Restoring Hormone Balance

Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Restoring Hormone Balance

Q: I went off the birth control pill about 18 months ago and since then I have the most painful periods. Also, around ovulation, it feels as if I am 6 months pregnant as I become so bloated that I have broken blood vessels and it stays swelled for the next 10 days. This happens about every 4 months.

A: To start with I think you should have a complete physical with your doctor and possibly an internal exam as well as pelvic ultrasound. This is not the usual symptoms for someone getting off oral contraception in the form of the Birth Control Pill or BCP. You should have adjusted to hormonal changes in your body by now. 18 months is a long time. Did you possibly have any of these symptoms prior to starting BCP? Often women experience improvement in pain associated with onset of menstruation when taking BCP. Endometriosis, a common condition causing severe pain during menstrual cycle is improved when taking BCP.

You are probably suffering from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS as a result of hormonal imbalance. I would start addressing your problems by insuring that your body if fully able to detoxify any potential toxins that can mimic estrogen hormones. Environmental toxins known as xenoestrogens can over stimulate estrogen sensitive tissues, thus causing severe symptoms. Start by doing a liver cleanses. Liver is the first organ of detoxification in the body and the one responsible for removing toxins and pollutants such as xenoestrogens. I often add DiIndolMethane or DIM to detoxify hormones from the body. Calcium-D-Glucarate is an excellent substance to remove environmental pollutants and excess hormones from your body stores. If you also have bowel issues, then you will need to do a bowel cleanse as well. Use a supplement of Lactobacilli to re-establish bowel balance.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca