Hormonal imbalance is a condition that is unique to each individual and therefore requires personalized treatment—what works for one person may not work for another. A doctor will likely prescribe those with a hormonal imbalance (such as menopause) prescription drugs and a hormone therapy treatment course, however this is no longer a favored treatment by the most doctors and patients due to its long-term health risks. The good news is for those who prefer to go natural, there is no doubt that using a combination of essential oils and a body detox will leave you feeling fabulous while battling the symptoms of menopause.
Are We Experiencing Hormone Havoc?
Contrary to the medical mindset, menopause is not a hormone deficiency disease. Menopause is the result of industrialization and the recurring chemicals (known as xeno-estrogens) in our environment. An unhealthy lifestyle, including changes to our diet and lack of exercise, are caused by our hectic pace of life and wreak havoc on our hormonal system.
The Effects of Xeno-Estrogens
Harmful chemicals in our food, beauty products, cosmetics, air and water supplies are creating a toxic environment within our bodies which lead to disruptions in our delicate hormonal balance. As a result of xeno-estrogens in our environment, there are cases of women as young as their mid-30s entering menopause. But it is not just mature women who are experiencing the devastating effects- this toxicity is also progressing young girls into womanhood as young as 8 years old (with the average age in the USA being 12).
What are Xeno-Estrogens?
Xeno-estrogens are synthetic estrogens or estrogen-like compounds. They are found in dairy products, meat (including chicken and beef), soy-based products and personal care products. They leach from the plastics we store our foods in, the Teflon we cook in and even the cans our processed foods come in.
Pesticides and fertilizers have also contributed xeno-estrogens to our water, air and soil reserves-- as you can see our world is full of these estrogen-like compounds. While we can never eradicate them from our environment, we can avoid things that will cause further upset to our hormone imbalance, especially while going through menopause.
Xeno-Estrogens and Menopause
Most of the symptoms associated with menopause are the result of estrogen dominance- the excess of estrogen compounds in our bodies. This imbalance of estrogen to progesterone can cause problems such as:
- decreased sex drive
- irregular or abnormal periods
- mood swings or depression
- weight gain (estrogen turns energy into fat)
- osteoporosis
Scary stuff, but rest assured that you can help your body fight estrogen dominance by rebalancing your hormones and detoxifying your body. Here are the key steps to balancing your hormones:
- Reduce stress
- Reduce chemical-laden personal care products
- Reduce toxicity from synthetic estrogens
- Increase progesterone levels
- Treat symptoms of imbalance with essential oils
- Lymphatic massage
In addition to balancing your hormones, a body detox program is essential. Detoxification can include steps such as changing the foods you eat, doing an internal cleanse and partaking in homeopathic healing treatments such as lymphatic massage. What Happens During A Detox?
There are two phases that take place in the body as you start to cleanse.
* Phase 1: Fat-soluble toxins are converted to water-soluble substances. If this is process is not adequately accomplished, it leads to free radical production in the body.
* Phase 2: Conjugation is the combining of water-soluble substances with another compound to be released through the kidneys (as with chelation). This must be accomplished quickly, and requires adequate fuel: antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Supplementation During Detoxification
When laden with chemicals, the body needs a helping hand to aid in the detox process. Cleansing and hormonal support nutritional supplements can give your body extra aid efficiently flush toxins. Medical Foods by Metagenics is a supplement that provides a balanced source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that will allow the body to ease through these two phases.
Meta I 3 C is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, and cabbage. Through its ability to promote the breakdown of estrogen to its beneficial, protective metabolite—2-hydroxyestrone—indole-3-carbinol may be safe and effective way to help achieve beneficial balance in estrogen metabolism.
Indole-3 Carbinol
(I3C) over Diindolylmethane (DIM)
Both I3C and DIM do the exact same thing, converting estrogen into beneficial metabolites, with clinical evidence to support them. DIM, however, is poorly absorbed, making it necessary to use special forms available on the market that enhance its bioavailability.
Glutathione
Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system. Toxins cling to glutathione molecules, which then carries them into the bile and the stool -- and out of your body. For those who have been exposed to chemicals such as xeno-estrogens, we can see the importance of having enough Glutathione in the system.
Glutathione is a powerful yet very simple molecule that is produced naturally in your body. It is a combination of three simple building blocks of protein needed for good health and maintaining body function. Normally glutathione is recycled in the body, except when the toxic load becomes too great. You can raise your Glutathione up to 300% by using supplements such as Protandim.
Cleanse Your Body With Essential Oils:
Essential oils are versatile which makes them a great way to help detoxify your body- use in the bath, as a face spritzer or massage oil for excellent results. Massage therapy is not only relaxing and restorative; it allows your body to excrete toxins up to 200 times faster than on its own.
Important Essential Oils For Hormone Rebalancing and Detoxifying
Limonene is a compound found in particularly high levels in citrus oils. Limonene increases glutathione levels in the body making things like lemon, grapefruit and orange essence great detoxifiers, especially for petrochemical substances. Use grapefruit oil as massage oil for an ultra- clarifying, cellulite-busting treatment.
It has also been found that simply inhaling the aroma of citrus oils will balance hormones. Their fragrance stimulates the endocrine system (most notably the hypothalamus) which has a role in governing hormone balance.
Invest In A Purifying Blend
The therapeutic benefits of using a purifying blend are endless, but some of the major advantages are:
- Balanced emotional and physical excesses such as resentment, jealousy, overeating, and alcohol and drug addictions
- Enjoy a cleansed blood and lymphatic system while flushing out toxins.
Try This At Home
A ready-made, high grade therapeutic purifying blend to aid in your cleansing and rebalancing regime is the Elizabeth Van Buren Purifying Easy Blend. This soothing blend of essential oils includes Juniper, Grapefruit, Angelica Root, Lemongrass, Lemon, Rosemary, Cypress, and Fennel in a moisturizing Jojoba oil base.
Essentials Oils to Promote Progesterone
Reducing excess estrogen in the body is important for good health, but don’t forget about the importance of having enough progesterone. Thyme, as well as oregano oil, will support progesterone production and help to balance estrogen compounds in the body.
For a balancing boost of progesterone production, simply place 1-2 drops of the oil on the bottom of the feet. Do not over-use oregano! Use daily for 10 days, and then give your system a rest.
Quick Tips For Managing Menopause Symptoms:
For hot flashes, peppermint oil can be massaged into the bottom of the feet or the back of the neck. You can also mix it with water and spritz it.
Other oils to consider are geranium, citrus oils such as wild orange, grapefruit and lemon, and clary sage.
Reduce Hot Flashes Naturally:
Add 11 drops Geranium and 7 drops Lemon to warm bath water for a soothing soak. You can also use 1 oz Jojoba Oil and massage it into the body to relieve hot flash symptoms, and remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol for best results.
Banish Night Sweats:
Add 10 drops Grapefruit to 10 drops Geranium and massage into the body.
Fight Fatigue:
Apply peppermint oil over the liver and adrenal glands.
Rev Up Your Libido:
Try ylang ylang, ginger, peppermint, clary sage.
Menopause Relief Essential Oils Shopping List:
If you are looking to combat the symptoms of menopause, the following essential oils are worth purchasing:
Geranium
Rose
Chamomile
Grapefruit
Rosewood
Orange
Clary Sage
Lavender
Fennel
Peppermint
How To Buy The Best Essential Oils
When buying essential oils, research is the key to getting the best results. With fewer than 2% of all essential oils in the USA being true therapeutic grade, it’s no wonder many people experience allergic reaction, or little to no results.
Only purchase oils that are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade and have been GC/MS tested. This will ensure that your oils are authentic, pure and not mixed with any synthetic ingredients. Try Elizabeth Van Buren Essential Oils for GC/MS tested, high grade essential oils that will leave you feeling energized and healthy.
Lifestyle Tips to Keep Hormone Balance in Check
In addition to adopting a healthy diet and exercise regime, remember these tips to ensure you treat your body right, and keep your hormone levels in check:
- Never heat food in plastic containers, always use glass instead.
- Get rid of plastics- drink water from a tap filter or if you must have bottled, use glass.
- Do not drink water in plastic bottles that have been left in the car or frozen in the freezer.
- Eat natural, whole foods as much as possible and cut out processed and packaged foods from your diet.
- Use natural beauty products- this includes shampoo, cosmetics, body creams and hair dyes.
Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color. Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, chemical free, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services.
To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612 824 7611, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.
References:
- http://www.gritman.com/EO_Papers/Menopause4.html
- PEDIATRICS Vol. 111 No. 1 January 2003, pp. 110-113
Age at Menarche and Racial Comparisons in US Girls
William Cameron Chumlea, PhD*,Christine M. Schubert, MS*,Alex F. Roche, MD, PhD, DSc*,Howard E. Kulin, MD, Peter A. Lee, MD, PhD,John H. Himes, PhD, MPH, Shumei S. Sun, PhD
- “Hormone therapy: Is it right for you?” Author: Mayo Clinic Staff Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hormone-therapy/WO00046