BioSignature - The Oestrogen Hormone Link
Column #31, 24th November 2007
Why might drinking lager feminise the body? Today we look at Oestrogen; the female sex hormone. Whether it hurts the male ego or not, members of both sexes need to be aware of the importance of this hormone for our health.
What is Oestrogen and what does it do?
Oestrogens are the female sex hormones, but they are produced in males too and have important roles for both genders. They have very specific biological activities in the body and having correct levels is important:
- Normal oestrogen function (along with other hormones) is required for a controlled ovarian cycle and fertilization.
- During Puberty;
- Stimulates growth of reproductive organs.
- A role in body hair and bone growth.
- Determines pattern of fat distribution.
- Could decrease insulin sensitivity, leading to blood glucose control problems.
- Protects against bone loss
- May have a role in regulating blood pressure.
Excess and Deficiency
Like most things, we need the right levels and balance of oestrogen. If there is an excess, deficiency or dominance (from natural levels) in the body, there are invariably problems. Although this depends greatly on gender and stage of life, the following problems have been associated with oestrogen imbalance:
- Body fat accumulation (typically around the upper legs)
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer in males
- Osteoporosis / reduced bone health
Menopausal Considerations
Menopause, the cessation of menstruation marks the end of the reproductive years for the female. This is accompanied by a drop in oestrogen production, which can lead to reduced bone mass / density. This is of major consequence to our health and not something we should accept lightly, if we want to age without brittle bones and the fear of fractures.
Action to Take
Some health professionals believe that Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) is beneficial post menopause to maintain hormonal levels. However other health practitioners are sceptical about medicinal oestrogen and its side effects. They believe that the body can produce adequate levels of oestrogen necessary to carry out its key non-reproductive functions. The key point for us to take from this is that if we provide the right environment for our body and mind, then nature will provide us with good health. However, can we expect to deal with fluctuations and changes as we age when our environment, nutrition, exercise and lifestyle has not been optimal for health.
High levels of oestrogens may be caused by xeno-oestrogens (toxins from outside the body), which mimic the hormone. Steps to take are to avoid such toxins like fumes, pesticides and plastics and to nutritionally detoxify them.
Further prevention is in the form of regular suitable exercise and a quality nutritional intake, which is free from refined sugars and processed food. In addition it is important to have a healthy digestive system and unfortunately alcohol is the main culprit of disrupting oestrogen levels.
Research
It is important to note that research is still developing our knowledge of the effects of this hormone. It could be that levels are to naturally decrease at a certain age, without certain consequential problems. Is this what nature intended and if we look after ourselves, does the body find a way of staying free of illness and disease?
The BioSignature Technique and Oestrogen Profiles
Studying with Charles Poliquin (founder of BioSignature Modulation), taught me that stubborn fat distribution around the quad and hamstring sites (thigh) are related to imbalanced Oestrogen levels. When you assess your BioSignature you can quickly focus on your priorities for Nutrition, Exercise and Lifestyle, instead of shooting in the dark, or trying a one-size-fits-all approach.
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