Are You Making These Menopause Detox Mistakes?

Are You Making These Menopause Detox Mistakes?

Are you struggling with menopause symptoms and looking for ways to relieve them? You can read a more detailed account of menopause signs and symptoms in this post.

In my practice, I have created the SHIFT System, which is a framework that adapts to suit the unique menopause journey of each individual.

The SHIFT System focuses on the root cause of menopause symptoms rather than putting a sticky plaster on the symptoms.

One of the areas we focus on is liver health.

The liver is a vital organ with numerous crucial functions in the body.  

In this post discover the role of the liver for optimal health and whether ‘detoxing’ is necessary.

What Does The Liver Do?

The liver’s multifaceted functions make it a critical organ for overall health and well-being. 

It plays a central role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and ensuring the proper functioning of various physiological processes throughout the body such as;

• Metabolism of Nutrients
• Detoxification
• Bile Production
• Storage of Vitamins and Minerals
• Blood Clotting
• Regulation of Blood Sugar
• Storage of Glycogen
• Synthesis of Proteins
• Cholesterol Metabolism
• Immune System Support

The liver is also essential for the health of the Thyroid Gland.

Medicating the Thyroid due to Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism is just a sticky plaster if you are not focusing on liver health.

The liver and thyroid are interconnected in several ways, here are some key points regarding the relationship between the liver and the health of the thyroid;

• Thyroid Hormone Conversion:
  • The liver plays a crucial role in converting the inactive form of thyroid hormone (thyroxine or T4) into its active form (triiodothyronine or T3). This conversion is important for the thyroid hormone to exert its effects on various tissues and organs in the body.
• Thyroid Hormone Transport:
  • The liver produces proteins that bind to thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, facilitating their transport to target tissues. One of these proteins is thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG).
• Detoxification and Thyroid Function:
  • The liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, including the elimination of excess hormones, including thyroid hormones. Proper liver function is essential to maintain the balance of thyroid hormones in the body.
• Impact of Liver Disorders on Thyroid Health:
  • Liver disorders, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, can affect the metabolism of thyroid hormones, leading to alterations in thyroid function tests. In some cases, individuals with liver disease may experience changes in thyroid hormone levels.
• Medication Metabolism:
  • Certain medications used to manage thyroid conditions may be metabolized by the liver. Liver function can impact how efficiently these medications are processed, potentially affecting their efficacy.
• Influence of Thyroid Hormones on Liver Function:
  • Thyroid hormones have an impact on liver function, including the regulation of lipid metabolism. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can be associated with elevated cholesterol levels (not getting enough cholesterol in your diet and the liver having to pick up the load), and addressing thyroid dysfunction by improving liver health may help improve lipid profiles.
• Autoimmune Connection:
  • Autoimmune diseases can affect both the thyroid and the liver. For example, autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may coexist with autoimmune liver conditions such as autoimmune hepatitis.

I like to split humans into two parts.  

The first is the physical body.  The role of the body is to survive.  It doesn’t care how, it doesn’t care if you are full of energy and living your best life or laying in bed watching the world go by, its primary task is survival.

The second part is the spirit or the soul or energy, whatever you want to call it.  This is your true self.  When your soul is happy it provides your inner glow and zest for life.

I feel the need to explain this to show why you are responsible for the optimal health of your liver.  If it is not optimally healthy it will just work to keep you alive.  Only a healthy liver performing all the functions required of it can help the spirit truly thrive.

Menopause and its Impact on Liver Health

Hormonal shifts during the menopause transition can have various effects on different organs and systems in the body, including the liver.

Here’s how menopause and hormonal balance affect liver function:

Estrogen Dominance and Liver Stress

During the menopause transition, the decline in progesterone often precedes the drop in estrogen, creating a state of unopposed estrogen or estrogen dominance. This imbalance can place additional strain on the liver, as the liver is responsible for metabolising excess hormones, including estrogen. If the liver’s detoxification pathways are overwhelmed, estrogen can recirculate in the body, contributing to symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, heavy and prolonged periods and weight gain.

Shockingly, up to 70% of women experience estrogen dominance without realising it, as symptoms like stubborn weight gain, breast tenderness, heavy periods, fatigue, and anxiety are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. While the media repeatedly tells us we need more estrogen, the rising rates of female cancers suggest otherwise. Understanding and addressing estrogen dominance is crucial for long-term health. Curious if you might be affected? Take my quiz here.

Progesterone’s Protective Role

Progesterone plays a crucial role in balancing estrogen and supporting liver health. It helps regulate inflammation and supports detoxification pathways, ensuring that the liver can efficiently process and eliminate toxins and excess hormones. A lack of progesterone can exacerbate the effects of estrogen dominance, making hormonal balance essential for liver function.

Fat Metabolism

While estrogen is often credited with supporting fat metabolism, progesterone also plays a critical role. It helps counterbalance the effects of unopposed estrogen, which can disrupt lipid metabolism. Balancing these hormones is key to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and reducing fat accumulation, especially around the midsection.

Insulin Sensitivity and Liver Function

Both progesterone and estrogen influence insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. When estrogen dominance occurs, it can lead to insulin resistance, which places additional strain on the liver as it works to regulate blood sugar levels. Restoring hormonal balance helps support optimal liver function in glucose metabolism.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Estrogen dominance is associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact liver health over time. Progesterone has anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate these effects, reducing the risk of chronic liver conditions.

Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Unbalanced hormones, particularly estrogen dominance, have been linked to an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Supporting liver health with a focus on balancing progesterone and managing estrogen levels is critical in reducing this risk.

Optimal liver health is even more essential through menopause and beyond.

What is the Best Detox for the Liver?

The medical community is split on the effectiveness of liver cleanses and the market is saturated with liver cleansing products ranging from a reasonably priced supplement to costly programs.

Do you need to cleanse your liver?

The short answer is no, that is the liver’s job, however, have you ever gone on a health kick and reduced your sugar or alcohol intake?  Perhaps you start your day with a glass of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice and feel refreshed and energised.

I don’t believe we need any special gimmicks to cleanse the liver but we can certainly adjust our lifestyle so that we can support the liver to do its job effectively so that we can thrive rather than just survive.

Can Detox Cause Liver Damage?

In some cases, detox regimens that involve extreme diets, fasting, or excessive consumption of certain supplements may cause harm to the liver.

Detox programs can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.

It’s crucial to approach detox with caution.

A detox will release toxins into your bloodstream for elimination. If you have lots of stored toxins you need to take it slow to prevent illness.

If you are taking any medications make sure you take advice on the best approach for your unique situation.

The Do’s for Menopause Detox and Liver Health

There are lots of things you can do to support your liver health.

The important thing is whatever you choose to do needs to fit your lifestyle.  

Here are some ideas;

• Focus on a well-balanced and nutritious dense diet including foods rich in antioxidants.
• Water is one of the best drinks to support liver health. Staying hydrated helps the liver in its natural detoxification processes. Consider a good quality water filter to reduce the toxins found in tap water.
• Lemon water, due to its high vitamin C content, can also be beneficial for the liver.
• Beetroot juice is known to have compounds that may support liver health.
• Take part in regular movement/exercise for overall well-being, as well as specific exercises to improve liver function.
• Incorporate liver-friendly herbs and supplements such as Dandelion, Nettle and Turmeric (Check with your healthcare professional before incorporating herbs if you are using medications).
• Green tea contains antioxidants and may have positive effects on liver function.
• Use Intermittent Fasting to give your whole system a break. Ensure you are giving your system at least 12 hours per day to rest and repair.
• Notice the changes your body is experiencing, make notes and release any emotions it brings up.

Don’ts for Menopause Detox and Liver Health

If you’re serious about improving your liver health, it’s essential to be mindful of the hidden stressors in your lifestyle and diet.

Here are some important factors to consider:

• Don’t rely on seed oils and ultra-processed foods. These highly refined products are often inflammatory and can burden your liver’s detoxification pathways. Opt for whole, minimally processed fats like olive oil, butter, or ghee instead.
• Don’t ignore artificial chemicals. From additives in packaged foods to synthetic fragrances and cleaning products, artificial chemicals can accumulate in the body and increase the liver’s workload. Choose natural alternatives wherever possible.
• Don’t rush the detox process. Slow and steady wins the race—your body needs time to adjust and eliminate toxins effectively.
• Don’t neglect self-care practices. Techniques like dry body brushing and Epsom salt baths can support your body’s natural detoxification pathways.
• Don’t bottle up emotions. Emotional health is deeply tied to physical health. As emotions surface during detox, take time to process and release them.

Remember, alcohol and sugar aren’t inherently harmful when consumed mindfully as part of a balanced lifestyle. The goal is not restriction but intentionality—prioritise nutrient-dense, whole foods to give your liver the best support possible.

Additional Tips for Liver and Menopause Well-being

There are additional factors to consider when focusing on liver health such as chronic stress.

Everyday life is stressful but if you don’t find a way to manage the stress in your life it can harm your liver health.

Functions of the liver impacted by chronic stress can include;

Release of Stress Hormones:  When the body perceives stress, it triggers the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can affect various physiological processes, including those related to liver function.

Glycogen Breakdown and Blood Sugar Levels:  Stress hormones stimulate the breakdown of glycogen (stored glucose) in the liver, releasing glucose into the bloodstream. This mechanism is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response and is designed to provide quick energy. However, chronic stress can lead to sustained elevation of blood sugar levels, which may contribute to insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.

Impact on Fat Metabolism:  Stress can influence lipid metabolism, leading to changes in the distribution and storage of fat. Chronic stress may contribute to the accumulation of visceral fat, which is associated with an increased risk of fatty liver disease.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:  Chronic stress is linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, including the liver. Prolonged inflammation can contribute to liver damage and the development of liver diseases.

Immune System Modulation:  Stress can affect the immune system, and the liver is a key organ involved in immune function. Chronic stress may compromise the liver’s ability to effectively respond to infections or other challenges.

Liver Repair and Regeneration:  Stress can interfere with the normal processes of liver repair and regeneration. Prolonged exposure to stress may hinder the liver’s ability to recover from damage or injury.

The road to symptom-free menopause health isn’t linear. Many factors can change on a daily, weekly or longer-term basis.

Tuning into your body, reconnecting to its natural cycles and honouring its needs will allow you to create hormone harmony providing a health span as long as your life span, at least that is the goal.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that individual responses to menopause can vary, and not all women will experience significant changes in liver function. 

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health play a crucial role in mitigating potential negative effects on the liver during menopause.

Imagine understanding exactly what your body needs and confidently starting your pathway toward better health today.

For just £45, book a Menopause Diagnostic Call and receive:

• Personalised insights into your unique hormonal health.
• Targeted recommendations to address your symptoms and concerns.
• A clear starting point to take the guesswork out of supporting your body.

This 1:1 session is designed to empower you with knowledge and practical steps to feel better now and set the foundation for long-term wellness.

Take the first step—your vibrant, balanced future awaits!