Today’s episode is all about endometriosis and estrogen! Estrogen is often misunderstood and even villainized, but it’s actually an essential hormone that plays a crucial role in women’s health. While hormonal imbalances are usually just symptoms of deeper issues, many misconceptions about estrogen persist—especially in relation to endometriosis. In today’s episode, I’ll break down what estrogen really does, how it impacts your body, and its connection to endometriosis symptoms.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

-The vital role estrogen plays in hormonal health and why it’s more beneficial than you might think.

-How low estrogen levels can happen in women with endometriosis, and the signs to look out for.

-Why birth control contains synthetic hormones, and what that means for balancing your hormones.

-The key differences between excess estrogen and estrogen dominance, and the symptoms associated with both.

-How excess estrogen impacts endometriosis and what that means for managing your condition.

-Practical, natural ways to start balancing estrogen levels and support your hormonal health.

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where I’ll dive into progesterone, its relationship with estrogen, and how to detox excess estrogen from your body naturally. Remember, hormone imbalances are symptoms of underlying root causes—addressing these can help you achieve long-term hormonal balance.

If you have questions about estrogen balance, endometriosis, or need support, feel free to reach out!

Resources:
Episode 28
Episode 55

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. This may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Understanding Estrogen and Endometriosis: The Vital Hormone

Welcome back, Endo Warriors, to another comprehensive dive into the world of endometriosis and hormones. Today we are focusing on the powerhouse hormone, estrogen. The connection between estrogen and endometriosis is so often misunderstood, so let’s bust some myths today!

Introduction to Estrogen and Endometriosis

Estrogen is often spoken about in the context of female reproductive health, but its influence stretches far beyond just our cycles. It’s a crucial hormone for overall well-being, aiding in mood regulation, insulin sensitivity, skin hydration, and bone health, among other benefits.

The Importance of Estrogen and Endometriosis

Estrogen plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions:

• Uterine Lining and Cervical Mucus: Estrogen helps build the uterine lining, preparing the body for potential pregnancy. It also stimulates the production of cervical mucus, which is essential for fertility.
• Mood Support: Estrogen boosts mood by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels.
• Metabolic Health: It enhances insulin sensitivity, which is vital for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.
• Skin and Bone Health: This hormone promotes skin hydration and strengthens the vaginal mucosal lining and bones, helping prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

Estrogen and Endometriosis

Estrogen is often associated with endometriosis, primarily due to its role in exacerbating symptoms:

• Excess Estrogen: Many women with endometriosis suffer from estrogen dominance, where there is too much estrogen relative to progesterone. This can worsen symptoms but isn’t the root cause of endometriosis itself.
• Systemic Disease: Endometriosis is a complex, systemic disease rooted in immune dysfunction and inflammation. It’s not simply caused by hormones but is influenced by them.
• Hormone Receptors and Lesions: Endometrial lesions may develop estrogen receptor sites, making them responsive to the hormone. This is why managing estrogen levels is crucial for symptom control.

Low Estrogen: Symptoms and Causes

While excess estrogen gets a lot of attention, low estrogen levels can also be problematic:

• Common Symptoms: These include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, brain fog, headaches, depression, heart palpitations, yeast infections, dry skin, vaginal dryness, painful sex, low libido, bone loss, memory issues, and incontinence.
• Menopause: Low estrogen is often seen during menopause due to decreased hormone production.

Hormone Testing and Metabolism

Understanding your hormone levels and metabolism is key to managing endometriosis effectively:

• Testing Methods: Hormone testing can be done through blood (serum) tests and dried urine testing. Serum testing is more cost-effective, while dried urine testing provides a detailed picture of how your body processes hormones.
• Timing: Hormone levels fluctuate, so the timing of tests is crucial. Despite the common belief, ovulation can vary from day 14 and might occur, for example, on day 18, which can affect test results.

The Balancing Act: Managing Estrogen Levels

Maintaining balanced estrogen levels is about more than just reducing excess estrogen:

• Root Cause Approach: Focus on supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation rather than eliminating estrogen entirely, as it has many health benefits.
• Inflammation Hunting: Identifying and addressing sources of inflammation in the body is crucial in managing estrogen levels effectively.

Practical Recommendations for Estrogen Management

Here are actionable steps you can take to maintain healthy estrogen levels:

• Daily Bowel Movements: Ensure you have daily bowel movements to prevent estrogen reabsorption, which can lead to estrogen dominance.
• Non-Toxic Environment: Clean up your environment by using non-toxic products to avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Check out the Environmental Working Group (EWG) website for safer personal care and cleaning products.
• Fragrance-Free: Avoid synthetic fragrances in laundry detergents, perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and candles, as they can negatively affect your hormones. Opt for products scented with essential oils instead.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol intake because it can impact your estrogen levels.
• Stress Management: Stress significantly impacts hormone levels, particularly progesterone. Utilize deep breathing, journaling, meditation, and other stress management techniques.

Hormonal Birth Control and Endometriosis

The conventional treatment for endometriosis often involves hormonal birth control:

• Synthetic Hormones: Birth control pills contain synthetic hormones like ethinyl estradiol, which blocks your natural estrogen.

Estrogen Dominance and Excess Estrogen

Understanding the distinctions between estrogen dominance and excess estrogen is essential:

• Estrogen Dominance: This is an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, presenting symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and heavy periods.
• Excess Estrogen: This condition involves outright too much estrogen or exposure to xenoestrogens from chemicals, stress, or poor detoxification.

Be a savvy consumer!

Being a savvy consumer can significantly affect your hormone health:

• Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Pay close attention to ingredients in household and personal care products. Avoid synthetic fragrances and opt for scented products using essential oils.
• Environmental Working Group: Utilize the resources available on the EWG website to find safe, non-toxic products.

Stay Connected:

We have so much more planned for you! In the next episode, we’ll delve into progesterone and its role in hormone health. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast or join our email list for updates on new episodes!

Thank you for being part of The Endo Belly Girl community! Until next time!