WHAT ARE HORMONES?
Hormones are chemicals in our bodies that originate in one place and have action in another area of our bodies.
In this mini- series we focus on:
Estrogen/Testosterone/Progesterone/DHEA/Cortisol
THE FIRST TRANSITION
The Menstrual Cycle:
- Think of our cycle in two phases.
- Estrogen and Progesterone dominate the cycle.
The two phases you will hear doctors refer to are follicular and luteal phase.
Each phase has different levels of estrogen and progesterone.
- Progesterone rises between ovulation and menstruation (Luteal Phase)
- Estrogen rises between menses and ovulation (Follicular Phase)
Our first bleed and every other bleed after that is due to our egg not being fertilized by the sperm.
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Our experience in this world as a woman is linked to our relationship with our hormones. Understanding our hormones helps us understand ourselves.
OUR EARLY EXPERIENCE
The estrogen – progesterone balance is the ebb and flow that are physical and emotional body experiences. When those balances are not in sync we can experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Menstrual Cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Heavy Bleeding
- Light Bleeding
- Breast Tenderness
- Mood Changes
A woman can experience symptoms in different ways and they can lead to conditions such as:
Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder
- Dysmenorrhea
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
THE TOOLS IN OUR PURSE
Our hormones are dynamic adapting to the external stimulus that we provide, Therefore is important that we interact with the environment the bet way we can and have tools to adequately adapt
Stress Management:
- Breathwork
- Journaling
- Mental Resilience
THE TOOLS IN OUR PURSE
Coupled with your medical history, functional hormone testing can be very useful to identify the root cause of symptoms. What can testing tell us:
- DHEA and cortisol metabolism: made in the adrenals. Responsible for appropriate stress response, stamina, and vitality.
- The different types of estrogens: there are different estrogen metabolites E1 and E2. E2 is associated with increased cancer risk,
- Understand your detox pathways such as 2 – 0H vs 16-0H. Different pathways might need different supplement support.
- Understand your B vitamin and neurotransmitter metabolites.
Genetic Considerations
- COMT is responsible for detoxing catecholamines in the body. Catecholamines can increase depression or anxiety in hormonal problems.
- MTHFR is methylation marker. Methylation is needed to properly eliminate hormones such as estrogen out of our bodies.
Supplements
My philosophy with supplements is that they are here to enhance our healthy life choices, not to replace it.
Supplements should be individualize for each person taking into account all of the variables we have touched on such as symptoms, testing, and genetic results.
Here I hare some widely use supplements that I often employ with menstruating patients.
- B vitamins are building blocks of hormones and helps synthesize prostaglandins support methylation of estrogen and creation of neurotransmitters.
- Vitamin D: Building block for hormone function.
- Magnesium: Helps increase certain detox pathways.
- Vitex: Increases progesterone.
- Saffron: reduces symptoms on PMS
- Fish Oils: Reduce the cytokines implicated in menstrual cramps.
Supplements
- I always recommend to work with a healthcare provider to work on an
individualized diet. - However, research supports a Mediterranean diet, avoid high glycemic foods, increase cruciferous vegetable and healthy fats.
EXERCISE
- Yoga, hitt, dancing, roller skating, running, regular movement is the key. Aim for different heart rte zones throughout the week,
SELF – LOVE
- Know your life goals and practice self-forgiveness and patience.
- Know your relations hip boundaries or learn how to set boundaries,
- Invest in meaningful loving relationships.
MY TWO CENTS
When we learn about our bodies we can utilize our knowledge to empower ourselves, boost our confidence, nourish our intuition and reach all of our goals.
For exclusive supplement discounts, and access to supplement protocols.
Get an appointment for hormone testing and individualized health plan.
DR. LAXMI
www.spectrumihealth.com
[email protected]
Tel: (678) 713-3645
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