Today we are talking about xenoestrogens, where they come from, and how they cause absolute mayhem to our hormones. Not only do they build up and overburden our system – they can bully our own natural hormones from the cell receptor site, causing serious health issues.

If you are suffering with any of these symptoms, then read on!

bloating or fluid retention
swelling and tenderness in your breasts
fibrocystic lumps in your breasts
decreased sex drive
irregular menstrual periods
increased symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
mood swings
headaches

Hormone imbalance can be caused by many things, and understanding the causes of hormone imbalance is the the first step to healing and living a balanced, happy life. A large focus for every patient we see is cleaning up exposure to toxins and aiding detoxification.

Hormone balance is connected to the food we eat, the exercise we get, the toxins we absorb, the weight we carry, and the stress levels we put up with. Today we are talking about the toxins we absorb – and how you can modify your life to bring harmony into this very important aspect of your lifestyle.

And yes, if you are overburdened by xenoestrogens, it is likely that you will struggle with fluid retention and extra weight that won’t budge due to the effects of this on the rest of our delicate hormone system.

Xenoestrogens – how big a deal is it?

Xenoestrogens are man-made imposters that mimic the effects of the real hormone estrogen. They tend to accumulate in body fat such as breast tissue and they mimic the actions of estrogens by barging in and knocking naturally occurring estrogens right off the receptor sites of the cell. This is not good at all! The xenoestrogens are ten to a hundred times more potent than occurring estrogen in the body. And once xenoestrogens settle in to the tissues, they are not easily removed.

Pop into your bathroom and have look at the ingredient list on your personal products – I think you’ll be shocked! Even check your toothpaste!

The chemicals we hate

You can’t trust marketing claims and eco-advocating slogans alone when it comes to buying products, you also need to get savvy with your purchases and learn to identify nasty chemicals that are wreaking havoc on your hormones!

Nail polish and sunscreen are common sources of xenoestrogens, including phthalates, benzophenone-3, homosalate, 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC), octyl-methoxycinnamate and octyl-dimethyl-PABA.
Body lotions, toothpaste, soaps, gels, hairsprays, and more may contain xenoestrogens in the form of parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and other compounds.
Plastics, especially soft plastics, contain many compounds that are considered to be xenoestrogens. Phthalates, a type of plasticiser used to make plastics soft and flexible, are an especially common offender. These compounds can leach out or volatize over time or in response to heat or other stimuli. Phthalates are used in products from food storage containers and packaging to children’s toys. Takeaway coffee cups and the lining inside tinned goods are other common sources.

More sources:

Meat and dairy products – feedlots that use growth hormones result in saturation in the fats of the meat or dairy.
Cleaning products – house and work.
Plastics, oils, paints and adhesives.
Many perfumes, deodorisers, air fresheners have artificial scents and contain phthalates.
Sanitary products such as panty liners, tampons, and pads. Avoid tampons and sanitary napkins that contain chlorine, fragrance, wax, surfactants, rayon, etc. Use those made of organic cotton or other natural materials instead.
Birth control pills and conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) HRT contains synthetic hormones that can interrupt our natural hormone balance. There are natural, effective birth control alternatives without the side effects of the pills.

How to reduce xenoestrogen exposure:

Choose hormone-free, meat, dairy and wild caught fish vs. farmed varieties
Avoid produce that has been sprayed with pesticides
Use glass rather than plastic containers for food. Be sure not to heat or microwave food in plastic bags or containers
Avoid herbicides and insecticides
Avoid bleached paper such as coffee filters, tissue paper, napkins, bleached tea bags, etc.
Avoid the use of household chlorine containing bleach or use disposable gloves and open all the windows if working with chemicals
Switch to organic sanitary napkins and tampons
Reduce use of nail polish, nail polish remover, etc.
Use high quality essential oils instead of perfumes.
Source truly organic and chemical free cleaning products or learn how to make your own.

The science behind our method

First step is an initial consultation to figure out exactly what needs to be tested.

Functional Pathology dives into the sub-optimal imbalances in the hormones, allowing us to see where the body needs support, and guides the correct treatment process. It uses different mediums to test the most sensitive markers, and discover the root imbalance to your symptoms.