Day 50- Trying to loose weight? Check your estrogen...that goes for you too gentlemen!

Estrogen is the essence of femininity; it is what gives women their sexy curves. It also builds up bones and the uterine lining, increases fat stores, reduces muscle mass, and regulates the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is also an important hormone in men, supporting the maturation of sperm and healthy libido.

The problem that arises is when estrogen is found in excess in the body; this is known as estrogen dominance and can be seen in both men and women. High estrogen can cause extra weight gain, particularly in the hips, thighs, and butt. It has also been linked to other issues such as, breast cancer, heart disease and infertility.

How does one become estrogen dominant?

There are several factors that can cause excess estrogen in the body, such as birth control pills, hormone replacement, phytoestrogens, and body fat. Excess body fat can influence a process called aromatization which converts testosterone into estrogen in both men and women. This is also why I don't recommend testosterone creams.

What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are compounds that are very close in structure to estrogen and are able to bind to estrogen receptor sites and either inhibit or produce estrogen effects in the body. A common natural phytoestrogen is soy. There are also chemicals that act in the same way by blocking the natural balancing effect of hormones and that can act as estrogens. They are known as "endocrine disruptors." These compounds can be found in our water, food, make-up, cleaning products, containers, etc. A big concern is plastics, which contain a substance called bisphenol A.

Tips to reducing your estrogen exposure:

• Avoid birth control- I want to dedicate an entire blog on this subject, but the synthetic estrogens in birth control (even in the low dose) can cause way more issues than it is worth. Plus if you are trying to loose weight, this is going to be the an important place to start
• Avoid plastic bottles- try to drink and eat out of glass containers and if you can't avoid it, then at least NEVER heat your food in the plastic container!
• Purchase organic meat- look for free range, hormone free meat
• Purchase organic produce- try to avoid produce that has been treated with chemicals and pesticides
• Check out your skin care and beauty products- many of them contain estrogens, avoid ones that contain parabens and phthalates.
• Avoid phytoestrogens such as soy
• Use natural cleaning products in your home

So bottom line if you are struggling with weight loss, check your estrogen levels. I suggestion saliva when testing hormones, but a thyroid panel (blood work), especially the T3 uptake marker can show high levels of estrogen or testosterone as well.

Pura Vida!

Alica Ryan, NTP