Naturopathic In Oakville Articles

Female Hormone Balance: Birth Control isn’t always the answer
Dr. Samantha Ristimaki, BSc, ND (Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine)

The pill is prescribed for many “non-contraceptive” reasons such as acne, uterine fibroids, PMS, heavy bleeding or cramping with no consideration as to safety from breast cancer and blood clots. Women taking “low dose” birth control pills are getting more estrogen than what is recommended for post-menapausal women. “Low dose” just means lower than before, which is still a problem as the research shows. With the incidence of hormone induced cancers on the rise, it is important to address the root cause of the problem before applying a band aid approach.

Hormones are fundamental to health and hormone imbalances are often responsible for negative health concerns. The pill often masks imbalances in estrogen and progesterone. Too little progesterone relative to estrogen can result in estrogen dominant symptoms like weight gain, breast tenderness, anxiety, fluid retention and fibrocystic breasts.

Uterine fibroids which can cause heavy painful periods can actually be promoted by taking the pill and hormone replacement therapy. Increased estrogen intake and xenoestrogen exposure from chemicals in products such as plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, household cleaning products and even the water we drink promotes the growth of uterine fibroids.

Diet and lifestyle factors are often significant contributing factors. Foods such as red meat, dairy, shellfish, and peanuts can promote heavy bleeding because they cause thickening of endometrial lining which is responsible for bleeding. Bowel problems caused by stress and poor diet can also promote inflammation and increase menstrual pain. Heavy bleeding and excess cramps can also be associated with overexertion, chronic illness, food sensitivities and vitamin deficiencies.
It is important not to overlook other physical hormonal imbalances. A concern such as weight gain may be associated with low thyroid function that could result from elevated estrogen or excess stress hormone production. Weight loss is also difficult in women with elevated testosterone.

Accessing hormones as well as considering lifestyle and diet are critical to getting to the root of women’s health concerns. Salivary hormone testing can provide more information relative to a blood test. Hormones pass into saliva from tissue which means that a saliva hormone level measures hormone levels within cells. In contrast, blood hormone levels reflects hormone which has not yet been delivered to tissue.

A comprehensive approach to hormone balance is key. Consider a naturopathic approach to determining the root cause of your health concerns.