In this article you will see how estrogen, libido and high cholesterol are connected to the COMT, MAO and PEMT genes and what you can do to improve these conditions.
COMT, MAO, PEMT : Low libido, estrogen dominance and high cholesterol Read More »
What is Perimenopause? Perimenopause is the time in a woman’s life where her hormones begin to shift. Her body is preparing her for menopause (the cessation of her child-bearing years and menstruation). This can begin in your late thirties, but normally by the time you hit your forties, you would of started perimenapause. This stage can last 7-10 years before menopause. What Changes can I expect? In perimenopause, you produce less estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. As progesterone slows down, ovulation stops occurring regularly. Your hormones begin to change and this can result in weight gain, insomnia, and thin/dry/itchy skin to name but a few changes. If you want to get through the next decade without feeling terrible, there are plenty of proactive things you can do to support your hormones. What changes do I need to make? 1. Balance your blood sugar (regular meals and a balanced plate of protein, complex carbs, healthy fats and fiber) 2. Manage Stress levels (find coping techniques, do enjoyable things, spend time with loved ones) 3. Support your Liver (limit alcohol and sugar intake) 4. Regular exercise (focus on strength training for bone health) 5. Look after your gut health (Eat enough, supplement if you need to, hydrate, and eat fiber for detox) 6. Get quality sleep (7-9 hours uninterrupted sleep) what you eat and do 3 hours before bedtime matters/ have a routine 7. Get sunshine everyday! (15 minutes is enough to get Vitamin D) 8. Consider an adaptogen (Adaptogens can help for hormone balance, anxiety and energy) 9. Self-care (taking time for a hobbie and relaxing is important) 10. Mental health (Keep learning and trying new things to exercise your brain) 11. Change your diet (consider upping your antioxidant and protein intake, remember your diet needs to change with you) 12. Keep an eye on your levels (get your nutritional blood levels checked occasionally especially Vitamin D, calcium, B12 and Iron) How your genes are involved Each woman will experience perimenopause differently based on her lifestyle, diet, environment and how these factors influence her unique genetics. If you have problematic genetics in your detoxification pathway, how your body metabolizes and detoxifies estrogen can have a profound effect on how you experience perimenopause as well as your risk factors for ovarian, breast and uterine cancers. The DNA Core and Estrogen tests are two highly recommended genetic tests that can give you valuable insight as you age. Send me an email if you want to get this test @bountifullyhealthy
What you need to know about Perimenopause Read More »
Part 2 of this series discusses estrogen metabolism, how to support your liver health and gut health.
What you need to know about Estrogen Metabolism Read More »
Part 1 of this series looks at the role of estrogen in perimenopause and how it can still lead to estrogen dominance during this phase of life. Find out how
What you need to know about Estrogen dominance in Perimenopause Read More »
A natural supplement that helps balance hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone What is chaste berry? Vitex agnus-castus is a plant native of the Mediterranean region. It has been used to treat a variety PMS, symptoms of menopause, infertility issues and other conditions affecting a woman’s reproductive system. Perimenopause For any women going through perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause), you will know how they can be really disruptive. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, PMS and even full blown depression and anxiety can be caused by hormonal imbalances. Chasteberry can be a life saver. Phytoestrogen Vitex agnus-castus contains substances called phytoestrogens, which are estrogen-like compounds. Phytoestrogens have a high tendency to bind to beta estrogen receptors which can create a hormonal balance. Study PMID: 17454163 n one study of 50 healthy premenopausal and postmenopausal women, aged 44-65 years, the effect of treatment improvements in menopausal symptoms increased over time. By 3 months there was a 73% decrease in hot flushes and a 69% reduction of night sweats, accompanied by a decrease in their intensity and a significant benefit in terms of sleep quality. Hot flushes ceased completely in 47% of women in the study group compared with only 19% in the placebo group. Study PMID: 31464546 This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in relieving breast pain intensity with or without premenstrual syndromes. Chaste Berry is known for its dopaminergic activity and its possible actions on Cyclic mastalgia (breast pain). It activates the mu-opiate receptor, reducing pain in PMS. Study: PMC6494412/ This study showed that Chaste berry was effective in increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) resulting in decreased estrogen and increased progesterone and prolactin levels. In conclusion Research indicates that there are some downsides to chaste berry: It can cause acne because it increases progesterone. It also can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. It can also have negative effects on breastfeeding and pregnancy. It can also cause headaches. One study showed that while initially it an cause pimples, it normalizes with time. Balancing hormones is a delicate see-saw of getting them all just right. Before taking supplements it might be best to get your hormone levels checked to see what hormone needs support, since it could make it worse. Disclaimer: This article is meant as educational. Like with all supplements, including those of natural origin, it is always best to consult with your health care provider before taking them. Even natural supplements can interfere with medications you may be on and can have adverse side effects.
Chasteberry and perimenapause Read More »
