Or should that be all women?
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Estrogen is a beautiful hormone, when it’s balanced. When there is hormonal harmony we can sail through our monthly cycle, breeze through menopause AND not increase our risk of female cancers!
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Estrogen is also protective against heart disease and osteoporosis, so we don’t want to shun this hormone.
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The trouble starts when we have too much estrogen compared to progesterone or too much of one type of estrogen – yes there’s more than one type!
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Estrogen’s job is growth. Grow a new lining in the uterus and release of an egg every month. breast development and hip enlargement during puberty.
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Progesterone, on the other hand, is our happy hormone, that’s why you feel so good in the second half of your cycle.
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The pill stops ovulation. But it not only stops an egg being released, it also stops progesterone being made after the egg was released.
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Being on the pill means you miss out on progesterone balancing estrogen and the feel-good effects of this hormone. You can see why so many young girls who go on the pill end up on anti-depressants AND how we are increasing our risk of female cancers and fertility issues.
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Even more disturbing is that our young girls are being recommended the pill not as a contraceptive BUT for painful, heavy periods!
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Rather than using a band-aid, why are we not trying to find the root cause?
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Beginning an anti-estrogen diet is key.
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Firstly, reducing the consumption of foods that contain estrogen or estrogen-mimicking hormones like dairy, animal protein and processed foods is essential.
Secondly, increasing foods that support healthy estrogen metabolism and elimination like:
- Vegetables – especially the cruciferous ones like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage etc.
- Whole fruit – use whole fruit and dried fruit as your sweeteners
- Legumes – beans & lentils which are an excellent protein and complex carbohydrate source
- Whole grains – especially the gluten-free grains like brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa etc.
- Healthy whole food fats – avocados, olives, nuts & seeds.
You may also want to consider the estrogen-mimicking compounds in your personal care products and cleaning products. As a cancer survivor, I choose natural organic products where ever possible.
