The Hormone Debate: What We Need to Know and Why

by Shawn M. Nisbet, RHN, CFA and Healthy Living Magazine

Hormone replacement is a hot topic these days because it holds the promise to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and mood swings. Hormones are even said to slow down the signs and symptoms of ageing! But what are hormones and how do they work? In the first of a two-part feature, Shawn Nisbet investigates.

Hormones act as chemical messengers in our bodies. They work together in harmony to regulate many body processes – from our body temperature to our libido. Our hormones influence all aspects of our physical, emotional and mental wellness.
When a woman’s hormones are in balance, she feels fabulous with plenty of energy and vitality. But for women with a hormonal imbalance, life can become very difficult and emotionally upsetting, not only for the women themselves, but also for the people around them.

Estrogen: the essential hormone

Balancing your hormones is essential to your overall health and one of the most important hormones we need to balance is estrogen. Estrogen is not a single hormone: it is a group of hormones including estrone, estradiol and estriol. It is the main sex hormone in women and is essential to the menstrual cycle. Although estrogen exists in men as well as women, it is found in higher amounts in women.

Estrogen is an essential part of a woman’s reproductive process. It regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy by enriching and thickening the endometrium. Two hormones, the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), help to control how the body produces estrogen in women who ovulate.

Estrogen is manufactured mainly in the ovaries by developing egg follicles. In addition, estrogen is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary, as well as by the placenta. The liver, breasts and adrenal glands may also contribute to estrogen production, although in smaller quantities. Fat cells are also estrogen-producing; therefore, if you tend to be a little heavy for your height you could be producing too much estrogen.

Why is estrogen so important?

Estrogen is important to a woman’s health, not only as it relates to her reproductive cycle. Although it can cause women to retain fluid, and early exposure through early menses can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, estrogen has its benefits. It can contribute to increasing high density lipoprotein (HDL), considered the ‘good’ cholesterol, and lower the low density lipoprotein (LDL), the ‘bad’ cholesterol.

After menopause, women experience a reduction in estrogen. This can lead to vaginal dryness, memory problems, hot flashes, fatigue, irritability and possibly one of the most devastating problems, a decrease in bone density. Although estrogen replacement therapy has been controversial, with medical professionals debating its safety and effectiveness, menopausal women should consult with a doctor for the safest and most effective way of dealing with the loss of estrogen.

Signs and symptoms of too much estrogen

• Bloating
• Headaches
• Weight gain
• Water retention
• Breast tenderness

Signs and symptoms of too little estrogen

• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Hot flashes

Getting the balance right: it may be easier than you think

Estrogen balance is the key to reducing breast and other cancers, preventing hot flashes, halting menopausal symptoms, reducing body fat, maintaining libido, memory and heart function, and eliminating PMS. It is not just menopause that causes hormonal imbalances: certain foods, as well as stress, a lack of exercise and environmental toxins can all cause our estrogen hormones to become out of balance.

How can you know for sure if this happens? Your doctor or health care provider can test your hormonal balance through a simple blood, urine or saliva test.

Too much estrogen versus too little estrogen

• Too much estrogen is said to increase a woman’s risk of breast and uterine cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PMS, uterine fibroid tumours and painful breast cysts.
• Too little estrogen is said to increase a woman’s symptoms such as hot flashes, low libido, thinning hair, aging skin and osteoporosis.

While having too little estrogen can be associated with hot flashes,  so can supplementing with too much estrogen or being exposed to too many xenoestrogens. Maintaining the right amount of estrogen is at least one factor in controlling hot flashes.

Mother knew best: eat your greens!

For overall health, including hormonal health, don’t forget to eat your vegetables. Vegetables contain phytoestrogens, which are naturally occurring plant estrogens. Plants can produce chemicals that mimic, block, reduce or detoxify estrogens.

Phytoestrogens that help detoxify excess estrogens and help to keep your body’s own estrogens in their healthy form are brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale. Eat these vegetables both raw and steamed.

In addition, lignans found in freshly ground flax seeds help to block the action of estrogen and balance the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio. Women can consume up to two tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds every day. Simply sprinkle them on your yogurt, cereal or salads.

Also try to increase your consumption of organic foods, while at the same time decreasing your consumption of non-organic, pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables. If you can’t afford to purchase all organic produce, begin by purchasing those items often referred to as the Dirty Dozen: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes.

A healthy lifestyle and healthy food choices can assist in the balancing of all hormones.  It is all about balance.