10 Main Causes for Hormonal Imbalance and How to Prevent It.
As a nation, we currently have quite the SHOCKING epidemic of hormonal imbalance. We have men with low sperm count, high depression levels, decreased libido and while andropause (male menopause from a lack of testosterone) which was non-existent fifty years ago, has become quite common in men today.
More and more women are struggling with infertility, hormonal imbalances, PCOS, difficult monthly cycles and mental illness. Excessive estrogen is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism.
I’ve put together a list of the most common causes for hormonal imbalance.
10 Main Causes for Hormonal Imbalance:
Pharmaceuticals in tap water:
Millions of women take birth control and hormone replacement and all of that extra estrogen is excreted into the sewage system, cannot be filtered by water treatment, and ends up in our water supply.
Estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals (EEDC)
EEDCs – are EVERYWHERE.
Plastics: BPA, phthalates, flame retardants, pesticides and parabens in personal products.
Fluoride in city water. Bromide in baked goods. Chlorine in our water
Remember that Iodine is CRUCIAL for your body and used by the thyroid. When other halogens are consumed like fluoride, bromide or chlorine, the thyroid thinks they are iodine and absorbs them instead! This is part of the thyroid epidemic we are seeing!
Aluminum, mercury and so many other endocrine distributors in vaccines or dental fillings.
SOY And/or pufas Are in everything!!!!
Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women. Soy phytoestrogens are potent anti-thyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. PUFAs (polyunsaturated fats) are in everything and will wreck your health! PUFAS in your bloodstream drive estrogen higher, and are also easily oxidized. Oxidation leads to free radicals, which leads to cellular damage in your body.
Read more about that here: https://www.rikkijames.com/blog/polyunsaturated-fats-amp-thyroid-function
Not enough exercise
Getting exercise is one of the few actions research-proven to help avoid early puberty
Stress
Especially severe and early in life.
Sleep patterns being interrupted
Poor quality of sleep
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Birth-control pills
Birth control pills contain synthetic estrogen and synthetic progestins that create serious imbalance over time.
All of these toxins add up, and together they can have a significant impact on hormones! So… what can be done to prevent this? Prevent estrogen dominance. Here’s how!
Top 10 ways to prevent estrogen dominance:
Ditch plastic!!!
Store your food and beverages in glass, and avoid using plastic wrap and canned foods (which are often lined with BPA-containing liners).
Avoid ALL soy and Pufas
Read the labels – they’re seriously everywhere and in most packaged foods. Even organic chips, crackers, breads, cookies etc have one of these oils.
Seek out natural personal products
We did this years ago in our home! No scary chemicals, parabens or toxins in our house. This is everything from feminine products, nail polish, and toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics to household cleaners and plastic shower curtains! PLEASE STOP using artificial air fresheners, dryer sheets, fabric softeners and all other synthetic fragrances! These can also disrupt your hormone balance!
Tampons and pads are affecting women as they contain xenoestrogens, and can change a female's hormonal profile! I wrote about this in depth a few years ago, read more about this in my Feminine Hygiene Product’s post.
Clean up your drinking water AND the water you bathe in
Buy Grass fed and organic
Meats and dairy to reduce your exposure to added hormones. Avoid milk and other dairy products that contain the genetically engineered recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH or rBST) - choose raw dairy for the most benefit. Also choose organic and non GMO foods to avoid pesticides and herbicides which mimic estrogen in your body.
Exercise and learn to de-stress
Yoga and stretching are extremely beneficial.
God made vs man made
Count chemicals and not calories is an amazing mantra to have! All processed and packaged foods are a huge source of soy and chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
Replace your nonstick pans and cookware
So many people don’t realize this is a huge source of daily endocrine disrupters.
Prioritize quality sleep
Limit screens especially at night.
Take high quality and whole food supplements
Disclaimer: Medical Disclaimer. The information posted is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is for general information purposes only.