Stress Reduction Techniques & Breathing Exercises
When we are stressed, we enter our sympathetic nervous system, commonly known as our fight or flight mode. In this state, all our bodily functions shut down, including those responsible for arousal and natural lubrication.
Too often in the modern world, we stay in this chronic state of fight or flight. Stress-reducing practices likebreathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, pilates, massage, meditation, and gentle walking can all active your rest and digest state.
Practicing them daily is highly recommended to improve our overall quality of life, balance our hormones and optimize our natural bodily functions.
Using A Credit Card To Pay For Transition
It is possible to use a credit card to pay for gender transition. However, you will need an acceptable credit history to get approved for a credit card in the first place. If you arent sure of your credit history, Experian offers free credit score and credit report checks. Its also unwise to use a credit card to make payments if you wont be able to afford your credit card bill at the end of the month. Credit cards tend to have very high interest rates compared to other forms of debt and companies tend to slap on wherever they can. If you do decide to use a credit card to pay for your gender transition, use is sparingly and pay off your entire balance as quickly as possible.
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Summary Of The Literature Search
The literature search process is outlined in Figure 1. The database search yielded 1775 records and 132 additional manuscripts were identified through hand search. After removing duplicates, 1625 titles/abstracts were screened, 198 full texts were reviewed following removal based on exclusion criteria and 43 met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Of the 50 studies, 28 were randomized controlled trials, defined as an experimental study style in Table 1, and 15 were an observational study style.
Flowchart of systematic literature search process. N is abbreviation for number.
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Improve Your Gut Motility:
Improving bowel movement frequency and consistency is a key detoxification concept. If you arent moving your bowels well, you are recirculating bad estrogens and microbial endotoxins that drive up more inflammation and impair liver function.
Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet with good fiber sources such as chia seed and flax seed, using bone broths, fermented foods and probiotics will improve bowel motility. You should be moving your bowels a minimum of 1-2 times per day to clear out all the waste from the day before.
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How Can I Prevent Low Estrogen Levels
You cant avoid drops in estrogen associated with getting older. You can put healthy habits into place that lead to overall balance in your life including more balanced hormones. These changes dont always require hormone therapy. For instance, exercising in moderation and meditation can help with sleep disturbances and fatigue associated with low estrogen. Getting enough calories and the right kinds of nutrients can improve every aspect of your health. Using a lubricant can make sex more pleasurable.
Depending on whats causing your low levels and the severity of your symptoms, you may need medicine to help. Speak with your provider about your options.
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Supplements That Contain Gla
A potential natural alternative to HRT, research has shown that oil supplements containing GLA like borage oil, evening primrose oil, nigella sativa oil, and hemp oil may provide benefits in the form of suppositories for vaginal dryness due to their estrogen-like activity in the body.
This is an option for women who are not suitable for HRT, or who do not wish to use it. Be sure to consult with your doctor about these supplements in case they interfere with any medication.
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How Does High Estrogen Affect The Body Of A Man Or Amab Person
People assigned male at birth need some estrogen for their sexual and reproductive health. But high levels of estrogen can cause:
- Infertility.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- A condition called gynecomastia, where the breasts become enlarged.
If youre assigned male at birth and concerned about your estrogen levels, speak with an endocrinologist or a functional medicine specialist for help.
Foods That Increase Estrogen Levels Naturally
The transition into menopause has been attributed to the decrease of hormonal estrogen in the body, which is responsible for womens sex characteristics. The following are some of the physiological changes that are attributed to estrogen:
- Responsible for female puberty
- Control growth of the uterine lining during the menstruation cycle and at the beginning of pregnancy
- Involved in breast development and breast changes seen during pregnancy
- Play a role in bone and cholesterol metabolism
- Helps to regulate food intake, body weight, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity
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Fast Facts On Low Estrogen:
- Estrogen is largely produced by the ovaries.
- When estrogen levels are low, it can have several effects on the body.
- Women who have eating disorders, such as anorexia, are at a higher risk of having low estrogen levels.
Levels of estrogen vary for many reasons. Any condition that affects or damages the ovaries can cause a decrease in estrogen levels in the body.
The most significant risk factor for having low estrogen is age. As women age and approach menopause, it is normal for estrogen levels to drop.
In fact, estrogen levels start to lower several years before menopause occurs .
Estrogen levels can also decline for several other reasons including:
- premature ovarian failure
Estrogen is an essential hormone so the effects can be quite wide-ranging.
Symptoms of low estrogen may include the following:
Oestrogen And Breast Cancer
The causes of breast cancer are complex, involving many factors. However, it is known that oestrogen can help breast cancer cells grow.
Women who have been exposed to more oestrogen for example, because they reached puberty early or went through menopause late have an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who reach menopause at the normal age, but whose bodies have naturally high concentrations of oestrogen, also have an increased risk.
Oestrogen taken in the form of combined hormone-based medicines , including combined HRT and the pill, can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer too.
Often, however, these risks are small, so talk to your doctor if you are concerned about breast cancer. The risk is also reduced if you stop using these medicines.
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Weight Gain And Cellulite
If youre low on progesterone, your body wont burn fat stores for energy. In addition, you lose progesterones anti-catabolic benefits, which help to protect your muscle tissue, particularly when youve had a rough week.
Your body will not burn fat. Instead, you will pull glucose into your bloodstream, which often means your body starts breaking down your muscle tissue to provide this quick source of energy. This can, in turn, lead to the production of cellulite.
Information Accuracy And Risks Of Hrt
Its a fact that some transsexuals chooseusually because its the only option available to themto self-prescribe hormones and/or androgen-blocking drugs. This article compares recommendations from medical and non-medical sources, and explains conditions that could result from HRT, whether therapy is medically monitored or not. This information is not provided or intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or care.
I am not a medical professional. Please also note that the glossary at the end of this article is just that: a glossary, and not a dictionary. The descriptions of the terms in the glossary are meant to help you interpret their use in this article only, and are not comprehensive definitions.
OTCH
By Lisa Rapaport, Reuters Health
5 Min Read
Transgender women who take sex hormones to feminize their bodies may not experience as much breast development as they expect, a new European study suggests.
Researchers followed 229 people transitioning from male to female for one year after they started taking whats known as cross-sex hormones. For this type of transition, hormone therapy consists of both anti-androgens to block the activity of male sex hormones and curb male characteristics as well as estrogens to encourage breast development and feminization.
Only 21 of the trans women attained a bra size of an A cup or larger after one year of hormone therapy, the study found.
Most of the breast growth happened during the first six months of treatment.
Stop Taking Birth Control Pills
Women who are on birth control are at a higher risk of progesterone deficiency because of the synthetic estrogen that exists in the pills.
Many women take these pills to boost natural estrogen in their bodies when they dont make enough on their own. Unfortunately, birth control can hurt your body if its already susceptible to estrogen dominance.
Changing your birth control routine might not be ideal, but its necessary if you want to combat a possibly harmful level of estrogen production.
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Estrogen
First off, it is worth saying that low estrogen symptoms can be also a result of smoking, hereditary predisposition, and excessive exercising. So, whenever a woman wants to prevent the fast onset of menopause, she should avoid such activities, and inform a dedicated expert about signature genetic details. In such a case, he will be able to appoint hormone replacement therapy or recommend health supplements that will stabilize the levels as much as possible. Besides, such treatment can alleviate the symptoms of low estrogen, and let the woman live a comfortable life.
Food Items That You Should Avoid
Its very important to know which estrogen dominance foods to avoid. You should steer clear of red meats, processed food, refined carbs, and foods rich in saturated fats. These categories of foods have a negative impact on the body in general. They produce harmful metabolites and can increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, and cardiovascular afflictions.
Estrogen levels tend to be higher in individuals who eat a Western type of diet. High-fat, high-carb diets can have harmful effects on the body and cause hormonal imbalances which may lead to estrogen dominance.
How Is Low Estrogen Diagnosed
Diagnosis and treatment of low estrogen can help prevent many health issues.
If youre experiencing symptoms of low estrogen, talk with your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and make a diagnosis if needed. Early diagnosis may help prevent further complications.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your family health history and assess your symptoms. Theyll also perform a physical exam. Blood tests will likely be needed to measure your hormone levels.
Your follicle stimulating hormone levels may also be tested to determine whether your estrogen is low if youre experiencing:
- hot flashes
- insomnia
- frequently missed periods
The Function Of Estrogen
Estrogen is the hormone that is primarily responsible for the sexual development in girls as they reach puberty age. Other functions of estrogen include:
- initiates changes in breast tissue during adolescence and pregnancy
- helps to regulate menstrual cycles
- regulates bodyweight by helping to control metabolism involved in the development and growth of healthy bone tissue
- may play a role in promoting healthy cardiovascular activity, according to the American Heart Association
How Is Low Estrogen Treated
Women who have low levels of estrogen may benefit from hormonal treatment. Hormonal treatment is the standard for low estrogen. There are non-hormonal options to help relieve symptoms. Non-hormonal options are preferred for women at high risk for breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, or liver disease.
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How To Transition From Male To Female
wikiHow is a wiki, similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 60 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 71 testimonials and 81% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,186,452 times.Learn moreâ¦
Physically transitioning from male to female is a unique, individual, but hard process. There is no right or wrong way to physically transition. While some trans women may choose to undergo Sexual Reassignment Surgery , others may find that Hormone Replacement Therapy is sufficient. Transitioning, regardless of what it entails, is a long, expensive, and risky process that can lead to rewarding results! Be patient and surround yourself with supportive friends and family members.
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Where Can You Find Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
BodyLogicMD bioidentical hormone therapy starts by measuring the various hormone levels in your body using a comprehensive blood, urine, or serum test. By determining the baseline levels, our BodyLogicMDs highly trained practitioners will customize a natural hormone therapy replacement plan specifically for each woman based on her individual needs. If your body lacks normal levels of estrogen, your BodyLogicMD-affiliated bioidentical hormone practitioner will start you on bioidentical estrogen replacement therapy. In an optimal situation, your bodys hormones work together in concert a change in one hormone inevitably changes others. By determining your exact hormone levels and using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, in combination with a fitness and nutrition program, you can join the thousands who have improved their quality of life with BodyLogicMD. Contact your local BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner today!
What is estrogen?
Your bodys hormones are like a seesaw. When theyre perfectly balanced, your body works as it should. But when theyre unbalanced, you may begin experiencing problems.
Estrogen is known as the female hormone. Testosterone is known as the male hormone. Although each hormone is identified with a specific sex, both are found in women and men. On average, women have higher levels of estrogen and men have more testosterone.
In men, estrogen also plays an important role in sexual function.
Lifestyle And Diet Adjustments
How Do Phytoestrogens Affect Your Health
Phytoestrogens have a similar chemical structure to that of estrogen and may mimic its hormonal actions.
Phytoestrogens attach to estrogen receptors in your cells, potentially affecting the function of estrogen throughout your body .
However, not all phytoestrogens function in the same way.
Phytoestrogens have been shown to have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This means that, while some phytoestrogens have estrogen-like effects and increase estrogen levels in your body, others block its effects and decrease estrogen levels .
Because of their complex actions, phytoestrogens are one of the most controversial topics in nutrition and health.
While some researchers have raised concerns that a high intake of phytoestrogens may cause hormonal imbalance, most evidence has linked them to positive health effects.
In fact, multiple studies have associated phytoestrogen intake with decreased cholesterol levels, improved menopausal symptoms, and a lower risk of osteoporosis and certain types of cancer, including breast cancer (
3 ).
Soy isoflavones can produce estrogen-like activity in the body by mimicking the effects of natural estrogen. They may increase or decrease blood estrogen levels .
One study found that women who took a soy protein supplement for 12 weeks experienced moderate decreases in blood estrogen levels compared with a control group.
The researchers proposed that these effects might help protect against certain types of breast cancer .
15 ).
Keeping Or Restoring Strong Healthy Bones
Osteoporosisthinning of the bone tissueis common, particularly among Caucasian women, after menopause. The cause is not an inadequate calcium intake, ordinarily. The problem is abnormally rapid calcium loss, aggravated by the following five calcium wasters: