Hormones & Inflammation

Have you experienced either of these symptoms or been diagnosed with any one of the following conditions?

• Thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroid/hyperthyroid/autoimmune thyroid)

• HPA axis dysfunction (not waking up rested in the morning, second wind of energy at night, always on-the-go etc.)

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

• Uterine Fibroids

• Menopause/Perimenopause weight & mood changes

• Cervical dysplasia (pre-cancerous cell growth on cervix)

• Irregular periods

• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

• History of any female reproductive cancer?

Do you have a family history of.......?

• Breast Cancer

• Uterine Cancer

• Cervical cancer

• Ovarian Cancer

• Thyroid Cancer

The above conditions may occur as a result of family history/genetics, lifestyle habits and of course - hormone imbalance! Our environment may also impact levels of inflammation, which in turn might affect hormone production & metabolization.

Hormone levels change day to day, month to month & year to year. Hormones are produced in relativity to other hormones in the body: cortisol, T4, T3, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, etc..Our bodies are constantly aiming to achieve equilibrium, so if one area is out of balance another area will compensate to help out. Our bodies are resilient. However, when certain pathways or systems are overly active or under active consistently, this is when disease may (and sometimes may not) occur.

There is no one protocol that can be applied in all situations when it comes to naturopathic support. Relativity of hormones in each case needs to be considered - there is no quick fix. But, the good thing is, that there is a lot that we can do to help!

Hormone imbalance as a generalized term is common. If you look at the first set of conditions/symptoms listed above, you probably know a number of individuals experiencing those symptoms. For example, PMS is so common that it is often considered "normal" or "expected" as part of the menstrual cycle, but if it were supposed to be that way, it would not have received a medical term it as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

There are many factors that play a role in hormone balancing:

1. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormones upon signalling from the brain.

2. Reproductive hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone and their subsequent metabolites

3. Adrenal glands produce cortisol & DHEA..

4. Insulin is produced in the pancreas.

Hormones are broken down to metabolites and these breakdown products provide information regarding certain symptoms and pathways that may lead to these symptoms.

What we do in our daily lives really matters. Inflammation plays a role when it comes to hormone health. Some known actionables about hormone health include:

1) Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Both are a source of reactive oxygen species but also affect the organs in the bodies that produce and transmit signals for hormone regulation.

2) Eat good quality meats - organic, grass-fed, hormone free to reduce toxic burden in the body overall.

3) Physical activity is a great way to keep cortisol in check. Restorative exercises such as Yoga, Tai chi and Pilates are beneficial in stress management.

4) Eat a wholesome diet! As 'they' say, “eat the rainbow” - fruits & vegetables.

5) Avoid BPA containers and other toxins- In general, avoid heating up plastic. Use glass to avoid toxic chemicals form leaching into foods.

Book in for indivudalized guidance & support.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance