Hormone rollercoaster

A LOT of young women come to my office to discuss their health. Most of them are in their mid-to-late-20s. They come to see me because they have fertility issues. They want to get pregnant but their body is not letting them.

Many young girls suffer form polycystic ovaries, fibroids, endometriosis, which mess up their monthly cycles, their hormones, their weight, and even their moods!

Very often, these conditions cause miscarriages or infertility and I see a lot of frustration, disappointment and even depression in their faces.

They are trying to get pregnant, but can't. The inability to conceive is probably one of the most distressing conditions that young women face today. And, it is made worse by society's pressures and well-meaning questions by relatives of 'when are you going to have a baby?'

Understandably, there are a lot of tears during these consultations ... tears of fear, tears of frustration and possibly even tears of guilt. Could these young women possibly be the reason why they can't have children?

So, I calm them down and we go through their diet and lifestyle, trying to pinpoint the main causes of the problem.

"But what does my diet and lifestyle have to do with it?" they would ask, shocked, "isn't this a problem to do with genetics and hormones?"

What do you think moves genetics and hormones? It's your diet and lifestyle, of course.

So, we start going through their diet as a child. I explain that what you've eaten throughout your life has been causing the build-up to this point.

Many young girls spend their childhood and teenage years eating unhealthy foods. Some even smoke and drink in their teenage years and early twenties. Then, one day, they wake up to the reality that their body has not had a chance to properly prepare for pregnancy during these years. It just won't let it happen.

So now, they are sitting in my office and ready to do anything. They want the cure NOW. But, when I explain that it might take some time, not everybody accepts that. Sadly, many of them opt for artificial means of fertility, which allows you to get pregnant in spite of your body telling you not to. Instead of waiting to be fit enough to create a healthy baby, many women opt for the quick solution. As a result, we are now creating a generation of weak children who require lots of medications and vaccines to survive.

And the same happens with the men. As many as 60 per cent of infertility cases are attributed to the male. So, if you are a man who thinks hormone issues don't apply to you, then think again. Diet and lifestyle have a direct impact on the quality of your sperm and your ability to bear offspring.

Let's imagine it's you in my office, sitting on my couch and we're discussing your hormones. There are various things that you will need to look at in order to address this issue.

First of all, sugar. Sugar has a direct effect on hormones. If you are eating sugar, then your hormones are being affected on a daily basis. If you've had a lifetime of sugar, then you are affecting your ability to conceive, your ability to stay at an ideal weight and even your ability to breeze through menopause. Sugar also has a direct effect on hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovaries.

Another factor is hormone-laden foods coming from animal products. These hormones in the animals go into your body and affect your hormonal balance. As a result, when your hormones get out of balance, so will your ability to conceive and carry a baby to term.

Excess weight and lack of exercise are also factors in fertility and hormone balance. It goes without saying that if you are overweight, then your ability to handle and process hormones will be compromised and thus the resulting hormonal issues. While it is not advised to attempt to lose weight while pregnant, it is always better to start a pregnancy at a more optimum weight.

Many people also have nutrient deficiencies that put them at a hormonal disadvantage. Some examples include zinc, iron and B vitamins. If your body is lacking these nutrients then you will present symptoms of a hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovaries, infertility, or miscarriages. The body depends on an intricate balance of nutrients in order to get the reproductive processes working well.

And last but not least, toxins. If you are exposed to toxins such as smoking, pesticides, pollution, medication, or mercury dental fillings, these toxins will mimic hormones and cause a hormone imbalance, infertility and often also miscarriages or severe morning sickness.

Do not detox while pregnant, but a detox a few months before conception is ideal. Take a good look at your life and eliminate the factors that are making your hormones go on a rollercoaster.

If you have young children, make sure that you influence their diet and lifestyle choices in a way that will ensure them a smooth transition to adult life because hormone deficiencies are much easier to prevent than treat.

And, let's work together to create healthier babies.

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