If you want to improve your hormones, you need to detox.
The accumulation of heavy metals such as mercury cause hormonal problems in both men and women, of all ages. Mercury can interfere with the production or action of hormones and fertility. This means it can influence your health through every life stage; from puberty, fertility and menopause.
Heavy Metals, a link to Hormone Imbalance
Mercury is a nasty heavy metal that a lot of people are exposed to through dental fillings and diet. Foods such as anchovies, albacore tuna, salmon, shrimp and snapper generally have higher levels of mercury.
Women with 4-10 amalgam fillings were estimated to uptake 8-30 mcg mercury daily through their saliva, while women with over 10 fillings were estimated to uptake 163 mcg, with this amount more than doubling if they were chewing (for instance on gum). To put this in perspective, the World Health Organisation puts the upper limit at 1 mcg per day.
Significantly higher levels of mercury were found in women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS), possibly because mercury lowers progesterone levels but increases oestrogen, impairs ovulation and lowers thyroid functions – which are all causes for PCOS, PMS, menopausal symptoms and infertility.
How do you know if you have high mercury?
Heavy metal toxicity can cause symptoms of hormonal imbalance, headaches, fatigue, hearing and speech difficulties, lack of coordination, muscle weakness, depression and anxiety.
The good news is we offer testing for mercury and heavy metals at Nicholson Health and Wellness. It’s part of our holistic approach to delivering the most up to date and effective health care and our commitment to your health.
Testing for mercury takes expertise and our naturopath Narelle Stegehuis is highly experienced in integrative detoxification and heavy metal elimination.
Reduce heavy metal load to improve fertility
If tests show that you have elevated levels of mercury, the next step is to plan elimination carefully. Various studies have shown that the toxic effects of mercury can be reduced by taking zinc, calcium or vitamin C. However, it is recommended to book with Narelle to find the best approach. Firstly because taking one mineral to counteract another can create imbalances amongst other minerals and do more harm than good; and secondly because once mobilized from their storage, the heavy metals become more toxic. You need a practitioner who is trained in this area to guide you safely through this process.
