The Oestrogen-Histamine Picture

The intricate balance of hormones and their impact on our overall health is a fascinating subject. 

One such connection worth exploring is the relationship between oestrogen, histamine, and the liver. In this blog post, we will delve into the “oestrogen histamine picture" and shed light on the role of the liver, particularly in relation to high bilirubin levels. Additionally, we will explore the concept of oestrogen dominance and the nutrients that naturopaths often recommend to help reduce it.

Amelia has a passion for supporting clients with oestrogen dominant conditions such as endometriosis, and this post is all about supporting this and going into the WHY. 

Understanding Oestrogen and Histamine:

Oestrogen, a hormone created by the maturing egg during the first half of the cycle is necessary for healthy female hormones and fertility. However, during the time after ovulate, we want the body to metabolise and detoxify excess oestrogens. Post ovulation, we want to notice a drop in oestrogen so that progesterone can take over. 

However, an imbalance in oestrogen levels can occur leading to PMS, fluid retention, headaches/migraines, period pain and much more. It may also exacerbate things like histamine intolerance. 

Histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions, is regulated by enzymes in the liver. When oestrogen levels are elevated, it can affect the liver's ability to break down histamine efficiently, resulting in histamine intolerance and related symptoms.

The Liver's Role in Oestrogen and Histamine Regulation:

The liver is a powerhouse when it comes to detoxification and hormone metabolism. It plays a crucial role in processing and eliminating excess oestrogen from the body. The liver and gut work as our major detox organ that helps to conjugate and remove excess hormones such as oestrogen. If this garbage disposal unit is clogged, it can slow this process down. 

When the liver is functioning optimally, it helps maintain a healthy balance of oestrogen and histamine. However, if the liver is overburdened or not functioning properly, it can impact the breakdown of both oestrogen and histamine, leading to an imbalance.

High Bilirubin and its Connection to Liver Function:

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. It is then processed and excreted by the liver. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, known as hyperbilirubinemia, can indicate liver dysfunction. When the liver is not working efficiently, it may struggle to process oestrogen and histamine effectively, potentially exacerbating the oestrogen-histamine picture.

Addressing Oestrogen Dominance and Liver Health:

Oestrogen dominance refers to a condition where there is an excess of oestrogen relative to progesterone in the body. It is often caused by factors such as environmental toxins, stress, poor diet, and impaired liver function. Oestrogen dominance can lead to various symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, weight gain, and acne.

Poor detoxification of oestrogen can lead to the above symptoms, this can happen before ovulation or pre-menstrually mostly. This is because, before we ovulate oestrogen peaks and if we have a hormonal issue it can stay high until menstruation. 

As women enter specific phases of their menstrual cycle characterized by increased estrogen levels, this naturally leads to an elevation in histamine levels due to the interconnected relationship between the two hormones.

Support for Oestrogen/Histamine Balance and Liver Health:

As a naturopath, I often recommend specific nutrients to help reduce oestrogen dominance and support liver function. Here are some key things to consider:

1. Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that support oestrogen detoxification in the liver. These include indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and sulforaphane..

2. B vitamins: B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folate, are essential for proper liver function, methylation and hormone metabolism. They support the liver's ability to break down oestrogen and other toxins.

3. Magnesium: Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including oestrogen metabolism. It helps convert oestrogen into its less active forms, aiding in its elimination.

4. Milk Thistle: This herb has been traditionally used to support liver health and promote detoxification processes. It contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Quercetin: works as an anti-histamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
   mast-cell stabilising - so supports the immune reaction!

6. Address gut issues: such as potential bacterial overgrowth, as these bacterias can be major producers of histamine, SIBO can be a huge driver here. 

7. Adopt a low histamine diet: please do this with support from a practitioner, as it acts as a symptom reliever but does not address the key underlying issue. We recommend the SIGHI Anti Histamine Diet. You can also google plenty of recipes. 

There are many more nutrients/herbs that we use to support this picture, but this is generally very individual and done in phases to support the client in front of us. 

Understanding the oestrogen-histamine picture, the role of the liver, and the concept of oestrogen dominance can provide valuable insights into maintaining hormonal balance and overall health. By prioritising liver health, addressing oestrogen dominance, and incorporating specific nutrients into our diet, we can support oestrogen balance, reduce histamine intolerance, and improve overall well-being. 

As always, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, for personalised guidance and support on your journey towards hormonal balance and optimal health. Shoot us an email or instagram DM for more support. 

xx Amelia Botanica