267: Your Guide to Healthy Hormones, Part 1 with Endocrinologist Dr. Jordan Geller, MD
Aug 23, 2023
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Dr. Jordan Geller, an Endocrinologist, discusses the impact of lifestyle on hormones, endocrine disruptors, making informed choices, hair care and skincare, investigating factors affecting hormones and health, and alcohol's effect on hormones and recovery.
Endocrine disruptors in everyday products can lead to hormone imbalances and should be minimized through conscious choices.
Different symptoms and issues are interconnected manifestations of underlying hormone imbalances influenced by lifestyle factors.
Stress and trauma disrupt hormone balance and require stress management techniques for restoration and overall well-being.
Deep dives
Endocrine disruptors and their impact on hormones
Endocrine disruptors, such as phthalates and pesticides, can have a profound effect on hormones in the body. They can mimic or block hormones, leading to hormone imbalances and various symptoms. These disruptors are found in everyday products like toothpaste, skincare products, plastic cookware, and food containers. They can negatively impact reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and overall hormone balance. It is important to be aware of these disruptors and make conscious choices to minimize exposure, such as opting for natural products and avoiding plastic containers and nonstick cookware.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of hormones and health
Hormones play a vital role in our overall health and well-being, influencing everything from our menstrual cycles to our weight and skin condition. The key to understanding hormone imbalances is recognizing that different symptoms and issues are often interconnected manifestations of an underlying problem. Lifestyle factors like stress, diet, exercise, sleep, and environmental toxins can all contribute to hormone imbalances. It is crucial for healthcare providers and patients to address these root causes and work towards making positive changes in these areas to restore hormone balance and improve overall health.
The importance of addressing stress and trauma in hormone health
Stress and trauma have a significant impact on hormone health. Chronic stress disrupts the delicate balance of hormones, leading to a cascade of negative effects on various bodily functions. High levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can lead to irregular periods, weight gain, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function. Traumatic experiences, even if not consciously remembered, can contribute to underlying behavioral patterns that make it challenging to make positive lifestyle changes. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and therapy, are essential for restoring hormone balance and promoting overall well-being.
The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Our Health
Endocrine disruptors, such as plastics and toxins in cleaning products, can have a negative impact on our health. These substances, including microplastics shed from yoga wear, get into our environment and can be ingested. Studies have shown that eating organic and eliminating products containing BPA and plastic can lead to positive changes in hormone levels and overall health. Plastics can mimic estrogen, which can be detrimental to men, boys, and animals. The concept of 'the dose makes the poison' does not hold true with endocrine disruptors, as even low doses can have potent effects. While it can be challenging to avoid these substances completely, making small changes in our daily lives, such as using good air purifiers, can make a difference.
Tips for Supporting Hormonal Health
When it comes to supporting hormonal health, having a healthy diet that includes ample protein is crucial. Supplements like DIM for estrogen excess, Vitex for PMS symptoms, and MOCA or DHEA for androgen support can be beneficial for specific hormone imbalances. However, nourishing the body with the right nutrients is the foundation for hormone production. While finding a doctor who is knowledgeable about hormone testing and interpretation can be challenging, it's important to advocate for comprehensive testing at different times of the month to get a more accurate assessment. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding alcohol, which is considered an endocrine disruptor, can have a positive impact on hormone health.
Dr. Jordan Geller is a dual board-certified physician spezializing in Endocrinology and is on staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Jupiter Medical Center in Palm Beach County, Florida. He manages complex hormonal disorders at his offices in Los Angeles, Palm Beach, and through telemedicine consultations in New York. He joins the show to discuss what hormones are and how they function in the body, how our lifestyle affects our hormones, and where to start when treating hormone imbalances. He explains how endocrine disrupters that we encounter all throughout our day influence our hormones, how to make simple changes in our diets, products we use and lifestyles to support our hormones, the pillars of health that contribute to hormone health, natural interventions to improve hormone related issues, acne and other skin conditions and so much more.
This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.
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