We all have hormones doing their respective jobs in our bodies. They are the chemical messengers produced by the glands, and are responsible for various functions – from creating hunger to regulating moods and emotions. Oestrogen is one of the most important female reproductive hormones, the other being progesterone, says Dr Murat Koc, consultant gynaecologist and gynae-oncologist, who also specialises in breast care. “Oestrogen helps bring about the physical changes that turn a girl into a woman,” he says.
“It helps control the menstrual cycle and is important for childbearing, along with checking cholesterol keeping bones, heart and skin healthy. Oestrogen also affects the mood.”
When oestrogen is lower, or higher, than necessary, women experience symptoms of this imbalance. On attaining menopause (or when the main source of oestrogen, the ovaries, are surgically removed), the levels of the hormone are at an all-time low. This results in infrequent or no menstruation, hot flashes, sleep troubles, low libido, mood swings and dry skin.
An excess of oestrogen, aka oestrogen dominance, can lead to weight gain, mainly in the waist, hips, and thighs, very light or heavy menstrual bleeding, severe premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts (non-cancerous breast lumps), uterine fibroids, fatigue, loss of libido and feeling depressed.
Women are frequently prescribed medications containing synthetic hormones, such as hormone therapy (HT), to counter the effects of hormonal imbalances during menopause, or as birth control pills. Dr Murat says: “When the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of the reproductive hormones, HT can be given to supplement the body with adequate levels of oestrogen and progesterone. HT helps to replenish the body’s oestrogen, relieving some of the symptoms of menopause.” But synthetically supplementing oestrogen comes with a risk. “While HT helps many women get through menopause, the treatment [like any prescription medicine] is not risk-free.
Known repercussions include an increased risk of endometrial and breast cancers, blood clots and stroke, gallstone problems, and dementia [if HT is started 10 years after menopause]. HT does not directly cause breast cancer, but, as 80 per cent of cancer cases are hormone sensitive, it impacts faster development of the disease,” says Dr Murat. HT with oestrogen alone, and a prolonged use of oral contraceptives, can cause dominance of the hormone in the body, which, studies have shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. It is important for women to evaluate the necessity of these medications, in light of the associated risks.
Environmental Oestrogens
Hormones are secreted and stored by a network of glands and organs that make up the endocrine system. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in the environment (air, soil or water), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system. EDCs can ‘mimic’ our natural hormones, or block them from carrying out their function.
Sources of EDCs include:
• Industrial chemicals and pesticides make their way into the food chain by building up in fresh produce, fish and animals.
• Processed foods can accumulate traces of EDCs that leach out of materials used in their manufacturing, processing, transportation and storage.
• Soy-based products contain phytoestrogens, which are chemicals produced by plants that mimic oestrogen.
• Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and phenol are common EDCs found in plastics and food storage containers.
There are EDCs hiding in many common products that we use without a second thought – household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions, products with added ‘fragrance’, and anti-bacterial soaps. Seek, and you shall find safe, natural alternatives. Our long-term health is worth it!
There are EDCs hiding in many common products that we use without a second thought – household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions, products with added ‘fragrance’, and anti-bacterial soaps. Seek, and you shall find safe, natural alternatives. Our long-term health is worth it!
