Hormone Therapy?

Are you being treated with hormone therapy and feel you’ve hit a plateau? Well, you’re not alone. Environmental exposures interfere with bio-identical hormone function in the body. Our environment has become increasingly toxic. Everyday, we are exposed to a host of toxic chemicals through simple behaviors like eating a piece of fruit or sleeping in our beds. Many of these chemicals are known as hormone disruptors.

Many hormone disruptors mimic estrogen, producing symptoms like PMS, early testicular failure, central obesity or fat distribution in the hips and thighs, fatigue, muscle loss, male breast enlargement, low libido, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, hot flashes and so much more. Others are toxic to the thyroid gland or to how thyroid hormone is processed in the body, creating thyroid hormone resistance. In addition, all of these chemicals increase the risk of cancers, asthma, cardiovascular and autoimmune disease, block cellular energy generation, create inflammation and even interfere with how we experience reward from things like food and sex.

If you are feeling sluggish, foggy, depressed or anxious or your hormone therapy is just not igniting the spark you once had, you may have a toxic burden that needs to be addressed. Below are some common hormone disruptors and strategies to begin taking control and removing them from your life where you can. Detoxification is the process of supporting the channels of elimination that get clogged up over time. If you feel you need further support to detoxify accumulated substances, we are launching our Spring Cleaning Detox, which complements your hormone therapy to support you in returning to your vibrant self. As a naturopathic doctor, I recommend a detox at least twice per year, especially for people struggling with a hormone problem. Spring is a time of renewal. How can you get the most out of your hormone therapy this year? We are here are here to help! Schedule your free 15 minute detox consultation to find out if a detox is right for you!

Endocrine disruptor Sources Strategies to avoid
BPA
  • Plastics (water bottles, soda bottles, packaged food, CDs, DVDs, sports equipment)
  • Sales receipts
  • Lining of canned goods

**acidic foods like canned tomatoes and bottled soda will leach more BPA
  • Store food in glass
  • Use a glass water bottle
  • Avoid packaged foods and never microwave your food in plastic.
  • Ask for the receipt in the bag or to be mailed to you. If you are a cashier, wear gloves.
  • Replace canned food with fresh, frozen and dried.
  • Avoid plastics in the dishwasher.
Phthalates
  • Enteric coating of pharmaceuticals
  • Flexible plastics
  • Detergents
  • Personal care products
  • Glue
  • Packaging
  • Paint
  • Textiles
  • Purchase phthalate and paraben free cosmetics, lotions, soaps and detergents

http://www.bcaction.org/our-take-on-breast-cancer/environment/safe-cosmetics/phthalate-free-cosmetics/

http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/
Fire retardants
  • Textiles (clothing, linens)
  • Furniture (mattresses, couches, bassinets, high chairs, strollers etc)
  • Airplanes
  • Carpets
  • Look for organic and “green” building materials, carpeting, baby items and upholstery. Choose leather, wood or cotton over particleboard, chemically treated foam and other synthetic materials; look for those that state they are “flame-retardant free.”
  • Keep dust levels low with a HEPA filter on your vacuum and/or a wet mop-dust will harbor these chemicals.
  • Take very special care when removing old carpet, wear a respirator and ventilate well.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics.
  • Use stainless steel or cast iron pans only
Pesticides and herbicides
  • Conventional produce
  • Tap water
  • Gardening and landscaping
  • Avoid conventional produce on the dirty dozen list.

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php

  • Remove pesticides and microbes from produce:
  • DIY spray: 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 1 cup water. Spray and leave for 5-10min, rinse.
  • Purchased spray: Fit Organic produce spray http://www.fitorganic.com/collections/produce-wash
  • Drink RO plus carbon filtered water or mineral water. Avoid tap water and countertop filters.
  • Avoid home use of pesticides and herbicides on lawns and gardens.
  • Choose organic eggs, poultry and meat and wild caught fish-remember you are what you eat ateJ
Hormones in meat
  • Mimic estrogens
  • Choose organic hormone free eggs, meat and poultry.

 

Dr. Starr Ramson
Naturopathic Doctor
Medical Age Management
Endocrine Disruptors

Medical Age Management is a premier anti-aging and aesthetic skin care services provider in Southern California.