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Fertility Nutrition Hormone Health

5 Things You Should Know About Healthy Hormonal Balance

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Life, we cannot live it optimally without our hormones. It seems like all over the media when searching women’s health, there is a constant discussion about hormones and what can be done to balance them. Yes, this is another article on the subject, but I have a feeling the information in it isn’t something everyone readily knows about hormonal balance, but they should! This information may revolutionize your health, especially if you are one of the millions of women who want to feel great, have a healthy pregnancy and child, and get through menopause relatively symptom free.

1. Liver Health and Your Hormones

The liver metabolizes hormones. That’s right, it isn’t just a filter in our bodies. The liver is going to break down other more vital hormones, such as insulin, before it gets to sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This means if a person has blood sugar issues or high chronic stress, the body is going to deal with the hormones related to those issues first and leave reproductive function by the wayside.

Liver health is critical to hormonal well-being. A liver that is not working as well as it could will likely focus on what is most vital to keep the body alive, and this means fertility may take a back seat to other bodily functions.

Are you taking care of your liver health? If not, my colleague Elizabeth Willett, M.A., C.H. can help you learn tips on how to here…

2. Xenohormones – Hormones We Don’t Want

Many man-made chemicals mimic sex hormones. These are known as xenohormones. Xenohormones have the key to unlock alpha receptors in many of the cells in our body. Hormones, regardless of what type, are “messengers” and these messengers have a command to give the cell. Once inside of the cell, xenohormones have the ability to give the cells commands. What many people don’t realize is that xenohormones are stronger than our own natural (endogenous) hormones and they can exert a stronger effect on the body.

Now I know this can seem a little sci-fi but, unfortunately, this is a reality. To give you a clearer picture, let’s use a subclass of xenohormones known as xenoestrogens as an example. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA food preservative), plasticizers in plastics, parabens in skin products, and Erythrosine (FD&C Red No. 3) are known xenoestrogens. In fact, there are more on the list; these are just a taste.

Just imagine how many we are exposed to or directly consume daily. Not only can xenoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body, they can cause our body to produce more of our own estrogen. This creates a situation of estrogen dominance. Estrogen dominance is linked to a variety of fertility health issues, namely, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia, and ovarian cysts. Do you know what these fertility health issues have in common? Excessive cell proliferation. Now, can you guess which hormone gives cells the command to proliferate? That’s right – estrogen.

My top 5 tips for avoiding xenohormones:

  • Eat organic, especially animal products; avoid GMO foods
  • Make foods from scratch, using whole-food ingredients
  • Avoid using pesticides, non-organic fertilizers, and herbicides
  • Avoid plastics; this includes polyester clothing, feminine products and food storage containers
  • Use organic body-care products and learn to make your own body-care products

You can learn more about xenohormones here…

3. Hormonal Balance is a Team Effort

Our hormones need to work in concert with each other for the body to maintain peak fertility. An endocrine gland in our brain known as the hypothalamus is like a conductor; our hormones are the musicians, our cells the instruments and the music our bodies, working in perfect harmony. Yes, our perfect concert is representative of our health. If one thing is off, so too will be our health.

4. Herbs Are Our Allies

Fortunately, we can turn to our plant allies to help naturally support hormonal balance in a variety of ways. Some herbs can help protect the body from xenohormones, while others are great for liver health. Most herbs have more than one beneficial action on the body. Below are three of my favorite herbal categories for hormone balancing:

Phytoestrogens
Herbal phytoestrogens can help protect cells from xenoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are not as strong as xenoestrogens and are even less strong then our own natural estrogen. Phytoestrogens have been shown to help prevent bone loss and vaginal dryness associated with declining estrogen levels in menopausal women. Consuming phytoestrogens daily is a great way to help protect the body from xenoestrogens and support healthy, long-term estrogen levels in the body.

  • Red clover blossom and leaf (Trifolium pratense)
  • Ground Flax seeds
  • Sprouted and fermented soy
  • Royal jelly – though not an herb, is rich in flavonoids, a type of phytoestrogen

In order for the body to properly utilize phytoestrogens, the body must have a healthy amount of intestinal flora. Be sure to also regularly consume prebiotics and probiotics which feed healthy intestinal flora – sauerkraut, kimchi, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onions, organic raw yogurt.

Adaptogens
These support the health of the endocrine system, which involve the glands that produce and regulate hormones. They also help the body handle all types of stress in a better way.

  • Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
  • Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza spp.)

Hepatics
These protect and encourage liver function and health. Remember number one up top? Liver health truly matters when it comes to hormonal balance.

  • Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum)
  • Dandelion root and leaf (Taraxacum officinale)
  • Burdock root (Arctium lappa)
  • Schisandra berry (Schisandra chinensis)
  • Goji berries (Lycium barbarum,L.chinense)

5. Hormone Friendly Foods

There are certain foods you should be consuming regularly to keep your hormonal health in tip top shape. Hormones are made from certain fatty acids and cholesterol. In order to make hormones and maintain hormonal balance, your body needs good fats, clean protein, and a variety of antioxidant rich foods.

Good Fats

  • avocado
  • coconut oil
  • cod liver oil
  • organic nuts and seeds, raw, sprouted or made into butter
  • grass-fed butter or ghee
  • cage-free eggs (yolk please!)

Clean Protein

  • wild caught fish
  • high quality whey protein powder
  • organic nuts and seeds, raw, sprouted or made into butter
  • beans (limit the amount weekly, as these are also high in carbohydrates)
  • quinoa
  • organic, free-range meat (chicken, beef, turkey, venison, elk, eggs, etc.)
  • organic spirulina

Antioxidant Rich Fruits and Veggies
When it comes to antioxidant rich foods, the way you can tell if they are higher in antioxidants is – color. Try to eat a rainbow of colors daily.

  • Dark green vegetables and herbs – broccoli, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, parsley, cilantro, asparagus, bok choy, etc.
  • Peppers – yellow, red, green and orange bell peppers, mini-peppers
  • Starchy veggies – sweet potatoes, beets, artichokes, turnips, carrots, squash
  • Berries – blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries


Covering these five aspects of hormonal health daily is sure to help keep your hormones in balance at every stage of life. Here’s to your health!

References

  • Helt, A.M. (2013). Lecture: Estrogen 101.
  • Kelly, M. (1/24/2014). 48 Foods To Balance Your Hormones & Give You Glowing Skin. Retrieved from: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11983/48-foods-to-balance-your-hormones-give-you-glowing-skin.html
  • Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press: Rochester, Vermont.
  • Dumanoski, D. & Peterson-Meyers, J. (n.d.). Widespread Pollutants with Endocrine-disrupting Effects. Our Stolen Future. Retrieved from: http://www.ourstolenfuture.com/basics/chemlist.htm

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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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🍓 Antioxidant Rich Fertility Smoothie Recipe:

Feel free to add some superfoods if you like (such as greens powder, protein, maca, etc..)

1C Mango
1/2 C Strawberries
1/2 C Blueberries
1/2 C Almond yogurt
Nut milk

➡️ Blend together and adjust liquid so it is a thickness you enjoy. Top with nuts or seeds if you are making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

🍹If you would like to learn more about eating for your fertility type in FOOD and I will send you a link to my 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. 👇👇

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****While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

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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.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 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 steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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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

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

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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

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1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

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Fertility charting will help you to 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. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 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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Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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