Hormonal Health

Navigating hormonal health can be a smooth journey for some, while others face challenges along the way. Our individuality is mirrored in our unique hormonal balance, shaped by a multitude of factors.

At Therapy Organics, we understand the importance of supporting people through the transitional stages of hormonal changes. We take a functional and holistic approach, considering the entire body. Through a blend of natural and holistic methods, we provide tailored support to every client. In this blog, we will be talking about the pivotal factors that impact hormonal health, regardless of age or life stage.

Whilst many discussions about hormonal health often revolve around quick fixes like pills or patches, Nutritional Therapy brings a different approach to the table.

So, let's delve a little more into the world of hormones. Think of hormones as messengers in your body's communication system. Just like postal workers deliver letters to specific addresses, hormones travel through the bloodstream to deliver messages to specific cells and organs. However, sometimes they hit a few bumps, leading to hormonal imbalances that can disrupt our overall wellbeing.

Hormones have their own unique journey throughout our lives, striving to maintain balance amongst external factors that can throw them off course. Whilst many of these factors may seem beyond our control, there are quite a few we can influence.

Luckily, one of the most powerful tools we have in maintaining and restoring hormonal balance is the food we put on our plates.

Nutritional Therapy is all about helping you find that balance. We often prioritise the following factors to support hormonal health, considering them as the first line of action when addressing hormonal imbalances.

Key Factors Include:

• Detoxification pathways and their effect on hormones. The liver is known as the body's detox powerhouse, efficiently breaking down hormones like oestrogen, and preparing them for elimination. This ensures that hormone levels stay within a healthy range, preventing excess buildup. Environmental toxins, such as those found in pesticides and cosmetics, can mimic or block hormone receptors, disrupting our hormonal harmony. Effective detoxification pathways help rid the body of these toxins, protecting our hormones from further disruption.
• Bowel habits. A well-functioning gut microbiome is vital for proper nutrient digestion and absorption, especially those supporting hormonal health. Additionally, the gut contributes to oestrogen metabolism, ensuring its removal from the body through regular bowel movements. Irregular bowels can result in oestrogen reabsorption, potentially leading to dominance and related symptoms.
• Sleep quality. While we all treasure our sleep, its impact on hormones often goes underestimated. Interrupted sleep can result from poor melatonin production, a hormone secreted in response to darkness. This can throw cortisol levels off balance, leaving you feeling groggy and drained. Poor sleep may also stem from blood sugar imbalances and thyroid issues, further affecting metabolism.
• Stress management. Stress can have a significant impact on our hormones, triggering a cascade of physiological and psychological responses. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone released by the adrenals, can affect blood sugar levels, immune function, metabolism, and appetite. Effective stress management, through techniques like relaxation, proper nutrition, and mindfulness, is essential for hormone health and overall well-being.
• Dietary fat intake. Dietary fats play a vital role in hormonal health, particularly during peri-menopause and menopause. They're essential for hormone production, including sex hormones like oestrogen and progesterone. As menopause signals a decline in ovarian hormone production, adequate dietary fats support the body's hormone synthesis, potentially reducing menopausal symptoms. These fats also contribute to brain health, skin hydration, hair health, bone strength, and the absorption of essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, & K).

A Nutritional Therapy Consultation can provide you with one-to-one support which addresses all factors and is completely tailored to your hormonal health.

Have you heard about the DUTCH test? DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones.

This test is suitable for various hormonal life stages, working with those trying to conceive, and women going through perimenopause and menopause. It’s also useful for conditions like acne, PCOS, and endometriosis. Samples for the test are collected at multiple points throughout the day and night, with specific timing during your cycle. Even if you don't have a regular menstrual cycle, don’t worry, there are options available, just chat with your nutritional therapist who can guide you on this.

The DUTCH test is incredibly useful for gaining insights into your body's hormonal status and creating a targeted development plan. This plan may include lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and supplement support.

The DUTCH test assesses hormone levels and other essential markers, including:
 

• OESTROGEN METABOLITES: These are products formed during the metabolism of oestrogen hormones in the body. Understanding the balance of these metabolites, and which one you may favour, can provide insights into potential hormone imbalances or clearance issues.
• PROGESTERONE: Progesterone, a key sex hormone, is essential for hormonal balance. It’s especially important for those wishing to conceive, think of it as pro-gestation, as it plays a vital role in preparing the uterine lining for implantation and maintaining pregnancy. Testing progesterone levels is also valuable for assessing ovulation, menstrual irregularities and oestrogen dominance.
• ANDROGEN METABOLITES: This looks at androgens such as DHEA and testosterone. DHEA, a steroid hormone primarily produced by the adrenal glands, is involved in stress adaptation and inflammation reduction. Testosterone is crucial for libido, muscle mass, mood, and bone density. Understanding the preference between testosterone metabolites is also important, especially in conditions like PCOS.
• CORTISOL: The DUTCH test offers a detailed analysis of cortisol levels throughout the day and night. This can be helpful when looking at conditions like adrenal fatigue or cortisol dysregulation. It’s also important to look at the balance between progesterone and cortisol, as both of these hormones are produced in the adrenal glands. When the body faces stress, cortisol takes priority over progesterone, impacting ovulation and fertility. This balance is also important during peri-menopause when the adrenals take on the role of producing oestrogen. Similarly, during times of stress the adrenals will favour cortisol over oestrogen.
• MELATONIN: Beyond regulating the sleep-wake cycle, melatonin also has potent antioxidant properties. This includes the ability to neutralise free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and protect the cells and tissues from damage. There have also been studies showing neuroprotective properties, which is great news for the brain! Other benefits include mitochondria protection, immune system support and antioxidant enhancing properties.
• METHYLATION: is a biochemical process that plays a crucial role in gene regulation, DNA repair, detoxification and cellular function. It’s involved in hormone metabolism, including oestrogen. The DUTCH test assesses the body’s ability to methylate oestrogen, offering insights into detoxification pathways.
• NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES: The DUTCH test looks at B12, B6, and glutathione levels, all of which are vital for hormonal balance. B12 is a key component in the methylation process, while B6 regulates hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. Glutathione, known as the 'master antioxidant,' is involved in detoxification, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.

The DUTCH test is comprehensive and should be interpreted by a knowledgeable nutritional therapist experienced in hormones. All our nutritional therapists are highly trained in this area. If you're interested in exploring the DUTCH test, please get in touch, and we'll arrange a consultation for you.

Wild Nutrition Peri-menopause Complex:

Designed to support the 'forgotten life stage' of perimenopause, this complex includes an expert blend of ingredients. The ancient herb Shatavari promotes hormonal balance, and the highly researched saffron extract supports emotional balance. The addition of magnesium helps reduce fatigue, while B6 supports oestrogen balance. A wonderful supplement tailored to support the millions of women going through perimenopause.

Cytoplan Cyto-Night:

A firm favourite for many women experiencing sleep difficulties during peri-menopause and menopause. Contains montmorency cherry powder, a natural source of melatonin, glycine for relaxation, magnesium to calm the nervous system, and hops powder, which has shown benefits for hot flushes, insomnia, and lifting moods.

Bare Biology Omega 3 Oil:

Dietary fats are crucial for manufacturing hormones and for their function. Omega 3 is generally the omega we lack in our diets, so this clinical-strength omega-3 oil can support you in getting the correct balance of omegas within the body. Just one teaspoon a day is all you need, and it includes Sicilian lemon to eliminate any fishy taste.

Pure Encapsulations O.N.E Multi:

A fantastic all rounder that offers a range of key nutrients and antioxidants to support hormonal health, including a full B vitamin profile, glutathione, vitamins A, D, E, and K, zinc, selenium, chromium, and CoQ10 for cognitive function and fertility support. While it covers most essentials, we often recommend supplementing magnesium separately.

Cytoplan Sea Buckthorn Oil:

Rich in omega-7, the omega you rarely hear about. However, this omega is essential, especially for women undergoing menopausal changes. Sea Buckthorn has shown to be beneficial in supporting skin and membrane hydration, it’s great for dry eyes, vaginal dryness, maintaining natural tissue integrity and promoting tissue regeneration.

Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I:

This expert blend of nutrients and phytonutrients supports detoxification pathways and hormonal balance. It includes broccoli sprouts extract, which contains sulforaphane to promote oestrogen metabolism balance, as well as milk thistle, chlorella, NAC, and amino acids for liver and digestive system support.

Your Gut Restore:

A healthy microbiome is crucial for hormonal balance and efficient hormone excretion. Your Gut Restore contains 8 beneficial bacterial strains with a strength of 30 billion, aiding in maintaining a balanced and diverse gut ecosystem to support hormonal health.

Viridian Fertility Complex:

This all-in-one product supports fertility with all the essential nutrients at the recommended levels. Versions are available for both men and women, as they require different nutrients to support egg quality and reproductive health. We always recommend both partners consider these supplements to enhance the likelihood of conception.

Maca Root

Maca, a Peruvian plant that has been used for centuries to support hormonal balance, increase libido, improve energy levels, and replenish the adrenal glands. You can easily incorporate maca into your diet by adding it to smoothies, porridge, homemade energy balls, or protein pancakes.

Dr Hauschka Sage Bath Essence

Sage has cooling properties that can be particularly helpful in reducing excess body heat. This cooling effect is especially beneficial during menopause, as it helps regulate body temperature and reduces the frequency and intensity of uncomfortable symptoms. Sage Bath Essence is a beautifully, grounding product that can be used in the bath, or as a soothing foot soak.

Chemicals found in plastics, like bottles and tupperwear, can mimic oestrogen in the body and disrupt hormone function. Similar chemicals are present in some drinking water, many commercial skincare products, deodorants, and cleaning products.

Consider switching to alternative skincare brands that are gentler on both your skin and hormones, such as Dr. Hauschka, Green People, Abloom, The Organic Pharmacy, and Salt & Stone. Look for eco-friendly swaps to reduce chemical exposure, like using bicarbonate of soda instead of bleach, and check out the full Fill range of hand wash and laundry detergents.

All the products we stock are free from synthetic chemical ingredients.

If you’d like a chat about your hormonal health with a member of our Nutritional Therapy or Homeopathy team, please get in touch and we can schedule a call for you. Please email us on hello@therapyorganics.co.uk.