In your thirties and still getting pimples?
This may be due to estrogen dominance: the improper estrogen-progesterone ratio of the blood, and something much too common in women’s lives today.
This imbalance, which is common when one enters puberty, is being perpetuated in adulthood by stress, the use of birth control pills, environmental factors, commercial toxins and then finally, the body’s inability to rid itself of all this excess estrogen due to an overburdened liver.
Our liver is the master cleanser of the body, and when there is an overabundance of hormones circulating in the blood, it may have trouble flushing the excess to the intestines for excretion. Instead, they are being reabsorbed into the bloodstream for circulation again. It’s a vicious cycle.
Adult Acne | The Possible Culprits and Remedies
So how do all of these factors play a role in estrogen dominance?
Let’s start with stress.
Stress can cause adrenal exhaustion, which then forces the body to convert progesterone to cortisol in order to balance out the excess adrenalin. This leaves the estrogen-progesterone ratio imbalanced.
Now let’s throw in the use of the birth control pill. Synthetic hormones on top of a stressful life can worsen this imbalance further. If you think you may be suffering from a hormone imbalance, speak to your medical practitioner about non-hormonal birth control methods. It may help your skin clear up, as well as give your liver a bit of a break.
What about Xenoestrogens?
Did you know humans are exposed to these man-made estrogens on a daily basis? They appear in the form of environment toxins, pesticides (go organic!) and even beauty products.
I encourage women to limit their exposure to industrial areas of town, as well as avoid commercial beauty products. There are many natural-based shampoos, lotions and makeup available these days, and some can even be made in the home.
Baking soda shampoo, apple cider vinegar conditioner/body wash are natural products I recommend looking in to (search “shampoo” on my website for a simple how-to post).
Coconut oil moisturizer is another one-ingredient beauty product that does wonders for the skin, is easy to apply, and smells fantastic. These items are far less taxing to the skin than the products that line the shelves at the pharmacy, and they won’t promote further estrogen dominance.
So – how do we combat this problem?
Here are a few simple suggestions that can help your body excrete any excess estrogen that may be storming through your body:
- A good quality multi-vitamin including zinc, adrenal support (available at most health food stores), probiotics, along with an extra B-complex for stress management are my top supplemental recommendations for women suffering from acne due to hormonal imbalance.
- Increase consumption of insoluble fibre-rich foods (often referred to as “prebiotics”) as these foods help the body excrete excess hormones, as well as fats and cholesterol! Examples of such nutrients would be whole grains, legumes and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, radish and rutabaga. Increasing your consumption of phytoestrogen-rich foods is also recommended, as they help block the absorption of xenoestrogens: organic soy, flax, sesame seeds and wheat berries are all examples of foods high in plant estrogen.
- Keep your cortisol in check: I recommend spending time experimenting with yoga as well as meditation (try ‘Headpace‘!). Restorative yoga and Yin-yoga focus on relaxation, healing, and quieting the mind – which is key in rebalancing fatigued adrenals. Adrenal drainage may symbolize “fear of taking appropriate action”, which is a common fear for women who may be at crossroads in their lives, either with career, school or family. Balancing the adrenals will promote hormone regulation and thus help alleviate acne.
- Foods to reduce? The usual: caffeine, alcohol and sugar. High intakes of these substances can worsen symptoms of an overcharged nervous and adrenal system.
- And lastly – Did you know emotions, thoughts, as well as senses are all transmitted through the nervous system? Trouble within this system is usually linked to communication and fear regarding the future. Taking time to talk, as well as listen, may help resolve any underlying issues (home or at work) that may be expressing themselves as symptoms of an overcharged nervous system, which in turn effects the adrenals, that can further lead to hormonal imbalance and acne.
So, in summary, creating a supportive dietary and supplemental regime, as well the incorporation of stress-reducing techniques and exercise may help put a stop to the progesterone depletion that could be contributing to hormonal imbalance and acne. A diet rich in organic produce, whole grains, and good quality complete proteins should encourage speedy peristalsis, optimal nutrient absorption and assimilation, and the elimination of excess estrogen, toxins and waste.
Note: Estrogen dominance may be linked to dysglycemia (blood-sugar imbalance), candidiasis or even allergies. If you think you may be suffering from a combination of these factors, please book an appointment with me today! I can help you bring your body systems back to balance.
Holistic Health Disclaimer: All information and services provided by Nikki Hurst & Veganomical Living Inc. are at all times restricted to consultation on the subject of health matters intended for general well-being and not meant for the purposes of medical diagnosis, treatment or prescribing of medicine for any disease, or any licensed or controlled act which may constitute the practice of medicine.
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