Should you detox estrogen?

Estrogen excess refers to what can happen when we're exposed to chemicals and products that mimic estrogen (think any shampoo or lotion that smells like strawberries), as well as when we don't clear estrogen very well due to liver burden, gut issues, obesity, or nutrient deficiencies, among other factors.

Here's what you should know BEFORE attempting to "detox" estrogen!

🧐Consider why you think estrogen excess may be at play. Symptoms may include painful and heavy periods, fibroids, breast tenderness, PMS, menstrual headaches, and bloating.

🌞Focus on supporting progesterone production, which directly opposes the harmful effects of excess estrogen and/or estrogen dominance (that is, when you have a higher ratio of estrogen to progesterone).

❗️Be careful about trying to eliminate more estrogen if you have signs of low estrogen, like light periods, low sexual response, vaginal dryness, or no period at all.

🥦Taking supplements or eating an abundance of foods that aid in estrogen detoxification (such as DIM, I3C, and broccoli) may overload the liver with broken down estrogen compounds that have nowhere to go if the phase 2 estrogen detoxification pathway is not open, in which case the estrogen compounds can get recirculated in the body - the opposite effect of what you wanted! (The best way to assess this is through the DUTCH test, which I can help you interpret).

👉🏽Instead of trying to remove estrogen, I recommend focusing on supporting progesterone and liver health through dialing in certain foundations like removing chemical burdens, getting deep rest, balancing blood sugar, and eating 3 complete meals a day with plenty of fat and protein.

Hormone stuff can be SUPER complex and there's a lot to consider, especially because you are a unique person that can't fit into a cookie cutter protocol. This is what I love to help my clients with!

All right, show of hands, who has ever downed a raw carrot salad every day hoping it would help detox estrogen?! (🖐️this girl right here)