5 Steps to Balance Your Estrogen Levels
Dr. Shannon Evans, DO, IFMCP • October 6, 2020
Are you struggling with estrogen dominance?
Are you feeling sluggish, have mood swings, PMS or weight gain? These can be symptoms of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance
occurs when too much estrogen is in the body. The body can have difficulty getting rid of this extra estrogen.
Estrogen dominance is becoming more common. One reason it is more common is due to all the chemicals that are around us that are endocrine disruptors. These endocrine disruptors mimic estrogen and are called xenoestrogens. You may be thinking that this is only affecting women! Think again! Estrogen dominance and xenoestrogens negatively effect men’s health too!
How can estrogen dominance affect your health?
- Autoimmune disorders: Hashimoto’s (autoimmune thyroid)
- Metabolic issues: Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
- Infertility in both women & men
- Increased risk of cancer: breast, ovarian & prostate
- Weight gain
- PMS & heavy menstrual periods
- Uterine fibroids
- Fibrocystic breasts
5 Steps to Balance out Your Estrogen Levels:
1️⃣ Limit your toxin exposure. Your environment, what you eat, and what you put on your skin all matter! No, you cannot completely limit all of your toxin exposure, because we live in a world that is filled with toxins! How can you limit most of your toxin exposure? If you would like more detail on limiting toxin exposure, here is a link to a previous blog: https://www.newbeginningsfmc.com/environmental-toxins
- Air. Purifying house plants are a great help to clean your air. HEPA filters can also help.
- Cleaning products . Are you using non-toxic cleaning products? Studies have show that a large percentage of people’s homes are a toxic environment. You can make a lot of non-toxic cleaning products yourself. They are cheaper than the chemical products at the store and most products are easy to make. You can also purchase non-toxic cleaning products.
- Water. Are you drinking filtered water? What kind of container do you use to drink your water? Non-toxic glass, stainless steel or ceramic water bottles are best.
- Hygiene products . This is a big one! The average person uses about 9 personal hygiene products everyday. Are you paying attention to the ingredients of your products and is there a ton of chemicals in these products? Several studies show that women put on hundreds of chemicals to start out their day. Check out EWG.org to find out how your products rate.
- Food . Organic is best. Also what you cook your food in and how you store your food is also something to consider in order to limit toxins. Cooking food in non-toxic cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic or glass is ideal. Storing food in non-toxic glass, ceramic, or stainless steel is best.
2️⃣ Support Your Liver
. Your liver is an organ on the upper right side of your abdomen and is protected by the lower rib cage. Your liver filters blood from the digestive tract before the rest of the body sees it. It also detoxifies chemicals and toxins. Your liver is also important for metabolizing medications, alcohol and estrogen. Your liver metabolizes estrogen by 3 different pathways. Your liver can metabolize estrogen into helpful or unhelpful metabolites depending on which pathway the estrogen takes. To keep your liver producing helpful metabolites: Support your liver with proper nutrients, limit or avoid alcohol, stay well hydrated with water, get a good night’s rest and find ways to de-stress!
3️⃣ Fiber . Fiber binds to harmful estrogen metabolites and other toxins that can affect your estrogen balance and metabolism in your gut. Fiber makes it easy for your colon to eliminate these from your body. How much fiber do you need? Most people should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day. If an individual is not currently consuming this much fiber daily, it is best to work your way up. Let your body get used to it. When people increase fiber, it is also important to stay well hydrated with water! For most individuals, half their body weight in ounces per day is the goal. For example, a 150 pound person needs approximately 75 ounces of filtered water per day.
4️⃣ Cruciferous vegetables are in the broccoli family and have an important phytonutrient—Sulforaphane. Sulphoraphane supports your body in producing glutathione, a key antioxidant, which aids in detoxification. Some cruciferous vegetables are: arugula, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts and radishes.
5️⃣ Supplements may also help in supporting healthy estrogen metabolism. It is important to partnering with a functional medicine physician to find the right supportive supplements for you. Everyone is an individual and unique! Some of the supplements that can be recommended are:
- DIM (diindolylmethane)
- I3C (indole-3-carbinol)
- Calcium-D-Glucarate
- Milk thistle
- NAC (N-acetyl-cystine)
- Methylated B vitamins
Estrogen balance is key to optimizing your health!
Estrogen balance is crucial for survival and health in both women and men! Estrogen is important to keep your sugar level balanced and immune system robust. It also helps with bone health, cardiovascular health, fertility and brain functions. When estrogen is unbalanced it can contribute to lots of health issues: autoimmune issues, metabolic issues, degeneration, and chronic inflammatory disease to name a few.
If you have signs or symptoms of estrogen dominance and do not know where to begin, schedule a FREE 15 minute consult
with New Beginnings .
To schedule call 970-305-0101
or email Staff@NewBeginningsFMC.com
.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226184/
https://functionalmedicine.widencollective.com/portals/py85vmmv/ToolkitAllResources
https://www.ewg.org/californiacosmetics/toxic12
https://www.consumernotice.org/products/personal-care/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279393/
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-liver#1
I am sure you know that diabetics pay close attention to their blood sugar or blood glucose levels. In my opinion, I think everyone should know if their blood sugar is balanced or not! First off, let’s talk about what your blood sugar level is: A blood sugar level or otherwise known as blood glucose is the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood. Sugar comes from carbohydrates in food and drinks you put into your body. Sugar or glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood can carry sugar all over your body. Your liver can also release stored glucose, if your body needs some energy. How does your liver get glucose? Your liver can get the glucose you ate from your gut, specifically your intestines and then stores it. Your liver does so many important things and this is just one of many! What are the benefits to having a continuously balanced blood sugar level? •Great way to help with optimizing your health and healing your body! •Steady energy throughout the day. •Better focus and memory •Stable mood •Better sleep •Hormone balance including adrenals, thyroid and sex hormones •Stress resilience •Nervous system more balanced and less likely to be stuck in fight or flight mode •Organs functioning optimally •Optimal metabolism •Less inflammation •Improved immune function •Better resilience Testing to find out about your blood sugar level: 1- Finger stick test . You get a drop of blood from your finger, put the drop of blood on a test strip, then put the test strip in the glucose meter and within seconds you find out what your blood glucose is at that current point in time. 2- Lab draw taken from your vein . This also tells you at the current time what your blood sugar level is. This is more accurate than a finger stick test. 3- Hemoglobin A1c test . This can be obtained with a lab draw or finger stick test. This tells you what your average sugar level is for a 3 month period. What we are looking for with this test is how much sugar is hanging off of your red blood cells and this will give you a clue about your average sugar level for a 3 month period. For the typical person, your red blood cells last a total of 3 months in your body. 4- Continuous glucose monitor . You wear a sensor this is usually placed on the back of your arm for ~10-14 days to continuously measure your sugar level 24/7 using an app on your phone or a reader. What are the drawbacks to each test: 1-Finger stick test is not always accurate and is only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 2-Lab draw is pretty accurate but is also only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 3-Hemoglobin A1c test. It sounds like a great test because you are getting info about a three month period. But the problem is, you are getting the average, you are not seeing if there are highs or lows. 4-CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Not always accurate. Sensors sometimes malfunction. Certain things can throw off the readings such as going thru a metal detector, laying on your arm that has the sensor or being in a hot environment like a sauna, hot tub or bath. What is the best way to see if your blood sugar level is balanced? With the technology that is currently available, I am a big fan of continuous glucose monitors . This is a way we can get the most thorough data about what your sugar level is doing 24/7 for 10-14 days. You will be able to see if your blood sugar is actually balanced 24/7. This means you don’t want to see ups and downs. You want your blood sugar to be balanced—as close to a straight line as possible 24/7. You will also be able to see if certain foods raise your blood sugar. Guess what? In conventional medicine there is a list of foods that are suppose to increase your sugar level. What I have found partnering with patients and looking at their data from their CGMs is that every one is unique and an individual and responds differently to different foods. You will find out what foods increase your blood sugar levels. You will also be able to see how your body responds to simple and complex carbohydrates. For a lot of people, if you don’t have protein and some fat before eating carbs, this can also raise your blood sugar level and put your sugar level out of balance. The amount of carbs also matter. Some people can get away with eating more carbs than others. You will also get the answer about how much your body likes in terms of carbs. You will also get to see if you have any symptoms or your body feels a certain way, if you have low blood sugars or high blood sugars. In conventional medicine, there is a list of symptoms for low and a certain list of symptoms for high blood sugars—but guess what? You are an individual and unique, so your symptoms maybe different than what the “typical symptoms” are. If your body feels stressed, this also affects your blood sugar level. So if you get stressed or angry at someone, you will likely see your blood sugar level increase. If you are exercising too hard and it is too stressful on your body, you can also see an elevation in your sugar level. You may also not feel when you are high or low. What does having a balanced blood sugar look like based on the numbers? Conventional Medicine has outlined what the criteria is for blood sugar numbers that are in prediabetic range or diabetic range, which is helpful. My goal for you is to work towards optimal range for blood sugar levels and have a balanced blood sugar level 24/7, so your body can work optimal! Here is what I have found to be the best ranges for an optimal blood sugar level after working with patients over the years: Fasting blood sugar: 80’s to mid 90’s mg/dL. For some individuals, mid 70’s is optimal. After eating blood sugar or post prandial blood sugar level: I have found that the most optimized patients with a balanced blood sugar level increase their blood sugar no more than 10 mg/dL from their pre-meal blood sugar level. It is okay to have blood sugar level highest before bed even up to 100, since you will not be eating all night and don’t want your blood sugar level plummeting while sleeping. Studies are currently being conducted to figure out what the optimal levels of blood glucose levels should be. It has only been in the last few years that continuous glucose monitors have been available for non-diabetic patients, so as we learn more and continue to conduct more studies, eventually we will have better evidence and wisdom. What the current studies are showing is that optimal levels for fasting blood glucose should be less than 110 mg/dL and after eating the blood sugar should not increase more than 30 mg/dL from pre-meal blood sugar level. Just like everything in life, you don’t want too little or too much when it comes to your blood sugar level—you want it in balance! Are you concerned about your health or a loved one's health and not sure where to begin? Schedule a FREE 15 minute strategy call with New Beginnings. Schedule online or call 970-305-0101. References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5293555/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/ https://www.levels.com/blog/what-should-my-glucose-levels-be-ultimate-guide
Are you taking time to support your body in detoxing? Learn what organs are key to detoxing and how to support successful detoxing.
Learn steps to decrease symptoms & optimize your health!
Is Your Sunscreen toxic? Learn about the top three ingredients to stay away from when buying sunscreen!
Is an under active thyroid causing your high cholesterol?
Information on mRNA vaccinations based on clinical trials from Moderna and Pfizer. Also information from the CDC.
LDN can be helpful to balance out a ticked off immune system
Learn simple steps to achieving better sleep, finding your calm and reducing stress.
Optimal vitamin D levels are important for your body to properly function, especially your immune system and thyroid
Dr. Shannon's Blog
I am sure you know that diabetics pay close attention to their blood sugar or blood glucose levels. In my opinion, I think everyone should know if their blood sugar is balanced or not! First off, let’s talk about what your blood sugar level is: A blood sugar level or otherwise known as blood glucose is the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood. Sugar comes from carbohydrates in food and drinks you put into your body. Sugar or glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood can carry sugar all over your body. Your liver can also release stored glucose, if your body needs some energy. How does your liver get glucose? Your liver can get the glucose you ate from your gut, specifically your intestines and then stores it. Your liver does so many important things and this is just one of many! What are the benefits to having a continuously balanced blood sugar level? •Great way to help with optimizing your health and healing your body! •Steady energy throughout the day. •Better focus and memory •Stable mood •Better sleep •Hormone balance including adrenals, thyroid and sex hormones •Stress resilience •Nervous system more balanced and less likely to be stuck in fight or flight mode •Organs functioning optimally •Optimal metabolism •Less inflammation •Improved immune function •Better resilience Testing to find out about your blood sugar level: 1- Finger stick test . You get a drop of blood from your finger, put the drop of blood on a test strip, then put the test strip in the glucose meter and within seconds you find out what your blood glucose is at that current point in time. 2- Lab draw taken from your vein . This also tells you at the current time what your blood sugar level is. This is more accurate than a finger stick test. 3- Hemoglobin A1c test . This can be obtained with a lab draw or finger stick test. This tells you what your average sugar level is for a 3 month period. What we are looking for with this test is how much sugar is hanging off of your red blood cells and this will give you a clue about your average sugar level for a 3 month period. For the typical person, your red blood cells last a total of 3 months in your body. 4- Continuous glucose monitor . You wear a sensor this is usually placed on the back of your arm for ~10-14 days to continuously measure your sugar level 24/7 using an app on your phone or a reader. What are the drawbacks to each test: 1-Finger stick test is not always accurate and is only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 2-Lab draw is pretty accurate but is also only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 3-Hemoglobin A1c test. It sounds like a great test because you are getting info about a three month period. But the problem is, you are getting the average, you are not seeing if there are highs or lows. 4-CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Not always accurate. Sensors sometimes malfunction. Certain things can throw off the readings such as going thru a metal detector, laying on your arm that has the sensor or being in a hot environment like a sauna, hot tub or bath. What is the best way to see if your blood sugar level is balanced? With the technology that is currently available, I am a big fan of continuous glucose monitors . This is a way we can get the most thorough data about what your sugar level is doing 24/7 for 10-14 days. You will be able to see if your blood sugar is actually balanced 24/7. This means you don’t want to see ups and downs. You want your blood sugar to be balanced—as close to a straight line as possible 24/7. You will also be able to see if certain foods raise your blood sugar. Guess what? In conventional medicine there is a list of foods that are suppose to increase your sugar level. What I have found partnering with patients and looking at their data from their CGMs is that every one is unique and an individual and responds differently to different foods. You will find out what foods increase your blood sugar levels. You will also be able to see how your body responds to simple and complex carbohydrates. For a lot of people, if you don’t have protein and some fat before eating carbs, this can also raise your blood sugar level and put your sugar level out of balance. The amount of carbs also matter. Some people can get away with eating more carbs than others. You will also get the answer about how much your body likes in terms of carbs. You will also get to see if you have any symptoms or your body feels a certain way, if you have low blood sugars or high blood sugars. In conventional medicine, there is a list of symptoms for low and a certain list of symptoms for high blood sugars—but guess what? You are an individual and unique, so your symptoms maybe different than what the “typical symptoms” are. If your body feels stressed, this also affects your blood sugar level. So if you get stressed or angry at someone, you will likely see your blood sugar level increase. If you are exercising too hard and it is too stressful on your body, you can also see an elevation in your sugar level. You may also not feel when you are high or low. What does having a balanced blood sugar look like based on the numbers? Conventional Medicine has outlined what the criteria is for blood sugar numbers that are in prediabetic range or diabetic range, which is helpful. My goal for you is to work towards optimal range for blood sugar levels and have a balanced blood sugar level 24/7, so your body can work optimal! Here is what I have found to be the best ranges for an optimal blood sugar level after working with patients over the years: Fasting blood sugar: 80’s to mid 90’s mg/dL. For some individuals, mid 70’s is optimal. After eating blood sugar or post prandial blood sugar level: I have found that the most optimized patients with a balanced blood sugar level increase their blood sugar no more than 10 mg/dL from their pre-meal blood sugar level. It is okay to have blood sugar level highest before bed even up to 100, since you will not be eating all night and don’t want your blood sugar level plummeting while sleeping. Studies are currently being conducted to figure out what the optimal levels of blood glucose levels should be. It has only been in the last few years that continuous glucose monitors have been available for non-diabetic patients, so as we learn more and continue to conduct more studies, eventually we will have better evidence and wisdom. What the current studies are showing is that optimal levels for fasting blood glucose should be less than 110 mg/dL and after eating the blood sugar should not increase more than 30 mg/dL from pre-meal blood sugar level. Just like everything in life, you don’t want too little or too much when it comes to your blood sugar level—you want it in balance! Are you concerned about your health or a loved one's health and not sure where to begin? Schedule a FREE 15 minute strategy call with New Beginnings. Schedule online or call 970-305-0101. References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5293555/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/ https://www.levels.com/blog/what-should-my-glucose-levels-be-ultimate-guide
Are you taking time to support your body in detoxing? Learn what organs are key to detoxing and how to support successful detoxing.
Learn steps to decrease symptoms & optimize your health!
Is Your Sunscreen toxic? Learn about the top three ingredients to stay away from when buying sunscreen!
Is an under active thyroid causing your high cholesterol?
Information on mRNA vaccinations based on clinical trials from Moderna and Pfizer. Also information from the CDC.
LDN can be helpful to balance out a ticked off immune system
Learn simple steps to achieving better sleep, finding your calm and reducing stress.
Optimal vitamin D levels are important for your body to properly function, especially your immune system and thyroid
