N I C O L E J A R D I MWOMEN ’S HOL IST IC HEALTH COACH

M O D U L E 5

IMPLEMENTATION PHASE: POWERFUL NEXT STEPS TO TAKE!

IS YOUR SHAMPOO MESSING WITH YOUR HORMONES?

ARE  THE  CHEMICALS  IN  THE  PRODUCTS  YOU  USE  MAKING  YOU  SICK  &  FAT?  

There is now overwhelming evidence that many synthetic chemicals in our environment may interfere with our bodies' complex and carefully regulated hormonal messenger system.

We live in an estrogenic or feminizing environment. Many studies now show that "Xenoestrogens" - endocrine-disrupting chemicals that mimic estrogen - cause high estrogen in both women and men. In women, the estrogenic environment may lead to an epidemic of female diseases, all traceable to excess estrogen/deficient progesterone. In men, it may result in declining quality of sperm. It is critical to limit your exposure to xenoestrogens whenever possible in an effort to address any hormonal imbalances you might be dealing with – especially if it is estrogen dominance.

These synthetic chemicals may be:

• Carcinogens (chemicals that cause cancer) • Endocrine disruptors (chemicals that disrupt the function of the hormone system and impair normal

development) • Obesogens (chemicals that disrupt normal metabolism functioning and are linked to obesity)

Endocrine disruptors have been linked to early puberty, impaired immune function, breast and endometrial cancer, birth deformities, obesity and metabolism disorders. Most endocrine disrupting chemicals are fat-soluble. This means that they do not get rapidly flushed out of the body, but rather are stored in fat, which makes them even more damaging. Especially when they hang out in your fat cells for decades.

Chemicals can disrupt the normal function of the endocrine system in several ways:

1. They can mimic a natural hormone and lock onto a receptor within the cell. The disruptor may give a signal stronger than the natural hormone, or a signal that occurs at the "wrong" time.

2. They can bind to a receptor within a cell and thus prevent the correct hormone from binding. The normal signal then fails to occur and the body fails to respond properly.

3. The disruptors can interfere or block the way natural hormones and receptors are made or controlled. This can cause an unnatural increase or decrease in the amount of hormones produced.

Examples of toxic chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors - mimicking hormones, and blocking or exaggerating our natural hormonal responses - include Bisphenol A, phthalates, PCBs, household chemicals, insecticides like DDT, and many pesticides. Visit Our Stolen Future’s website to learn more about endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Doesn’t the government protect us from these chemicals?

Intuition would tell you that it doesn’t make sense for toxic chemicals to be allowed unchecked into the marketplace, but the record speaks for itself. The vast majority of more than 80,000 chemicals available for use in the United States have never been adequately tested for safety. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), passed 35 years ago, was meant to give the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to obtain information on chemicals from their manufacturers. The EPA was to then use this information to evaluate the safety of each new chemical and regulate those chemicals found to be dangerous. Unfortunately, roughly 62,000 chemicals were “grandfathered in” when the TSCA was passed allowing manufacturers to keep producing these chemicals without any evaluation of their safety. Today, most chemicals on the market are among these original 62,000, and information on their safety remains incomplete and inadequate.

The main chemicals to look out for:

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are used to make soft plastic products and PVC plastic. They can also be found in shampoo, nail polish, fragrances, shower curtains, and medical devices. Phthalates are especially detrimental to the endocrine system of all mammals.

“In women, they can affect the level of reproductive hormones such as free testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin. One type of phthalate called DEHP, blocks estradiol production in the ovaries. This causes anovulation, or lack of egg production in the ovaries, which in turn leads to estrogen dominance. This can lead to other problems such as buildup of the uterine lining, with subsequent excessive bleeding and infertility.”

“The Hormone Cure” by Dr. Sara Gottfried

2. BPA

BPA is a chemical used to make hard plastics. It is typically found in water bottles and in the lining of food cans. Recently, the Environmental Working Group published a study showing that BPA leaked from more than HALF the canned foods purchased from grocery stores in the US.

BPA has been found in 93% of Americans older than 6 years of age! Research shows that high BPA levels have been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and elevated liver enzymes. In addition, it disrupts production of estradiol in the ovaries, which ultimately interferes with our menstrual cycle.

How to Limit or Avoid Exposure:

1. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database to learn what’s really in your cosmetics and personal care products: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

2. Research your current products on the website above and start to find replacements for overly toxic personal care products. Start with products that you use in large amounts like body lotion and shampoo/conditioner.

3. Look for BPA-free canned foods or phase out canned food altogether. Start making your own beans and soups in a crockpot.

4. Limit consumption of bottled water and any foods that come in a plastic container. Store foods in glass or ceramic containers instead.

5. In the long term, consider buying organic cotton bedding, clothing and shoes made from natural materials like leather. Although banned in 1972, DDT, which is a xenoestrogen, is still present in cotton imported from other countries. Food for thought!

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C H E M I CA LS TO AVO I D F O U N D I N T H E P R O D U CT S W E U S E DA I LY

C H E M I CA L : A LU M I N U M Z I R C O N I U M a n d OT H E R A LU M I N U M C O M P O U N D SFunction: Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat.Present in: Antiperspirants. Banned by EU.Health concerns: Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease; may be linked to breast cancer; probable neurotoxin; respiratory, and developmental toxin.

C H E M I CA L : B E N Z Y L AC E TAT EFunction: Solvent; hidden within “fragrance.”Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Linked to pancreatic cancer; easily absorbs into skin causing quick systemic effects; animal studies show hyperemia of the lungs; possible gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant; possible neurotoxin.

C H E M I CA L : B E N Z A LKO N I U M C H LO R I D E a n d B E N Z E T H O N I U M C H LO R I D EFunction: Antimicrobial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide.Present in: Moisturizer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment, pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; may trigger asthma; possible organ system toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, nervous system, respiratory and blood effects; possible carcinogen.

C H E M I CA L : B R O N O P O L Function: Preservative.Present in: Moisturizer, body wash, facial cleanser, makeup remover, anti-aging products. Restricted in Canada.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; lung and skin toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and gastrointestinal, brain and nervous system effects; irritant.

C H E M I CA L : B U T Y L AC E TAT EFunction: Solvent in polishes and treatments, prevents chipping.Present in: Nail polish and nail treatments.Health concerns: Repeated exposure causes skin dryness and cracking; vapors may induce drowsiness or dizziness; flammable.

C H E M I CA L : B U T Y L AT E D H Y D R OXY TO LU E N E (B HT)/ B UT YLATE D HYDROXYAN I SOLE (B HA)Function: Anti-Oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Banned by EU.Health Concerns: Immune system toxicant; endocrine disruptor; probable human carcinogen; animal studies show brain, liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.

C H E M I CA L : E T H OXY L AT E DI NG R E DI E NTS: CETEAR ETH / PEG COM POU N DSFunction: Surfactant, emulsifying or cleansing agent, penetration enhancer.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Health concerns: Animal studies show brain, nervous system and sense organ effects; irritant; reproductive and skin toxin, alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; may contain harmful impurities.

C H E M I CA L : C OA L TA RFunction: Controls itching and eczema, softens and promotes the dissolution of hard, scaly, rough skin, also used in hair dyes.Present in: Shampoo and Hair Dye. Banned by Canada and EU.Health concerns: Known human carcinogen; skin and respiratory toxicant.

C H E M I CA L : C O CA M I D E D E A / L AU R A M I D E D E AFunction: used as foaming agents in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics; foaming and cleansing agents for “mouth feel.”Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Human immune system toxicant; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents; animal studies show sense organ effects and skin irritation; may contain harmful impurities.

C H E M I CA L : D I E T H A N O L A M I N E ( D E A )Function: pH adjuster.Present in: Sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, hair color.Health concerns: Skin and immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and neuro developmental, brain and nervous system effects; may trigger asthma.

C H E M I CA L : E T H Y L AC E TAT EFunction: Solvent.Present in: Nail polish products, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume.Health concerns: Probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system toxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; highly flammable

C H E M I CA L : F O R M A LD E H Y D EFunction: Disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, preservative.Present in: Deodorant, nail polish, soap, shampoo, shaving cream. Restricted in Canada. Banned by EU.Health concerns: Immune system, respiratory, hematological, and skin toxicant; probable carcinogen and cardiovascular toxicant; can damage DNA; may trigger asthma; animal studies show sense organ, brain, and nervous system effects; possible human development toxicant.

C H E M I CA L : F O R M A LD E H Y D E - R E LE A S I N G P R E S E R VAT I V E S ( Q UAT E R N I U M - 1 5 , D M D M H Y DA N TO I N , D I A Z O LI D I N Y L U R E A A N D I M I DA Z O LI D I N Y L U R E A ) Function: Anti-microbial preservative.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Same as Formaldehyde. May contain harmful immpurities.

C H E M I CA L : F R AG R A N C E ( PA R F U M )Function: Deodorant, masking, perfuming Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible neurotoxin; can contain between 10 and 300 different chemicals, many of which have never been tested for safety; see phthalates. Labeling can be confusing. If uncertain, check with manufacturer.

C H E M I CA L : H Y D R O Q U I N O N EFunction: Antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin bleaching agent, hair colorant.Present in: Skin fading/lightener, facial moisturizer, anti-aging, sunscreen, hair color, facial cleanser and moisturizer. Restricted in Canada.Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption.

C H E M I CA L : I O D O P R O PY N Y L B U T Y LCA R B A M AT E Function: Preservative.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Japan.Health concerns: Human toxicant; possible liver immune system toxin; allergenic.

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C H E M I CA L : LE A D a n d LE A D C O M P O U N D SFunction: Colorant.Present in: Hair dye, hair products. Traces found in some red lipstick. Restricted in Canada. Health concerns: Probable carcinogen; developmental, respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive toxicant; reduced fertility; animal studies show metabolic, brain and nervous system effects; suspected nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skin

C H E M I CA L : M E T H Y LI S OT H I A Z O LI N O N E ( M I / M C I ) a n d M E T H YC H LO R O I S OT H I A Z O LI N O N E Function: Preservative.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Canada and Japan.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; animal studies show restricted growth of the axons and dendrites of immature nerves, neurotoxicity and positive mutation results; can lead to a malfunction in the way neurons communicate with each other; especially detrimental to a developing nervous system.

C H E M I CA L : OXY B E N Z O N E ( B E N Z O P E N O N E - 3 )Function: Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber; UV Absorber; UV Filter.Present in: Sunscreens.Health concerns: Associated with photoallergic reactions and immunotoxicity. Probable carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; Enhanced skin absorption and bioaccumulates to dangerous levels; biochemical cellular changes. Developmental and reproductive toxicity.

C H E M I CA L : PA R A B E N S ( M E T H Y L , E T H Y L , P R O PY L A N D B U T Y L )Function: Preservative and anti-bacterial agent.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risk for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child; studies have found parabens in breast tumors; probable skin toxicant; animal studies show brain and nervous system effects.

C H E M I CA L : P E T R O L AT U MFunction: Forms barrier on skin; makes lipsticks shine and creams smoother; inexpensive skin softener.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned by EU.Health concerns: May be contaminated with impurities, linked to cancer or other significant health problems.

C H E M I CA L : P H T H A L AT E S ( D I B U T Y L P H T H A L AT E S )Function: Fragrance ingredient, plasticizer, solvent.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned in EU.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; developmental and reproductive toxin; respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; bio-accumulative in wildlife.

C H E M I CA L : P - P H E N Y LE N E D I A M I N E ( P P D )Function: Hair colorant.Present in: Hair dye, shampoo, hair spray. Restricted in Canada.Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; eczema; possible nervous system, skin, kidney and liver toxicant; irritant; may trigger asthma and gastritis; shown to cause cancer in animal studies.

C H E M I CA L : P R O PY LE N E G LYC O LFunction: Solvent, penetration enhancer, conditions skin, controls viscosity and keeps products from melting in high or freezing when it is cold.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; animal studies show reproductive effects, positive mutation results, brain and nervous system effects and endocrine disruption.

C H E M I CA L : S O D I U M L AU R E T H S U LFAT E / S O D I U M L AU RY L S U LFAT EFunction: Cleansing and foaming agent - Surfactant, emulsifying agent, penetration enhancer.Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; Irritant; Hormone disruptor. May cause hair follicle,skin and eye damage.

C H E M I CA L : TA LCFunction: Absorbs moisture, anti-caking agent, bulking agent.Present in: Blush, powder, eye shadow, baby powder, deodorant.Health concerns: Carcinogen; link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer; talc particles are similar to asbestos particles and data suggests that it can cause tumors in the lungs; probable respiratory toxin.

C H E M I CA L : TO LU E N EFunction: Antioxidant, solvent to improve adhesion and gloss.Present in: Nail polish and hair dye.Health concerns: Liver toxin; probable developmental, nervous system and respiratory toxin; possible cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal and sense organ toxin; possible carcinogen and reproductive toxin; irritant; highly flammable.

C H E M I CA L : T R I C LO S A NFunction: Anti-bacterial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide. Reduces and controls bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products.Present in: Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes, face wash and cleaning supplies. Restricted in Japan and Canada.Health concerns: Probable endocrine disrupter and carcinogen; easily bio-accumulates to dangerous levels; irritant; animal studies show reproductive and other broad systematic effects; potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems.

C H E M I CA L : T R I E T H A N A LO M I N E ( T E A )Function: Fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, surfactant.Present in: Hand & body lotion, shaving creams, soap, shampoo, bath powders and moisturizer.Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; animal studies show endocrine disruption; may trigger asthma; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents.

C H E M I CA L : 1 . 4 D I OX A N EFunction: Penetration enhancerPresent in: body lotion, moisturizers, sunless tanning products, baby soap, anti aging products.Health concerns: EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen found in 46 of 100 personal care products marketed as organic or natural, and the . National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs in humans. It may also irritate the skin.

Greener Alternatives A list of companies that are creating safer beauty and personal care products

ALAFFIA - alaffia.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, soap ACQUARELLA - acquarellapolish.com Nail polish ASTARA - astaraskincare.com Skin care AUBREY ORGANICS - aubrey-organics.com Hair, skin and body care AURA CACIA - auracacia.com Body care, bath, essential oils, perfume BENEDETTA - benedetta.com Skin and body care, soap, deodorant, hand sanitizer BURT’S BEES - burtsbees.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, soap, deodorant, make up, sunscreen, insect repellent CARE BY STELLA MCCARTNEY - stellamccartneycare.com Skin care CORAL WHITE - coral-cure.com/coral-white-toothpaste.htm Toothpaste, mouthwash DRUIDE - druide.ca Hair, skin and body care DR. BRONNER’S - drbronner.com Body and lip care, soap DR. HAUSCHKA - drhauschka.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, deodorant, make up, sunscreen DEPTH BODY - depthbody.com Body care DUCHESS MARDEN – duchessmarden.com Skin and body care, anti-aging products EDELBIO - edelbioskincare.com Skin care, body and lips EO PRODUCTS - eoproducts.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, bath, essential oils, hand sanitizer EVAN HEALY - evanhealy.com Skin and body care FARMAESTHETICS - farmaesthetics.com Skin, lip and body care, powder, soap, bath oil GRATEFUL BODY - gratefulbody.com Skin and body care

GREEN PEOPLE - greenpeople.com Hair, skin, lip, and body care, deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen HEMP ORGANICS - colorganics.net Lipstick, liner HONEYBEE GARDENS - honeybeegardens.com Lip and nail care, make up IREDALE MINERAL COSMETICS - janeiredale.com Make up JASON - jason-natural.com Hair, skin, and body care, deodorant, toothpaste, sunscreen, soap JOSIE MARAN - josiemarancosmetics.com Make up JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS - johnmasters.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, soap JUICE BEAUTY - juicebeauty.com Skin and lip care JURLIQUE - jurlique.com Skin, lip and body care, soap, bath, make up remover KABANA - kabanaskincare.com Sunscreen KEYS - keys-soap.com Skin, body and hair care, insect repellent, sunscreen LAFE’S - lafes.com Deodorant, foot spray LOGONA - logona.co.uk Hair, skin, body, and toothpaste, make up LAVERA - lavera-usa.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, make up MIESSENCE - miessenceproducts.com Hair, skin and body care, make up MGA - maxgreenalchemy.com Hair, lip and body care, bath oil MOOM - imoom.com Body care MYCHELLE - mychelleusa.com Skin, lip and body care NATRACARE - natracare.com Feminine hygiene, organic cotton wipes

NATUROPATHICA - naturopathica.com Skin and body care NUDE SKIN CARE - nudeskincare.com Skin care NVEY - econveybeauty.com Make up ORGANIC APOTEKE - organicapoteke.com Skin and body care, soap, perfume ORGANIC ESSENTIALS - organicessentials.com Organic cotton balls, pads and swabs ORIGINS ORGANICS - originsorganics.com Skin and body care PANGEA ORGANICS - pangeaorganics.com Skin and body care, soap PHARMACOPIA - pharmacopia.stores.yahoo.net Body and lip care PHYSICIANS FORMULA - physiciansformula.com Make up POMEGA5 - pomega5.com Skin and body care RIVER SOAP - riversoap.com Soap and bath SUKI NATURALS - sukisnaturals.com Hair, skin, lip and body care, make up TEENS TURNING GREEN - teensturningreen.org Skin and body care TERRA NATURALS - terranaturals.com Deodorant TWEEN BEAUTY - tweenbeauty.com Hair and lip care UV NATURAL - uvnaturalusa.com Sunscreen VERMONT SOAPWORKS - vermontsoap.com Body care, soap- WELEDA - usa.weleda.com Hair, skin and body care, toothpaste YAROK - yarokhair.com Hair car 100% PURE COSMETICS - 100percentpure.com Hair, makeup, skin and body care

HORMONE TESTING – HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR RESULTS Hormone testing can be confusing! The results usually make no sense so women tend to just disregard them – especially when the results come back as “normal.” There is nothing more frustrating than knowing there is something wrong, only to be told that all your tests are completely normal!

Normal ranges vs. Optimal ranges?

If you take a look at your blood work you will see your result and then you should see a range next to it. These ranges tend to vary from lab to lab so they can be quite confusing. You want to focus on the optimal range. This is a narrower range that you should aim for in order to achieve better hormonal and overall health.

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, T3 & T4

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to make and release the hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). When blood levels of TSH fall below normal this indicates hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) and when they are above normal, this suggests hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid).

Test TSH, free T3, free T4 and reverse T3 to get an overall picture of your thyroid function.

Normal Reference Range: Optimal Range:

Varies but generally around 0.3 - 5.50 mIU/L

0.3 – 2.5 mIU/L

Low TSH/Hyperthyroidism: less than 0.3 mIU/L. High free T3 and free T4 Normal: 0.3 - 2.5 mIU/L. Normal free T3 and free T4. Subclinical hypothyroidism: TSH more than 2.5. Low/normal free T3 and free T4 Overt Hypothyroidism: TSH above 5. Low free T3 and free T4

Optimal Range – Free T3 Optimal Range – Free T4 Optimal Range - Reverse T3

3.5 – 4.3 pg/mL Should be in the upper third of the reference range. Measured in pg/mL

50-150 pg/mL

2. DHEA-S - Dehydroepiandrosterone

DHEA, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is a precursor to the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Blood levels of DHEA peak in our 20’s and then decline with age, decreasing to 50% of peak youthful levels by the mid-40’s. Low DHEA can be the reason behind low testosterone and subsequently low sex drive. It is measured as DHEA-S because 90% of DHEA is stored with a sulfate molecule attached called DHEA-S. It is measured when there are signs of PCOS, amenorrhea or infertility.

Optimal Range: 150 – 250 mcg/dL

3. Vitamin D

Vitamind D deficiency is linked to numerous women’s health conditions. A large number of the world population is deficient so it is important that you get tested.

Optimal Range: 75 – 90 mg/mL

4. Testosterone – Free and Total Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands. Testosterone is primarily responsible for a healthy sex drive. Low levels have been associated with decreased libido and well being, while too high levels may cause hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face) and acne or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Fact: 82% of women with excess androgens have PCOS – the top cause of infertility. Low free testosterone levels are linked to lack of energy, decreased libido and mood problems.

Normal Reference Range (free): Optimal Range (free): Optimal Range (total):

0.1 – 6.4 pg/mL 0.8 - 1.2 pg/mL

20 - 30 pg/mL

5. Estradiol

Estradiol is the most common estrogen in women who are still getting their period. It is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands and is responsible for the growth of the uterus and breasts. Estrogen in general builds the uterine lining, regulates the menstrual cycle and keeps the vagina lubricated. Levels of estradiol vary throughout the menstrual cycle (higher in the first half of the cycle and lower in the second half), and drop to lower more constant levels after menopause. Estradiol should be measured along with progesterone on day 21 or 22 of your menstrual cycle.

Normal Range depending on age/cycle day etc. Optimal Range (women still cycling) Day 21/22:

30 - 600 pg/mL 200 – 300 pg/mL

6. Progesterone I talk a lot about the balance between estrogen and progesterone and why it is so important to maintain the right ratio between these two hormones. Progesterone and estrogen have a yin and yang relationship and their respective roles typically complement each other. Progesterone should be tested on day 21 or 22 of your menstrual cycle to determine the ratio. During the luteal phase, you want the ratio of your progesterone to your estradiol to be 300:1. The progesterone level in a woman who is ovulating normally is 300 times the concentration of estradiol, when measured five to six days before your period begins. Ratios under 100 are definitely considered to represent estrogen dominant states.

Optimal Range blood day 21/22: Optimal Ratio: Pg/E2

10 - 25 ng/mL

100-500 with 300 being ideal

7. Cortisol

As you know I can’t stop talking about your adrenals and cortisol and their connection to all your sex hormones. Adrenal and cortisol dysregulation is the most common underlying cause for most hormonal imbalances because cortisol is like the alpha hormone and it doesn’t care about the proper function of the other hormones. Cortisol should be measured by a saliva test called a Diurnal Cortisol test. This means that cortisol is measured morning, noon, evening and before bed.

Cortisol morning: Cortisol noon: Cortisol evening: Cortisol night:

3.7 – 9.5 ng/mL 1.2 – 3.0 ng/mL 0.6 – 1.9 ng/mL 0.4 – 1.0 ng/mL

TOP 5 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR OB/GYN

Nowadays, the average doctor’s visit is about 15 minutes. As you can imagine, this is just not enough time to deal with most conditions, much less a serious one. Here are the top questions to ask your OB/GYN so you can maximize your next visit with her/him.

1. Questions regarding the tests that you should be undergoing As you now know, there are a number of tests you should be considering to reach your health goals. If you are not comfortable going it alone, then ask your OB/GYN to guide you based on all that you have learned in this program. In addition, make sure to collect your blood work results so that you can always refer back to them. This will help you determine what’s normal for you over time.

2. Questions regarding your menstrual cycle In this program we discussed a lot of menstrual conditions and symptoms. If you are continually concerned about the dates, the amount of flow, pain, any other symptoms associated with them, or even how to do a proper breast self exam, discuss them with your OB/GYN along with all the dietary and lifestyle changes you’ve made.

3. Questions regarding any discharge from the vagina If you are experiencing any abnormal discharge from your vagina, you should discuss this with your OB/GYN. It could be of any particular odor or color; your doctor can test and diagnose it and suggest appropriate treatment.

4. Questions regarding the different methods of birth control If you are confused about the method that you should use, have a conversation with your OB/GYN. Sharing this with your doctor will help you determine the method that is best suited to your requirements. Your doctor will most likely prescribe hormonal birth control, which you might not be open to so ask about all the options.

5. Questions regarding your sex drive

If you have not been feeling “up to it” recently, do not be embarrassed to discuss this with your doctor. There is most definitely a reason behind a low libido or lack of sex drive and she/he can do tests to get to the bottom of the problem.