The interface between the environment and our health occurs at the molecular/cellular junction. This is not such a mysterious and foreign place. It is the "portal of entry" for the outside world via the breakdown of all the substances we are exposed to, (foods, liquids, gases, etc.) into their component, molecular parts. This includes the many substances that contain "hormonally" active molecules. This is also where the hormones produced internally act on our various organ systems. The "docking ports" at these portals of entry are referred to as receptor sites and wait for their specific messengers to activate them. The surprise in all of this is that the estrogen receptor sites are not too specific and can't tell the difference between the three estrogens produced in the body, (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), and the multitude of estrogenic mimickers, (xeno-estrogens), that come from the breakdown and release of many of the chemicals in our environment. These bioactive molecules are found in products ranging from plastics, to pesticides, to petroleum products, to dioxins, to synthetic drugs; even to phytoestrogens...and the list goes on.

Another very important fact here is that our estrogenic exposure is cumulative. So, from puberty to post-menopause, it becomes a challenge to keep these estrogens in check, and this is the case not only for women. Men, adolescents, and even children are experiencing a number of hormone-related conditions secondary to the build-up of these numerous xeno-estrogens in the environment. And now we are learning that they are showing up in municipal water supplies, well water, and even our rivers, streams, and ponds.

An article in the Denver Post, (Oct. 5, 2004), documents the evidence of such water contamination. It tells about mutant fish that have been found in the South Platte River and Boulder Creek in Colorado. It goes on to state how the researchers ascribe these mutations to the presence of estrogenic molecules in the waters located downstream from the sewage treatment plants. Other research has attributed the source of such pollution to the breakdown of the many synthetic, chemical components as found in processed and fertilized foods, petroleum-based substances, and even detergents and other household cleaning products. In other words, as these substances decompose over time, (either slowly or quickly), into their smaller molecular parts. Upon absorption by cellular tissues, they act as an "estrogenic stimulant". These researchers focused only on their selected study group, (the mutant fish); however, there is considerable evidence that humans may be equally at risk.

How Does Estrogen Function in the Body?

It is becoming apparent that one of the fundamental mechanisms of estrogen is to act as a "cellular fertilizer". In other words, it promotes cell reproduction or cell growth. Whereas this effect can be a part of normal processes, when there is an excess of estrogen it can manifest itself as cellular overgrowth. In its benign form, we refer to it as fibrocystic disease, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, cervical hyperplasia, or even prostate enlargement in men. In its malignant form, it presents as breast, uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer. In men, such estrogenic exposures can result in prostate cancer. Another manifestation of the presence of too much estrogen in our system occurs when it causes our fat cells to proliferate in excess of their being utilized for energy. The current epidemic of obesity in our country is seldom connected to our overexposure to these abundant environmental estrogens and their fertilizing action.

Is There Any Way to Minimize or Prevent This Estrogenic Effect?

One of the most obvious solutions to this overexposure is to begin to eliminate as many of these situations as possible. Unfortunately, there are many that we cannot avoid in this "chemicalized" world. However, we can educate ourselves as consumers and work to eliminate as many of them as possible. For a piercing and quite surprising insight into how the Standard American Diet, (especially, but not limited to, its fast food form), impacts our overall health, (physically, mentally, and emotionally), you are encouraged to see the video "Supersize Me". There are many other steps we can make to counter, reduce, or eliminate these estrogenic exposures. For a more in-depth and fully documented account, please refer to the book I co-authored with Raquel Martin, now available in its 4th edition: The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormone Balance, published by Inner Traditions International, Rochester, VT.

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This website, and the book on which it is based, (The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormone Balance, 4th Edition, by Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, DC), is intended to inform and educate the reader as to the many issues surrounding hormone imbalance. Every effort has been made to provide a broad spectrum of information, references and resources. If you have questions or concerns regarding the application of this information, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.