discuss how an overexposure to estrogens has upset the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone—truly the most important factor to be considered. Studies have shown that the ratio of our hormones is more important than the actual levels of each.

The push in recent years to encourage women to take hormone replacement therapy was based on the assumption that, as women age, their estrogen levels decrease. Many people are unaware that today there is an epidemic of estrogen overload in our country. Even many men are being affected. What most people don’t realize is that we get “estrogens” from sources other than what our bodies produce. The three types are:

Phytoestrogens from Plant Sources—spinach, lettuce, beans, legumes, fruits, soy products.
Normal Estrogens—produced by our bodies.
Xenoestrogens from Manmade Substances—found in plastic products, computer chips, PVC piping, soaps and detergents, clothing materials, pharmaceuticals, household cleaners, pesticides, fertilizers, and cosmetics (just to name a few).

The phytoestrogens have less affect on us than human estrogen; xenoestrogens are from 100 to 1000 times more potent.

Each body has a specific number of “estrogen” receptors; these can accept any of the estrogen types. We need to avoid the stronger xenoestrogens whenever possible. For the healthiest estrogen response, the object is to satisfy the body’s need for estrogen by plugging the estrogen receptors with the weaker phytoestrogens, thereby blocking the more powerful action.

Recent investigation has given evidence to the many serious effects of the xenoestrogens. During animal studies there was a decrease in reproductive levels by 90% following exposure. Drawing parallels to the effects on humans, male sperm counts have decreased by 50% over the last 30 years (the same time period that products containing these substances have increased by thousands). Other effects include many young boys developing female secondary sex characteristics and premature puberty in young girls. Mature women have experienced increased incidence of endometriosis and breast cancer.

Other factors that impact the estrogen/progesterone imbalance include:

Birth Control—When a woman fails to ovulate (as with the use of birth control) she does not produce progesterone.
Constipation—Because many people suffer from a slow transit time for intestinal movements, estrogen is being reabsorbed into the blood stream through the bowels.
Excess Weight—Estrogen is stored in fatty tissue; the heavier you are, the more likely you are to hang onto the estrogens you acquire.

In their book, the Taylors encourage us to limit our hormone response by filling our estrogen receptors with plant estrogens and avoiding any exposure to the xenoestrogen products. They suggest a high fiber diet to help escort estrogen from the body through the bowels. And they promote the use of natural progesterone such as that found in wild yam cream.

It is important to monitor your hormone levels if you are making any radical changes in your diet or lifestyle. Be sure to work with a doctor who has a good understanding of these new concepts. Or bring a copy of Are Your Hormones Making You Sick? in to your doctor on your next visit!

May your lifestyle be a healthy one!

Keli Macintosh has over 35 years of experience in the medical field as a Registered Nurse. She is also a Certified Nutritional Consultant and regional manager of Natural Health Specialists. For a health consultation call Keli at 231.946.3872.