A very common reason for crappy, cranky periods is too much estrogen. Yes, estrogen is the happy hormone and contributes to our feel good days, but too much of even a good thing is just too much!
An interesting fact about estrogen is that your body makes three different types:
- Estradiol – Predominant in reproductive years
- Estrone – Predominant after menopause
- Estriol – Predominant during pregnancy
Unfortunately, non-human estrogens and chemicals in our environment that act like estrogen in our body, called xenoestrogens, are found in increasingly high amounts in our water and food supply. So even if your body isn’t over producing estrogen, you can still have symptoms of too much estrogen because you are absorbing estrogens and pseudo estrogens from your environment!
For example: did you know that BPA plastic, commonly used in plastic drinking bottles, releases xenoestrogens into the water or soda that you then drink? That’s why it’s so important to choose BPA free bottles for your drinking water.
And, there are other sources of xenoestrogens including:
- Skincare products
- Sunscreens
- Other types of plastics that come in contact with food
- Food flavorings and additives
- Herbicides and pesticides
- Industrial waste
- Remnants of birth control estrogens in the water supply (Really!)
This is why for so many women, getting rid of the extra estrogen-y stuff is super important for improving your period experience.
Good news! The best way to clear excess estrogen is a good poop. Seriously. You may have even noticed that you poop more frequently right before your period starts. That’s by design. Yay for you!
If your digestion – and your poop frequency – could use some support, begin to pay attention to your body to see what habits support regular pooping.
Increasing your fiber intake is no secret, but the type of fiber matters too. You want more of the soluble fiber found in fresh fruits and veggies. Right about the time I start eating my Chica, I also make sure I am getting the foods that help me poop including veggie rich stews and curries; oatmeal, lentil soup, or if it’s hot, lentil salad, yogurt, and beans.
I also take probiotics eat fermented foods as regularly as I can. Additionally, Chica’s liver nourishing herbs, Licorice, White Peony root, and Mint, provide your body with extra poop encouragement.
