Jason &
We’ve partnered our wholistic lifestyle and functional medicine approach to help people over the age of 40
THRIVE in the second half of their life. We’ll help you bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and the practical, actionable steps you can take to…
Reignite your natural vitality & energy
Resolve persistent digestive issues
Boost your brainpower
Achieve hormonal harmony
Embrace a new chapter of health and happiness
Laura Frontiero, NP-BC
Laura@LauraFrontiero.com
LauraFrontiero.com
Welcome
...to your midlife detox journey for better hormonal balance! If you're over 40 and feeling like your body's declared mutiny, you're not alone. Those mood swings, stubborn belly fat, and "where did I put my keys?" moments aren't just annoying coincidences -- they're often the result of your hormones throwing an epic midlife crisis party
These days, it's almost impossible to avoid chemicals and toxins. They're in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and even the products we use every day. While many of these substances are harmless, some can disrupt your hormones, leading to a range of health issues
But before you resign yourself to a future of elastic waistbands and Post-it note reminders, let's explore what's really going on with your hormones and how environmental toxins significantly disrupt your endocrine system.
Understanding Hormone Disruptors
Environmental toxins are silent saboteurs of our hormonal health. These sneaky chemicals can mimic or interfere with our natural hormones, throwing our entire endocrine system off balance
Common sources of endocrine disruptors include:
Plastics (especially those containing BPA)
Pesticides and herbicides
Flame retardants (found in furniture and car upholstery)
Personal care products containing parabens and phthalates
Let's explore some specific environmental toxins that can wreak havoc on our hormones:
Bisphenol A (BPA): Found in plastic containers and can linings, BPA can mimic estrogen and disrupt thyroid function. A CDC study found that 93% of Americans have detectable levels of BPA in their urine (1)
Phthalates: These chemicals, found in personal care products and plastics, can interfere with testosterone production. Research has linked higher phthalate exposure to lower testosterone levels in men. (2)
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Often called "forever chemicals," PFAS are used in non-stick cookware and water-resistant clothing They can disrupt thyroid function and have been associated with earlier menopause
Heavy metals: Lead and mercury can interfere with the body's stress hormones, disrupting the endocrine system and impacting overall health and well-being
The Impact of Toxins on Your Hormones
Exposure to these toxins can have significant effects on our hormonal health, especially during midlife when our bodies are already undergoing natural hormonal changes. Here's how toxins can impact specific hormones:
Estrogen: Xenoestrogens (synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen) can lead to estrogen dominance, contributing to issues like fibroids, endometriosis, and increased breast cancer risk.
Testosterone: Endocrine disruptors can lower testosterone levels in both men and women, leading to decreased libido, muscle mass loss, and mood changes
Thyroid hormones: Toxins like perchlorate and PCBs can interfere with thyroid function, potentially leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
Cortisol: Chronic exposure to toxins can stress the body, leading to elevated cortisol levels and contributing to issues like weight gain, insomnia, and mood disorders.
Studies have shown that women with higher levels of certain endocrine disruptors in their bodies experience menopause an average of 2-4 years earlier than those with lower levels (4) This suggests that these chemicals may not only influence hormone levels but also the timing of major hormonal transitions
Steps to Detox Your Body and Balance Your Hormones
Now that we understand the impact of toxins on our hormonal health, let's explore practical steps to detox your body and support hormone balance:
Optimize Your Detoxification Pathways
Your body has natural detoxification systems, but they can become overwhelmed in our toxin-laden world. Here's how to support your body's detox processes:
Work with a functional health practitioner to identify specific toxins affecting your health through advanced testing
Ensure your organs of detoxification are open and free-flowing to prevent pollutants, pathogens, and waste from creating inflammation and throwing off your hormones
Consider regular infrared sauna sessions to promote sweating and toxin elimination.
Try a fast-mimicking diet (like ProLon) to enhance cellular autophagy and detoxification.
Support liver function with supplements like phase II amino acids, bitters, and milk thistle.
Minimize Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors
Reducing your exposure to toxins is crucial for hormonal health:
Read labels on personal care items and avoid those containing parabens, phthalates, and triclosan
Replace plastic containers with stainless steel or better yet, glass options
Choose organic produce when possible to avoid pesticides and herbicides and wash thoroughly
Use natural cleaning products (like Branch Basics or Truly Free) for your home
Filter your drinking and bathing water to remove contaminants.
Avoid non-stick cookware and opt for safer alternatives like lead-free ceramic or cast iron
Support Your Gut Microbiome
A healthy gut is crucial for hormone balance and effective detoxification:
Get comprehensive gut testing to identify any dysbiosis or pathogenic organisms
Implement a personalized probiotic regimen based on your unique microbiome profile.
Consider targeted prebiotics to feed beneficial bacteria and support a healthy gut lining
Eat a diverse range of plant foods to support a healthy microbiome
Use toxin binders like Biotoxin Binder and fiber.
Enhance Mitochondrial Function
Healthy mitochondria are essential for energy production and hormone balance:
Implement time-restricted eating in a 10- or 12-hour feeding window to promote mitochondrial biogenesis.
Use MyVitalC ESS60 to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species
Use targeted supplements like CoQ10, PQQ, NAD+, and alpha-lipoic acid to support mitochondrial health
Consider red light therapy to enhance mitochondrial energy production.
Optimize Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
Quality sleep is crucial for hormone balance and detoxification. Sleep is when your body turns on its internal cleaning service, repairing, restoring, and refreshing your cells so that all your systems (including hormone production) work as they should.
Expose your eyes to daylight for at least 20 minutes as soon as you wake up in the morning
Use blue light-blocking glasses in the evening to support natural melatonin production
Create an evening winddown routine to prepare your body for restful sleep
Explore supplements like phosphatidylserine, melatonin, or herbal sleep blends to support healthy cortisol rhythms
Address Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can hinder your body's ability to detoxify and balance hormones:
Implement a nutrient-dense diet rich in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish
Get an Organic Acids Test (OAT) to identify metabolic imbalances and nutrient deficiencies.
Consider targeted supplements to address specific deficiencies
Explore intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy for immediate support
Resolve Chronic Infections
Chronic infections can contribute to hormonal imbalances and hinder detoxification:
Identify and address chronic infections like Lyme disease or Epstein-Barr virus.
Use herbal antimicrobials to eradicate low-grade infections
Support your immune system with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and immune-boosting supplements.
Implement an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and antiinflammatory compounds
Do This, Not That: Healthy Alternatives to HormoneDisrupting Toxins
To make it easier for you to reduce your exposure to hormone-disrupting toxins, here's a quick reference chart of healthy alternatives:
Don't Use This
Plastic food containers
Non-stick cookware
Conventional produce
Chemical-based cleaning products
Chemical-based Regular tap water-cleaning products
Conventional personal care products
Plastic water bottles
Canned foods
Synthetic air fresheners
Chemical-based pesticides
Conventional dairy and meat
Microwave-safe plastics
Use This Instead
Glass or stainless steel containers
Cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware
Organic produce, especially for the "Dirty Dozen"
Natural cleaners (eg, vinegar, baking soda) or eco-friendly brands
Filtered water (reverse osmosis or activated carbon)
Natural, organic personal care products
Reusable glass or stainless steel water bottles
Fresh foods or products in glass jars
Essential oils or natural potpourri
Natural pest control methods (eg, neem oil, diatomaceous earth)
Organic, hormone-free dairy and meat
Microwave-safe glass or ceramic containers
Why It's Better
Avoids BPA and other plasticizers that can leach into food
Eliminates exposure to PFAS chemicals used in non-stick coatings
Reduces exposure to pesticides and herbicides
Avoids harsh chemicals that can disrupt hormones
Removes contaminants like heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues
Avoids parabens, phthalates, and other endocrine disruptors
Reduces exposure to BPA and microplastics
Avoids BPA often used in can linings
Eliminates phthalates and other artificial fragrances
Reduces exposure to hormonedisrupting pesticides
Avoids added hormones and reduces exposure to pesticides in animal feed
Prevents plastic chemicals from leaching into food when heated
Remember, you don't have to make all these changes at once Start with one or two that seem most manageable, and gradually work your way through the list Every small change you make can have a positive impact on your hormone health!
Conclusion
Detoxifying your body from hormone-disrupting toxins is a crucial step in regaining hormonal balance and vitality in midlife. By following this step-by-step guide, you can support your body's natural detoxification processes, minimize exposure to harmful chemicals, and create an environment that promotes optimal hormone function
Remember, the key to navigating midlife hormone havoc is personalization. What works for others might not be the best approach for you. Listen to your body, stay informed about your options, and don't be afraid to advocate for your health.
If you're struggling with bothersome symptoms or need personalized guidance on your detox journey, don't hesitate to reach out to a functional health practitioner They can help develop a customized plan that addresses your unique needs and supports your body's natural ability to detoxify and maintain hormonal balance.
Here's to your health, vitality, and hormone harmony!
Laura & Jason
References
(1) Calafat AM, Ye X, Wong LY, Reidy JA, Needham LL. Exposure of the U.S. population to bisphenol A and 4-tertiary-octylphenol: 2003-2004 Environ Health Perspect 2008 Jan;116(1):39-44 doi: 101289/ehp10753 PMID: 18197297; PMCID: PMC2199288
(2) John D. Meeker, Kelly K. Ferguson, Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated With Decreased Serum Testosterone in Men, Women, and Children From NHANES 2011–2012, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 99, Issue 11, 1 November 2014, Pages 4346–4352, https://doiorg/101210/jc2014-2555
(3) Knox SS, Jackson T, Frisbee SJ, Javins B, Ducatman AM Perfluorocarbon exposure, gender and thyroid function in the C8 Health Project. J Toxicol Sci. 2011 Aug;36(4):403-10. doi: 10.2131/jts.36.403. PMID: 21804304.
(4) Grindler, N M, Allsworth, J E, Macones, G A, Kannan, K, Roehl, K A, & Cooper, A R (2015) Persistent Organic Pollutants and Early Menopause in US Women PLOS ONE, 10(1), e0116057 https://doiorg/101371/journalpone.0116057