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Hormone Health

5 Causes of Hormonal Imbalance You May Be Exposed to Daily

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 22, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

You feel like your brain is in a fog, your food cravings are driving you nuts, you’re having trouble buttoning up those jeans, and you find yourself awake at night, what is going on? Well… it could be a hormone imbalance.

Here are five surprising everyday causes of hormonal imbalance. Find out if you could you be setting yourself up for a hormonal disaster…

1. Plastics

Plastics are everywhere, but certain chemicals that they are made from can mimic hormones or bind to hormone receptor sites, disrupting the body’s natural hormonal balance. These chemicals are known as xenohormones. All xenohormones affect endocrine system function. They can alter how natural hormones are produced, metabolized and eliminated from the body.

The most harmful chemical found in plastics is bisphenol-A, commonly known as BPA. In 2008 the FDA told us BPA was safe, but months later in that same year they repealed that approval after studies linked BPA to miscarriage, hormonal disruption, infertility risk, cancers, attention deficit disorder in both children and adults, and even diabetes.

  • Avoid purchasing water in plastic bottles and never drink water from a plastic bottle that has been left in direct sunlight or heat. This leeches the xenohormones into the water. Choose reusable water bottles that are BPA free, stainless steel or glass.
  • Store leftovers in glass containers.
  • Never microwave foods in cellophane or plastic wrap. The heat causes the plastic to give off gas containing harmful chemicals that go into your food.
  • Purchase meat in bulk from your local meat counter and have it wrapped in butcher paper.

2. Body Care Products

You would think that the products designed to make you more beautiful would actually be good for you right? Possibly wrong.

Many body care products contain hormone disrupting chemicals including parabens, phthalates, triclosan, 4-Methylbenzylidene, petrochemicals, and even lead. These aren’t the only chemical toxins you are slathering on your body each day; some body care products can contain up to hundreds of chemical toxins.

You may be thinking well hey, I’m not ingesting it so why should it matter? Well, human skin has pores and it is highly absorbent. These chemicals are absorbed into the skin and circulate through the body via the bloodstream and on top of that, they can become stored long-term in fat cells. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to these chemicals can elevate estrogen levels. Elevated estrogen levels are linked to a variety of cancers, endometriosis, PCOS, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.

The average American uses 12 body care products per day. If you would like to know how safe your products are, check out the Environmental Working Group’s website Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. They have ratings on over 77,000 body care products. Choose the most natural body care products you can to avoid exposure to toxic hormone disrupting chemicals.

3. Extreme Exercise

It seems like everywhere you turn there is some new exercise program designed to burn fat and get you looking like a supermodel, but extreme exercise may actually be harmful to fertility.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina found high-intensity, strenuous, and prolonged exercise increases cortisol levels, while lowering thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones stimulate your metabolism and the desired outcome of exercise is definitely not to lower your metabolism.

The study showed that even after 24 hours of recovery post-exercise, cortisol levels remained elevated and thyroid hormones suppressed. Both high cortisol levels and low thyroid hormones have been linked to poor adrenal health which also in-turn directly impacts thyroid function and how the body handles stress long-term, all of which can negatively impact overall hormonal balance and fertility.

Moderate aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week, with 2, 30-minute strength training sessions, and 1-2 sessions of yoga for an hour is a much better plan for maintaining hormonal balance.

4. Body Fat Content

Maintain a healthy weight, with just the right amount of body fat.

Too much body fat has been shown to create too much estrogen in the body. Body fat produces estrogen; it also stores xenoestrogens from human-made chemical toxins in plastics, non-organic foods, body care products, and a variety of other sources. This creates an internal environment of too much estrogen, which can lower progesterone levels. This may cause infertility, estrogen dominant cancers, and fertility health issues.

High body fat content can also lead to high insulin levels, which affects the hormone leptin. This, in turn, may prevent fertilization of the egg. Obese women should get on a healthy weight loss program right away, one that teaches them healthy food choices, provides healthy exercise tips, while also providing emotional support.

Having too little body fat can disrupt hormonal balance just as easily. Instead of having too much estrogen though, underweight women are more likely to have low hormone levels across the board. Women with low body fat are more likely to have absent menstrual cycles, irregular menstrual cycles, and low levels of estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone.

In order to support healthy hormonal balance for underweight women be sure to eat a 2,200-calorie diet rich in whole foods; eat 6 smaller meals that include whole fat organic dairy products, healthy fat rich foods like salmon, coconut oil and nut butters, and never skip a meal!

5. Non-Organic Foods

There are a number of reasons non-organic foods are linked to hormonal imbalance. Produce, grains, seeds, and nut crops are often heavily sprayed with herbicides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. All of these contain known endocrine disrupting chemicals, shown to alter hormonal balance and even alter reproductive function in both animals and humans. On top of that, there is a growing list of genetically modified foods (GMO) consumed by Americans on a large scale.

GMO foods have been linked to elevated estrogen levels and even the development of tumors. The only way to ensure you are not eating GMO foods is to buy organic.

Non-organic meat products are a number one source of hormone disrupting chemicals. This is because animals raised for their meat are given antibiotics and synthetic hormones regularly to ensure rapid development, increased muscle mass, better milk production, and to protect their health since their living conditions are rampant with disease due to filthy and cramped living conditions. The animals are fed GMO, non-organic feed. Animal meat has a fat content, which stores all of these toxins and synthetic hormones and then we in turn eat all of this. Choose organic, free range or grass-fed meat, dairy products and eggs whenever possible.

References

  • Reinberg, S. (n.d.). Plastics Chemical BPA May Harm Human Fertility: Study; However, Experts Say Lab Findings Might Not Translate to Real-Life Risk. Consumer Health News (English). Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-338354631.html?refid=easy_hf
  • Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). How Important is Going Organic to My Fertility? Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/organic-fertility.html
  • Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.). GMO Corn & Roundup Shown to Cause Hormonal Imbalance. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/gmo-corn-hormonal-imbalance.html
  • Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.). Interactions Between Fertility Herbs & Medications. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/interactions-between-fertility-herbs-medications.html
  • Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.). Endocrinology and Fertility: The Endocrine System is Vital for Reproductive Health. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/endocrinology-and-fertility-the-endocrine-system-is-vital-for-reproductive-health.html
  • Barton-Schuster, D. (n.d.). Study Shows Increased Infertility Risk for a BMI Over 30. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/overweight-infertility.html

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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🚩The good news is that each of these red flags can be fixed through lifestyle upgrades and natural therapies! 

Type ‘STEPS’ in the comments below if you want to learn which steps are most important for fertility and hormone health. Let’s turn those red flags green. 💚

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

1️⃣ Use liver supporting herbs

Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

This can make a big difference when it comes to hormone balance.

2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.
It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*
2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*
3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*
4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*
5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

What tea are you drinking today??

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Mar 21

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 20

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🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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What does the Fertility Cleanse Kit include and how to use the kit. 

A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

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Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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📈 Fertility charting will help you to better understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path.

Some things you will be able to see on a fertility chart….📈

🌸Thyroid function
🌸Estrogen dominance/deficiency
🌸When and if you are ovulating
🌸Progesterone state
🌸Length of follicular phase
🌸Length of luteal phase
🌸Pregnancy

👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

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Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 17

Open
🌱 Using a greens powder such as FertiliGreens daily can be an easy way to get more greens in your diet….. But if you are new to green powders the taste may catch you by surprise.

💚I do think FeriliGreens is some of the best tasting greens powder out there, but here are to some tips to make taking your daily dose tastier… especially if you are new to taking the :

✅ Mix FertiliGreens into your fertility smoothie
✅ Mix with 8 oz of water and add a little juice for taste
✅ Mix with water and some chocolate stevia drops
✅ Mix with water and some cocoa powder and vanilla stevia drops

Do you take a greens powder daily? What is your go-to method.

I personally take mine mixed in water + all my powdered and liquid supplements mixed with some cocoa powder and chocolate stevia drops 😋

👇 If you would like to learn more about foods and nutrition shortcuts specifically for fertility start a 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. Type FOOD in the comments below and I will send you the link 👇

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🧘🏽‍♀️ Rose Fertility Meditation.... Take 2 minutes to unwind and support your fertility with this gentle meditation.

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Your journey towards motherhood is unique, but you don't have to go it alone 

🤍 Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people who believe in you and your dreams 💫 

#fertilitycommunity #supportsystem #inspiration

naturalfertilityinfo

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Mar 15

Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing
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