INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (926,1,'2012-11-16 00:17:33','2012-11-16 05:17:33','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it\'s affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in one study to be full of chemicals.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I like pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics - find natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></span></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Big Carrot\"</span></a> in Toronto, Ontario, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a></span> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Detox Market\"</span></a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a></span>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and look for either organic/natural products - there are more and more organic spas popping up</li>\r\n	<li>I use <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a></span> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a></span> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Avoid anti-bacterial products</li>\r\n	<li>Avoid fragrances - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>Use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners</li>\r\n	<li>I splurged and bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out all products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a></span> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> </span>- Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a></span> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','How I Reduce My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','767-revision-32','','','2012-11-16 00:17:33','2012-11-16 05:17:33','',767,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/767-revision-32/',0,'revision','',0),(927,1,'2012-11-16 00:17:50','2012-11-16 05:17:50','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in one study to be full of chemicals.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I like pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics - find natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></span></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Big Carrot\"</span></a> in Toronto, Ontario, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a></span> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Detox Market\"</span></a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a></span>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and look for either organic/natural products - there are more and more organic spas popping up</li>\r\n	<li>I use <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a></span> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a></span> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Avoid anti-bacterial products</li>\r\n	<li>Avoid fragrances - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>Use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners</li>\r\n	<li>I splurged and bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out all products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a></span> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> </span>- Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a></span> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','How I Reduce My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','767-revision-33','','','2012-11-16 00:17:50','2012-11-16 05:17:50','',767,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/767-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(928,1,'2012-11-02 11:37:00','2012-11-02 16:37:00','<h5>My site is about helping you be better informed because in order to advocate for your own health, you <em>must</em> arm yourself with information.  Here you will find a list of books, research, articles, and websites pertaining to bioidentical hormones &amp; women\'s health as it relates to hormones in general.  I am continually adding to the list so please check back.  Also if you have any suggestions for me to add to my list I would love to hear from you.  Send me an email at suggestions@hormonesoup.com</h5>\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Books:</strong></span></h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Hormone Balance Made Simple</strong></em></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Dr. John Lee, MD and Virginia Hopkins</span></strong>\r\n<strong><em></em></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Hormone Solution</span></em> by Dr. Erika Schwartz</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Women\'s Bodies, Women\'s Wisdom</em> </span><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span>by Christiane Northrup</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause</em> </span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by John R. Lee, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by John R. Lee, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Sexy Hormones</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe and Alvin Pettle, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>A Smart Woman\'s Guide to Hormones</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Lorna Vanderhaeghe</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</strong></em></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Toni Weschler</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><em><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Truth about Sexuality Menopause and Testosterone</span> </span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Susan Rako, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Female Brain Gone Insane</em></strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Mia Lundin</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In the Mood Again</span></em> by Genie James and Dr. C. W. Randolph</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slim, Sane &amp; Sexy: Pocket Guide to Bioidentical Hormone Balancing</span></em> by Dr. Jay H. Mead</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Greatest Experiment Ever Performed on Women - Exploding the Estrogen Myth</span> </em>by Barbara Seaman</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Female Brain</span> </em>by Louann Brizendine</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer</span></em> by Dr. David Zara, PhD</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Articles &amp;/or Research:</span></strong></h2>\r\nThe best UNBIASED article I have found about hormones. a MUST read: <a title=\"Harvard Womens Health - What are Bioidentical Hormones\" href=\"http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What-are-bioidentical-hormones.htm\">http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What-are-bioidentical-hormones.htm</a>\r\n\r\nPMS:  <a title=\"PMS Treatment Clinic\" href=\"http://www.pmstreatmentclinic.com/faqs.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pmstreatmentclinic.com/faqs.html</a>\r\n\r\nAnxiety:  <a title=\"Bio-Identical Hormones Relieve Anxiety\" href=\"http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com/Relieve_Anxiety.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com/Relieve_Anxiety.html</a>\r\n\r\nPioneer of Bioidentical Hormones: <a title=\"Dr John Lee\'s Website\" href=\"http://www.johnleemd.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.johnleemd.com/index.html</a>\r\n\r\nEstrogen &amp; Depression: <a title=\"Natural Estrogen as an Antidepressant for Women\" href=\"http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br6206.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Estrogen as an Antidepressant for Women</a>, by Stephen M. Stahl, M.D., Ph.D.\r\n\r\nPerimenopause Blog: <a title=\"The Peri-menopause Blog\" href=\"http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/category/perimenopause-symptoms-2/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/category/perimenopause-symptoms-2/</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><strong>Websites:</strong></h2>\r\nPostpartum OCD:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Beyond the Blues: Postpartum OCD\" href=\"http://www.ocfoundation.org/EO_Postpartum.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Beyond the Blues: Postpartum OCD</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"A Case Series of Women with Postpartum Onset OCD\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181073/\" target=\"_blank\">A Case Series of Women with Postpartum Onset OCD</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Postpartum OCD - Fear of Harming Your Baby\" href=\"http://www.steveseay.com/postpartum-ocd-fear-of-harming-your-baby/\" target=\"_blank\">Postpartum OCD - Fear of Harming Your Baby</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois\" href=\"http://www.ppdil.org/\">Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Learn More','','inherit','open','open','','9-revision-33','','','2012-11-02 11:37:00','2012-11-02 16:37:00','',9,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/9-revision-33/',0,'revision','',0),(929,1,'2012-11-17 00:26:13','2012-11-17 05:26:13','<h5>My site is about helping you be better informed because in order to advocate for your own health, you <em>must</em> arm yourself with information.  Here you will find a list of books, research, articles, and websites pertaining to bioidentical hormones &amp; women\'s health as it relates to hormones in general.  I am continually adding to the list so please check back.  Also if you have any suggestions for me to add to my list I would love to hear from you.  Send me an email at admin@hormonesoup.com</h5>\r\n<h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong>Books:</strong></span></h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Hormone Balance Made Simple</strong></em></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Dr. John Lee, MD and Virginia Hopkins</span></strong>\r\n<strong><em></em></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Hormone Solution</span></em> by Dr. Erika Schwartz</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Women\'s Bodies, Women\'s Wisdom</em> </span><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> </span>by Christiane Northrup</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Menopause</em> </span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by John R. Lee, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Pre-Menopause</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by John R. Lee, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>Sexy Hormones</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe and Alvin Pettle, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>A Smart Woman\'s Guide to Hormones</em></span> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Lorna Vanderhaeghe</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em><strong>Taking Charge of Your Fertility</strong></em></span> <strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Toni Weschler</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><em><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Truth about Sexuality Menopause and Testosterone</span> </span></span></strong></em><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Susan Rako, MD</span></strong></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><em>Female Brain Gone Insane</em></strong></span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong> <span style=\"color: #808080;\">by Mia Lundin</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In the Mood Again</span></em> by Genie James and Dr. C. W. Randolph</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Slim, Sane &amp; Sexy: Pocket Guide to Bioidentical Hormone Balancing</span></em> by Dr. Jay H. Mead</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Greatest Experiment Ever Performed on Women - Exploding the Estrogen Myth</span> </em>by Barbara Seaman</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Female Brain</span> </em>by Louann Brizendine</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #808080;\"><em><span style=\"color: #000000;\">What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer</span></em> by Dr. David Zara, PhD</span></strong></span></span></li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Articles &amp;/or Research:</span></strong></h2>\r\nThe best UNBIASED article I have found about hormones. a MUST read: <a title=\"Harvard Womens Health - What are Bioidentical Hormones\" href=\"http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What-are-bioidentical-hormones.htm\">http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/What-are-bioidentical-hormones.htm</a>\r\n\r\nPMS:  <a title=\"PMS Treatment Clinic\" href=\"http://www.pmstreatmentclinic.com/faqs.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.pmstreatmentclinic.com/faqs.html</a>\r\n\r\nAnxiety:  <a title=\"Bio-Identical Hormones Relieve Anxiety\" href=\"http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com/Relieve_Anxiety.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com/Relieve_Anxiety.html</a>\r\n\r\nPioneer of Bioidentical Hormones: <a title=\"Dr John Lee\'s Website\" href=\"http://www.johnleemd.com/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.johnleemd.com/index.html</a>\r\n\r\nEstrogen &amp; Depression: <a title=\"Natural Estrogen as an Antidepressant for Women\" href=\"http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/brainstorm/br6206.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Estrogen as an Antidepressant for Women</a>, by Stephen M. Stahl, M.D., Ph.D.\r\n\r\nPerimenopause Blog: <a title=\"The Peri-menopause Blog\" href=\"http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/category/perimenopause-symptoms-2/\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.theperimenopauseblog.com/category/perimenopause-symptoms-2/</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2><strong>Websites:</strong></h2>\r\nPostpartum OCD:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Beyond the Blues: Postpartum OCD\" href=\"http://www.ocfoundation.org/EO_Postpartum.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Beyond the Blues: Postpartum OCD</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"A Case Series of Women with Postpartum Onset OCD\" href=\"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181073/\" target=\"_blank\">A Case Series of Women with Postpartum Onset OCD</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Postpartum OCD - Fear of Harming Your Baby\" href=\"http://www.steveseay.com/postpartum-ocd-fear-of-harming-your-baby/\" target=\"_blank\">Postpartum OCD - Fear of Harming Your Baby</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois\" href=\"http://www.ppdil.org/\">Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois</a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Learn More','','inherit','open','open','','9-revision-34','','','2012-11-17 00:26:13','2012-11-17 05:26:13','',9,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/9-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(932,1,'2012-11-20 00:57:16','2012-11-20 05:57:16','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\n\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in at least one study to be full of chemicals. Chemicals in mattresses are being blamed for SIDS, the list goes on.\n\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I love pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\n\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics (or cell phones) - I try to give natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></li>\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know at the time that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies! Ugh.</li>\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans and stainless steel</li>\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\n<ul>\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Big Carrot\"</a> in Toronto, Ontario, <a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Detox Market\"</a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and try to look for either organic/natural products - and there are more and more organic spas popping up everywhere.</li>\n	<li>I use <a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>I avoid anti-bacterial products &amp; never buy them.</li>\n	<li>I avoid fragrances (a bit begrudgingly!) - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\n	<li>we use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\n<ul>\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners - I\'ve found a lovely minty one that I love</li>\n	<li>I bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\n	<li>I check out my products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\n	<li>I\'ve always tended toward feather pillows which are natural but we\'ve had a few memory foam and other synthetic pillows over the years - we\'re switching to all natural pillows. The idea of my children breathing in petroleum based fumes and/or flame retardants all night long is bothersome!</li>\n</ul>\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\n\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\n<h1>Food:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\n</ul>\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\n<div></div>\n<div>\n\nTo stay informed:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\n	<li><strong>Please Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n&nbsp;','Reducing My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','931-revision','','','2012-11-20 00:57:16','2012-11-20 05:57:16','',931,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/931-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(933,1,'2012-11-20 01:04:06','2012-11-20 06:04:06','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\n\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in at least one study to be full of chemicals, chemicals in mattresses are being blamed for SIDS, and starting from birth the list just gets longer.\n\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I love pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\n\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics (or cell phones) - I try to give natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></li>\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know at the time that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies! Ugh.</li>\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans and stainless steel</li>\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards, plastic</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\n<ul>\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Big Carrot\"</a> in Toronto, Ontario, <a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Detox Market\"</a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and try to look for either organic/natural products - and there are more and more organic spas popping up everywhere.</li>\n	<li>I use <a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>I avoid anti-bacterial products &amp; never buy them.</li>\n	<li>I avoid fragrances (a bit begrudgingly!) - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\n	<li>we use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\n<ul>\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners - I\'ve found a lovely minty one that I love</li>\n	<li>I bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\n	<li>I check out my products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\n	<li>I\'ve always tended toward feather pillows which are natural but we\'ve had a few memory foam and other synthetic pillows over the years - we\'re switching to all natural pillows. The idea of my children breathing in petroleum based fumes and/or flame retardants all night long is bothersome!</li>\n</ul>\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\n\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\n<h1>Food:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\n</ul>\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\n<div></div>\n<div>\n\nTo stay informed:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\n	<li><strong>Please Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n&nbsp;','Reducing My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','931-revision-2','','','2012-11-20 01:04:06','2012-11-20 06:04:06','',931,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/931-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(934,1,'2012-11-20 01:07:24','2012-11-20 06:07:24','','Natural Woman','','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image21200739','','','2012-11-20 01:07:24','2012-11-20 06:07:24','',931,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-natural-girl.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(935,1,'2012-11-20 01:09:03','2012-11-20 06:09:03','<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-natural-girl.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-934\" title=\"Natural Woman\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-natural-girl-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\n\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in at least one study to be full of chemicals, chemicals in mattresses are being blamed for SIDS, and starting from birth the list just gets longer.\n\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I love pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\n\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics (or cell phones) - I try to give natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></li>\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know at the time that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies! Ugh.</li>\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans and stainless steel</li>\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards, plastic kitchen storage - we use glass mason jars for a lot of our dry food</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\n<ul>\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Big Carrot\"</a> in Toronto, Ontario, <a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Detox Market\"</a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and try to look for either organic/natural products - and there are more and more organic spas popping up everywhere.</li>\n	<li>I use <a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>I avoid anti-bacterial products &amp; never buy them.</li>\n	<li>I avoid fragrances (a bit begrudgingly!) - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\n	<li>we use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\n</ul>\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\n<ul>\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners - I\'ve found a lovely minty one that I love</li>\n	<li>I bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\n	<li>I check out my products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\n	<li>I\'ve always tended toward feather pillows which are natural but we\'ve had a few memory foam and other synthetic pillows over the years - we\'re switching to all natural pillows. The idea of my children breathing in petroleum based fumes and/or flame retardants all night long is bothersome!</li>\n</ul>\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\n\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\n<h1>Food:</h1>\n<ul>\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\n</ul>\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\n<div></div>\n<div>\n\nTo stay informed:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\n	<li><strong>Please Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\n	<li>Send me your ideas I\'d love to incorporate them!</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n&nbsp;','Reducing My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','931-revision-3','','','2012-11-20 01:09:03','2012-11-20 06:09:03','',931,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/931-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(936,1,'2012-11-20 01:09:10','2012-11-20 06:09:10','<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-natural-girl.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-934\" title=\"Natural Woman\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-natural-girl-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in at least one study to be full of chemicals, chemicals in mattresses are being blamed for SIDS, and starting from birth the list just gets longer.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I love pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics (or cell phones) - I try to give natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know at the time that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies! Ugh.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans and stainless steel</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards, plastic kitchen storage - we use glass mason jars for a lot of our dry food</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Big Carrot\"</a> in Toronto, Ontario, <a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"The Detox Market\"</a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and try to look for either organic/natural products - and there are more and more organic spas popping up everywhere.</li>\r\n	<li>I use <a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I avoid anti-bacterial products &amp; never buy them.</li>\r\n	<li>I avoid fragrances (a bit begrudgingly!) - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>we use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners - I\'ve found a lovely minty one that I love</li>\r\n	<li>I bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out my products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve always tended toward feather pillows which are natural but we\'ve had a few memory foam and other synthetic pillows over the years - we\'re switching to all natural pillows. The idea of my children breathing in petroleum based fumes and/or flame retardants all night long is bothersome!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Please Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n	<li>Send me your ideas I\'d love to incorporate them!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','Reducing My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','931-revision-4','','','2012-11-20 01:09:10','2012-11-20 06:09:10','',931,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/931-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(940,1,'2012-11-22 10:00:30','2012-11-22 15:00:30','[caption id=\"attachment_957\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-957 \" title=\"I Love Bioidentical Progesterone\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"I Love Progesterone\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> I Love Bioidentical Progesterone[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>symptoms</li>\r\n	<li>blood tests</li>\r\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\r\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\r\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to My Beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\r\n\r\nI began to notice other less-than-desirable side-effects that were screaming to be noticed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\r\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\r\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)</li>\r\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\r\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\r\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\r\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\r\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? Why is my body betraying me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the beginning of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W!\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency.   I\'ve been <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominant</a> </span> my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen - I didn\'t know what to think.  My doctor and I decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been learning how truly intricate and delicate hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a remarkable illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>','Perched on the Edge - My Hormones are Teetering!','','publish','open','open','','perched-on-the-edge-of-a-delicate-hormone-balance','','\nhttp://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/','2012-11-22 13:59:03','2012-11-22 18:59:03','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=940',0,'post','',2),(941,1,'2012-11-21 11:47:56','2012-11-21 16:47:56','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nI have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we\'ve had a great conversation recently about how \"diagnosis\" is an art.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Nutritional Supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision','','','2012-11-21 11:47:56','2012-11-21 16:47:56','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(942,1,'2012-11-30 12:13:17','2012-11-30 17:13:17','[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\r\n\r\nI recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\r\n\r\nI also recently listened while my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes. I thought he gave her a great way to conceptualize what a naturopath does but it got me thinking that really what he has is not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\r\n\r\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me &amp; I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\r\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\r\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\r\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\r\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\r\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\r\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\r\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\r\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\r\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\r\n\r\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','publish','open','open','','diagnosis-is-an-art-what-does-your-doctors-palette-look-like','','','2012-11-30 12:13:17','2012-11-30 17:13:17','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=942',0,'post','',0),(943,1,'2012-11-21 11:50:06','2012-11-21 16:50:06','','What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision','','','2012-11-21 11:50:06','2012-11-21 16:50:06','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(944,1,'2012-11-21 11:59:44','2012-11-21 16:59:44','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Progesterone Junkie?  I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well...until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  I also got these rashes','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-2','','','2012-11-21 11:59:44','2012-11-21 16:59:44','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(945,1,'2012-11-21 14:07:17','2012-11-21 19:07:17','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie, remember!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well...until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my loved ones, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows were all that I needed to see - it was the downward slide after altering my hormones I figured.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss - oh no not again!</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinari</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Incontinence</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-3','','','2012-11-21 14:07:17','2012-11-21 19:07:17','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(946,1,'2012-11-21 14:07:38','2012-11-21 19:07:38','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>symptoms</li>\r\n	<li>blood tests</li>\r\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\r\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie, remember!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well...until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my loved ones, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows were all that I needed to see - it was the downward slide after altering my hormones I figured.\r\n\r\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\r\n	<li>Hair Loss - oh no not again!</li>\r\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\r\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\r\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\r\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\r\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\r\n	<li>Incontinence</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-4','','','2012-11-21 14:07:38','2012-11-21 19:07:38','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(948,1,'2012-11-22 09:05:44','2012-11-22 14:05:44','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie, remember!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well...until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my loved ones, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows were all that I needed to see - it was the downward slide after altering my hormones I figured.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Incontinence -</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rash</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-6','','','2012-11-22 09:05:44','2012-11-22 14:05:44','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(947,1,'2012-11-21 14:11:54','2012-11-21 19:11:54','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie, remember!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well...until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my loved ones, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows were all that I needed to see - it was the downward slide after altering my hormones I figured.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss - oh no not again!</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rash</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-5','','','2012-11-21 14:11:54','2012-11-21 19:11:54','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(949,1,'2012-11-22 10:51:06','2012-11-22 15:51:06','','i love progesterone','','inherit','open','open','','i-love-progesterone','','','2012-11-22 10:51:06','2012-11-22 15:51:06','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/i-love-progesterone.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(950,1,'2012-11-22 11:02:07','2012-11-22 16:02:07','','I Love Progesterone Image','','inherit','open','open','','i-love-progesterone-image','','','2012-11-22 11:02:07','2012-11-22 16:02:07','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/I-Love-Progesterone-Image.docx',0,'attachment','application/msword',0),(951,1,'2012-11-22 11:07:28','2012-11-22 16:07:28','','i love progesterone','','inherit','open','open','','i-love-progesterone-2','','','2012-11-22 11:07:28','2012-11-22 16:07:28','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/i-love-progesterone1.png',0,'attachment','image/png',0),(952,1,'2012-11-22 11:13:53','2012-11-22 16:13:53','','i heart prog','','inherit','open','open','','i-heart-prog','','','2012-11-22 11:13:53','2012-11-22 16:13:53','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/i-heart-prog.pptx',0,'attachment','application/vnd.ms-powerpoint',0),(953,1,'2012-11-22 10:15:20','2012-11-22 15:15:20','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly! But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my loved ones, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - it was the downward slide after altering my hormones I figured.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-7','','','2012-11-22 10:15:20','2012-11-22 15:15:20','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(954,1,'2012-11-22 12:01:52','2012-11-22 17:01:52','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? What is my body doing to me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the first signs of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency!  Thinking how I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen?!  I didn\'t know what to think.  We decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been how intricate and delicate our hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a good illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>My saliva tests came back....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-8','','','2012-11-22 12:01:52','2012-11-22 17:01:52','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(955,1,'2012-11-22 12:05:19','2012-11-22 17:05:19','I think it\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to my beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\n\nI began to realize that other less-than-desirable side-effects also were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (Bladder Infections)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? What is my body doing to me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the first signs of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency!  Thinking how I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen?!  I didn\'t know what to think.  We decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been how intricate and delicate our hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a good illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge of a Delicate Hormone Balance','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-9','','','2012-11-22 12:05:19','2012-11-22 17:05:19','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(956,1,'2012-11-22 13:49:10','2012-11-22 18:49:10','','i heart prog','','inherit','open','open','','i-heart-prog-2','','','2012-11-22 13:49:10','2012-11-22 18:49:10','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/i-heart-prog1.pptx',0,'attachment','application/vnd.ms-powerpoint',0),(957,1,'2012-11-22 13:49:47','2012-11-22 18:49:47','','I Love Bioidentical Progesterone','I Love Progesterone','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image14427293','','','2012-11-22 13:49:47','2012-11-22 18:49:47','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(958,1,'2012-11-22 13:55:11','2012-11-22 18:55:11','[caption id=\"attachment_957\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-957 \" title=\"I Love Bioidentical Progesterone\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"I Love Progesterone\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> I Love Bioidentical Progesterone[/caption]\n\nIt\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to My Beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\n\nI began to notice other less-than-desirable side-effects that were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\n</ul>\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? Why is my body betraying me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the beginning of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency.   I\'ve been <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominant</a> </span> my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen - I didn\'t know what to think.  My doctor and I decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been learning how truly intricate and delicate hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a remarkable illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge - My Hormones are Teetering!','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-10','','','2012-11-22 13:55:11','2012-11-22 18:55:11','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(959,1,'2012-11-22 13:56:03','2012-11-22 18:56:03','[caption id=\"attachment_957\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-957 \" title=\"I Love Bioidentical Progesterone\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"I Love Progesterone\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> I Love Bioidentical Progesterone[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>symptoms</li>\r\n	<li>blood tests</li>\r\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\r\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\r\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to My Beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\r\n\r\nI began to notice other less-than-desirable side-effects that were screaming to be noticed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\r\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\r\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)</li>\r\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\r\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\r\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\r\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\r\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? Why is my body betraying me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the beginning of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W!\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency.   I\'ve been <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominant</a> </span> my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen - I didn\'t know what to think.  My doctor and I decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been learning how truly intricate and delicate hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a remarkable illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge - My Hormones are Teetering!','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-11','','','2012-11-22 13:56:03','2012-11-22 18:56:03','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(960,1,'2012-11-22 13:58:43','2012-11-22 18:58:43','[caption id=\"attachment_957\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-957 \" title=\"I Love Bioidentical Progesterone\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"I Love Progesterone\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> I Love Bioidentical Progesterone[/caption]\n\nIt\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\n<ol>\n	<li>symptoms</li>\n	<li>blood tests</li>\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\n</ol>\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to My Beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\n\nI began to notice other less-than-desirable side-effects that were screaming to be noticed:\n<ul>\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)</li>\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\n</ul>\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? Why is my body betraying me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the beginning of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency.   I\'ve been <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominant</a> </span> my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen - I didn\'t know what to think.  My doctor and I decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been learning how truly intricate and delicate hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a remarkable illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>','Perched on the Edge - My Hormones are Teetering!','','inherit','open','open','','940-autosave','','','2012-11-22 13:58:43','2012-11-22 18:58:43','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(961,1,'2012-11-22 13:56:30','2012-11-22 18:56:30','[caption id=\"attachment_957\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-957 \" title=\"I Love Bioidentical Progesterone\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime-Love-Science-Beaker-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"I Love Progesterone\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> I Love Bioidentical Progesterone[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt\'s safe to say that the usual goal of bio-identical hormone therapy is to take the minimum amount of hormones needed to achieve balance.  Seems simple right?  Over the time that I\'ve been taking bio-identical hormones my doctor(s) and I have changed my dosage based on three factors:\r\n<ol>\r\n	<li>symptoms</li>\r\n	<li>blood tests</li>\r\n	<li>saliva hormone testing</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nA few short months ago I was feeling my very best hormonal self - better than I\'ve ever felt hormonally.  My menstrual cycle was perfect - barely a blip in my life!  Woohoo! What a dream-come-true for someone with as many hormone problems as I\'ve had.  So when my doctor suggested we start to decrease my progesterone I was VERY reluctant!  You have to understand:\r\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\"> I ♥ </span><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">my progesterone </span></h1>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #be4052;\">more than almost anything in the whole wide world!!!</span></h3>\r\nRemember me?  Helllllooooo.....I\'m the Progesterone Junkie!  Suffice it to say I did not take this suggestion lightly. But my doc is always in my corner and we had a good discussion about it.  So I decided to try it....at first all seemed well......that is until the irritability set in.  And have you ever noticed that when you\'re the one who\'s irritable you aren\'t actually the first to notice it!  One day, it dawned on me that I\'d been awfully grumpy and grumbly and so posed the question to My Beloved, \"Have you noticed that I\'ve been irritable lately?\".  The raised eyebrows spoke volumes - I guess that was a stupid question to ask.\r\n\r\nI began to notice other less-than-desirable side-effects that were screaming to be noticed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Changes in menstrual bleeding</li>\r\n	<li>Hair Loss</li>\r\n	<li>Low sex drive</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)</li>\r\n	<li>Memory Lapses/Foggy Thinking</li>\r\n	<li>Mood Swings</li>\r\n	<li>Muscle Aches/Stiffness</li>\r\n	<li>Vaginal Dryness</li>\r\n	<li>Urinary Incontinence</li>\r\n	<li>Eczema type rashes</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div>So I\'ve never had this exact blend of symptoms before but I knew that they were signalling something I hated to think about - estrogen deficiency!  I couldn\'t deny that these symptoms were actually pointing toward an estrogen deficiency which, on the surface didn\'t make sense to me. I had recently <em>reduced</em> the amount of progesterone I was taking so if anything I could have seen more estrogen dominance coming.  My mental dialogue went something like this, \"There\'s no way I could be estrogen deficient, is my body playing tricks on me?  How does that hormones-converting-to-other-hormones thing work again? Why is my body betraying me just when I got it all figured out? Could this be the beginning of peri-menopause? I need my saliva and blood hormone levels tested.  Thank God for Dr. W!\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>When I got to my doctor he agreed I was showing signs of estrogen deficiency.   I\'ve been <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominant</a> </span> my entire life - and now I\'ve got symptoms of low estrogen - I didn\'t know what to think.  My doctor and I decided it was time for a re-check of my saliva hormone levels.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>The biggest realization for me over the years has been learning how truly intricate and delicate hormone balance is and how, as women, throughout and beyond our reproductive years we are always perched right on the edge.  At any moment the balance can be disrupted and we can teeter off-balance.  It\'s truly amazing and a remarkable illustration of how important monitoring our hormone health can be to our overall wellness.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>My saliva tests results are in....I see my doctor tomorrow and will find out how far off I\'ve teetered...</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Perched on the Edge - My Hormones are Teetering!','','inherit','open','open','','940-revision-12','','','2012-11-22 13:56:30','2012-11-22 18:56:30','',940,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/940-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(962,1,'2012-11-22 14:07:28','2012-11-22 19:07:28','[caption id=\"attachment_964\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-964\" title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> X is for Xenoestrogens[/caption]\r\n\r\nMaybe you\'ve heard of xenoestrogens but don\'t really know what they are or how they work in your body.  I\'m going to explain what they are and why I try to minimize them in my life and more importantly to me - in my <strong>children\'s </strong>lives.\r\n\r\n<strong>Xenoestrogen</strong> means <strong>foreign estrogen</strong> - which basically means any outside substance that acts like estrogen once inside our body.  It includes chemical compounds and pesticides, as well as synthetic estrogen that we ingest or apply to our skin.\r\n\r\n<strong>Phytoestrogens</strong> are another type of xenoestrogen - plants such as soy and flax can also behave like estrogen inside your body.  (This post won\'t delve into phytoestrogens as endocrine disruptors because plants like soy have been touted as either beneficial or harmful depending upon who you listen too.  It is a whole other conundrum and I\'ve read mixed studies.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine disruptors </strong>also called <strong>hormone disruptors </strong>are similar but actually refer specifically to chemicals and/or compounds that disrupt our endocrine (hormone) systems.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC\'s)</strong> - the chemicals that are known or suspected to disrupt our hormones are sometimes referred to as <strong>EDC\'s</strong>.\r\n\r\nI\'ve known about xenoestrogens for quite a while but didn\'t really \"get\" what they were or this exotic sounding \"thing\" could possibly disrupt <em>my</em> hormones so I didn\'t immediately minimize my family\'s exposure.  When I finally did the research  it made me realize that the effect of xenoestrogen\'s is even more complicated than I could have imagined - scientists really have their work cut out for them on this one.\r\n\r\nI did final realize how important it is to eliminate xenoestrogens from my life when I  visualized what was actually going on in my body. Chemicals can disrupt our hormones in several ways but without getting too scientific on you here is a simple explanation to help you picture how the cosmetics or perfume you wear could possibly be disrupting your hormones:\r\n\r\n<strong>One way to think of it is like a game of musical chairs - let\'s imagine the chairs are the estrogen receptors - there\'s only a limited number of them to go around.  When the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) enters your body &amp; jumps onto the estrogen receptors there\'s nowhere for your own estrogen to go! Those special receptors are supposed to be there for the estrogen <em>your body</em> is producing but instead your own estrogen is left to roam freely - recirculating throughout your body. Sometimes those EDC\'s activate the receptors but sometimes they inactivate them!  The bottom line is that every time EDC\'s win the game -  your hormone health loses.</strong>\r\n\r\nI love this <a title=\"GreenFacts.org - Endocrine Disrupting Animation\" href=\"http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/l-2/endocrine-disruptors-1.htm#2\" target=\"_blank\"> animated illustration</a> courtesy of GreenFacts.org check it out to watch an endocrine disruptor in action.\r\n\r\nThis is a good example of how your body doesn\'t even have to be producing too much estrogen to show symptoms of <strong>estrogen dominance</strong>.  Now just imagine - your poor liver has to deal with all this excess re-circulating estrogen.  I\'ll talk about why you need to \"Show Some Love to Your Liver\" in a future post, which is especially true if you have hormone issues like I do.\r\n\r\nThere are other ways your hormones can get disrupted, here are some links explaining the mechanisms:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Todipedia - Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Endocrine+Disruptors\" target=\"_blank\">Toxipedia - Endocrine Disruptors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption\" href=\"http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/mechanisms.html\" target=\"_blank\">Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption</a>\r\n\r\nAs far as EDC\'s disrupting your hormones I think the most important thing to take away is that <strong>xenoestrogens are disruptive</strong> to everyone - women and men, girls and boys, and especially developing babies and infants.  In my view, I already have enough hormone disruption going on in my body I don\'t need to add to it. And for some women removing xenoestrogens from their day-to-day lives may just hold the answer in solving their hormone health problems.\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n	<li></li>\r\n</ul>','X is for Xenoestrogens','','publish','open','open','','x-is-for-xenoestrogens','','','2012-11-22 14:09:00','2012-11-22 19:09:00','',745,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?page_id=962',2,'page','',0),(963,1,'2012-11-22 14:02:47','2012-11-22 19:02:47','','X is for Xenoestrogens','X is for Xenoestrogens','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image12203274-2','','','2012-11-22 14:02:47','2012-11-22 19:02:47','',962,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(964,1,'2012-11-22 14:03:51','2012-11-22 19:03:51','','X is for Xenoestrogens','X is for Xenoestrogens','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image12203274-3','','','2012-11-22 14:03:51','2012-11-22 19:03:51','',962,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(965,1,'2012-11-22 14:04:57','2012-11-22 19:04:57','[caption id=\"attachment_964\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-964\" title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> X is for Xenoestrogens[/caption]\n\nMaybe you\'ve heard of xenoestrogens but don\'t really know what they are or how they work in your body.  I\'m going to explain what they are and why I try to minimize them in my life and more importantly to me - in my <strong>children\'s </strong>lives.\n\n<strong>Xenoestrogen</strong> means <strong>foreign estrogen</strong> - which basically means any outside substance that acts like estrogen once inside our body.  It includes chemical compounds and pesticides, as well as synthetic estrogen that we ingest or apply to our skin.\n\n<strong>Phytoestrogens</strong> are another type of xenoestrogen - plants such as soy and flax can also behave like estrogen inside your body.  (This post won\'t delve into phytoestrogens as endocrine disruptors because plants like soy have been touted as either beneficial or harmful depending upon who you listen too.  It is a whole other conundrum and I\'ve read mixed studies.)\n\n<strong>Endocrine disruptors </strong>also called <strong>hormone disruptors </strong>are similar but actually refer specifically to chemicals and/or compounds that disrupt our endocrine (hormone) systems.\n\n<strong>Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC\'s)</strong> - the chemicals that are known or suspected to disrupt our hormones are sometimes referred to as <strong>EDC\'s</strong>.\n\nI\'ve known about xenoestrogens for quite a while but didn\'t really \"get\" what they were or this exotic sounding \"thing\" could possibly disrupt <em>my</em> hormones so I didn\'t immediately minimize my family\'s exposure.  When I finally did the research  it made me realize that the effect of xenoestrogen\'s is even more complicated than I could have imagined - scientists really have their work cut out for them on this one.\n\nI did final realize how important it is to eliminate xenoestrogens from my life when I  visualized what was actually going on in my body. Chemicals can disrupt our hormones in several ways but without getting too scientific on you here is a simple explanation to help you picture how the cosmetics or perfume you wear could possibly be disrupting your hormones:\n\n<strong>One way to think of it is like a game of musical chairs - let\'s imagine the chairs are the estrogen receptors - there\'s only a limited number of them to go around.  When the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) enters your body &amp; jumps onto the estrogen receptors there\'s nowhere for your own estrogen to go! Those special receptors are supposed to be there for the estrogen <em>your body</em> is producing but instead your own estrogen is left to roam freely - recirculating throughout your body. Sometimes those EDC\'s activate the receptors but sometimes they inactivate them!  The bottom line is that every time EDC\'s win the game -  your hormone health loses.</strong>\n\nI love this <a title=\"GreenFacts.org - Endocrine Disrupting Animation\" href=\"http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/l-2/endocrine-disruptors-1.htm#2\" target=\"_blank\"> animated illustration</a> courtesy of GreenFacts.org check it out to watch an endocrine disruptor in action.\n\nThis is a good example of how your body doesn\'t even have to be producing too much estrogen to show symptoms of <strong>estrogen dominance</strong>.  Now just imagine - your poor liver has to deal with all this excess re-circulating estrogen.  I\'ll talk about why you need to \"Show Some Love to Your Liver\" in a future post, which is especially true if you have hormone issues like I do.\n\nThere are other ways your hormones can get disrupted, here are some links explaining the mechanisms:\n\n<a title=\"Todipedia - Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Endocrine+Disruptors\" target=\"_blank\">Toxipedia - Endocrine Disruptors</a>\n\n<a title=\"Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption\" href=\"http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/mechanisms.html\" target=\"_blank\">Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption</a>\n\nAs far as EDC\'s disrupting your hormones I think the most important thing to take away is that <strong>xenoestrogens are disruptive</strong> to everyone - women and men, girls and boys, and especially developing babies and infants.  In my view, I already have enough hormone disruption going on in my body I don\'t need to add to it. And for some women removing xenoestrogens from their day-to-day lives may just hold the answer in solving their hormone health problems.\n\nTo stay informed:\n<ul>\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong></li>\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>','X is for Xenoestrogens','','inherit','open','open','','962-revision','','','2012-11-22 14:04:57','2012-11-22 19:04:57','',962,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/962-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(966,1,'2012-11-22 14:06:35','2012-11-22 19:06:35','[caption id=\"attachment_964\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-964\" title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> X is for Xenoestrogens[/caption]\r\n\r\nMaybe you\'ve heard of xenoestrogens but don\'t really know what they are or how they work in your body.  I\'m going to explain what they are and why I try to minimize them in my life and more importantly to me - in my <strong>children\'s </strong>lives.\r\n\r\n<strong>Xenoestrogen</strong> means <strong>foreign estrogen</strong> - which basically means any outside substance that acts like estrogen once inside our body.  It includes chemical compounds and pesticides, as well as synthetic estrogen that we ingest or apply to our skin.\r\n\r\n<strong>Phytoestrogens</strong> are another type of xenoestrogen - plants such as soy and flax can also behave like estrogen inside your body.  (This post won\'t delve into phytoestrogens as endocrine disruptors because plants like soy have been touted as either beneficial or harmful depending upon who you listen too.  It is a whole other conundrum and I\'ve read mixed studies.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine disruptors </strong>also called <strong>hormone disruptors </strong>are similar but actually refer specifically to chemicals and/or compounds that disrupt our endocrine (hormone) systems.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC\'s)</strong> - the chemicals that are known or suspected to disrupt our hormones are sometimes referred to as <strong>EDC\'s</strong>.\r\n\r\nI\'ve known about xenoestrogens for quite a while but didn\'t really \"get\" what they were or this exotic sounding \"thing\" could possibly disrupt <em>my</em> hormones so I didn\'t immediately minimize my family\'s exposure.  When I finally did the research  it made me realize that the effect of xenoestrogen\'s is even more complicated than I could have imagined - scientists really have their work cut out for them on this one.\r\n\r\nI did final realize how important it is to eliminate xenoestrogens from my life when I  visualized what was actually going on in my body. Chemicals can disrupt our hormones in several ways but without getting too scientific on you here is a simple explanation to help you picture how the cosmetics or perfume you wear could possibly be disrupting your hormones:\r\n\r\n<strong>One way to think of it is like a game of musical chairs - let\'s imagine the chairs are the estrogen receptors - there\'s only a limited number of them to go around.  When the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) enters your body &amp; jumps onto the estrogen receptors there\'s nowhere for your own estrogen to go! Those special receptors are supposed to be there for the estrogen <em>your body</em> is producing but instead your own estrogen is left to roam freely - recirculating throughout your body. Sometimes those EDC\'s activate the receptors but sometimes they inactivate them!  The bottom line is that every time EDC\'s win the game -  your hormone health loses.</strong>\r\n\r\nI love this <a title=\"GreenFacts.org - Endocrine Disrupting Animation\" href=\"http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/l-2/endocrine-disruptors-1.htm#2\" target=\"_blank\"> animated illustration</a> courtesy of GreenFacts.org check it out to watch an endocrine disruptor in action.\r\n\r\nThis is a good example of how your body doesn\'t even have to be producing too much estrogen to show symptoms of <strong>estrogen dominance</strong>.  Now just imagine - your poor liver has to deal with all this excess re-circulating estrogen.  I\'ll talk about why you need to \"Show Some Love to Your Liver\" in a future post, which is especially true if you have hormone issues like I do.\r\n\r\nThere are other ways your hormones can get disrupted, here are some links explaining the mechanisms:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Todipedia - Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Endocrine+Disruptors\" target=\"_blank\">Toxipedia - Endocrine Disruptors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption\" href=\"http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/mechanisms.html\" target=\"_blank\">Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption</a>\r\n\r\nAs far as EDC\'s disrupting your hormones I think the most important thing to take away is that <strong>xenoestrogens are disruptive</strong> to everyone - women and men, girls and boys, and especially developing babies and infants.  In my view, I already have enough hormone disruption going on in my body I don\'t need to add to it. And for some women removing xenoestrogens from their day-to-day lives may just hold the answer in solving their hormone health problems.\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n	<li></li>\r\n</ul>','X is for Xenoestrogens','','inherit','open','open','','962-revision-2','','','2012-11-22 14:06:35','2012-11-22 19:06:35','',962,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/962-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(967,1,'2012-11-22 14:07:28','2012-11-22 19:07:28',' ','','','publish','open','open','','967','','','2013-01-22 11:30:59','2013-01-22 16:30:59','',745,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/967/',8,'nav_menu_item','',0),(968,1,'2012-11-22 14:07:28','2012-11-22 19:07:28','[caption id=\"attachment_964\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-964\" title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/X-is-for-Xenoestrogens2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> X is for Xenoestrogens[/caption]\r\n\r\nMaybe you\'ve heard of xenoestrogens but don\'t really know what they are or how they work in your body.  I\'m going to explain what they are and why I try to minimize them in my life and more importantly to me - in my <strong>children\'s </strong>lives.\r\n\r\n<strong>Xenoestrogen</strong> means <strong>foreign estrogen</strong> - which basically means any outside substance that acts like estrogen once inside our body.  It includes chemical compounds and pesticides, as well as synthetic estrogen that we ingest or apply to our skin.\r\n\r\n<strong>Phytoestrogens</strong> are another type of xenoestrogen - plants such as soy and flax can also behave like estrogen inside your body.  (This post won\'t delve into phytoestrogens as endocrine disruptors because plants like soy have been touted as either beneficial or harmful depending upon who you listen too.  It is a whole other conundrum and I\'ve read mixed studies.)\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine disruptors </strong>also called <strong>hormone disruptors </strong>are similar but actually refer specifically to chemicals and/or compounds that disrupt our endocrine (hormone) systems.\r\n\r\n<strong>Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC\'s)</strong> - the chemicals that are known or suspected to disrupt our hormones are sometimes referred to as <strong>EDC\'s</strong>.\r\n\r\nI\'ve known about xenoestrogens for quite a while but didn\'t really \"get\" what they were or this exotic sounding \"thing\" could possibly disrupt <em>my</em> hormones so I didn\'t immediately minimize my family\'s exposure.  When I finally did the research  it made me realize that the effect of xenoestrogen\'s is even more complicated than I could have imagined - scientists really have their work cut out for them on this one.\r\n\r\nI did final realize how important it is to eliminate xenoestrogens from my life when I  visualized what was actually going on in my body. Chemicals can disrupt our hormones in several ways but without getting too scientific on you here is a simple explanation to help you picture how the cosmetics or perfume you wear could possibly be disrupting your hormones:\r\n\r\n<strong>One way to think of it is like a game of musical chairs - let\'s imagine the chairs are the estrogen receptors - there\'s only a limited number of them to go around.  When the endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) enters your body &amp; jumps onto the estrogen receptors there\'s nowhere for your own estrogen to go! Those special receptors are supposed to be there for the estrogen <em>your body</em> is producing but instead your own estrogen is left to roam freely - recirculating throughout your body. Sometimes those EDC\'s activate the receptors but sometimes they inactivate them!  The bottom line is that every time EDC\'s win the game -  your hormone health loses.</strong>\r\n\r\nI love this <a title=\"GreenFacts.org - Endocrine Disrupting Animation\" href=\"http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/l-2/endocrine-disruptors-1.htm#2\" target=\"_blank\"> animated illustration</a> courtesy of GreenFacts.org check it out to watch an endocrine disruptor in action.\r\n\r\nThis is a good example of how your body doesn\'t even have to be producing too much estrogen to show symptoms of <strong>estrogen dominance</strong>.  Now just imagine - your poor liver has to deal with all this excess re-circulating estrogen.  I\'ll talk about why you need to \"Show Some Love to Your Liver\" in a future post, which is especially true if you have hormone issues like I do.\r\n\r\nThere are other ways your hormones can get disrupted, here are some links explaining the mechanisms:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Todipedia - Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Endocrine+Disruptors\" target=\"_blank\">Toxipedia - Endocrine Disruptors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption\" href=\"http://website.lineone.net/~mwarhurst/mechanisms.html\" target=\"_blank\">Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption</a>\r\n\r\nAs far as EDC\'s disrupting your hormones I think the most important thing to take away is that <strong>xenoestrogens are disruptive</strong> to everyone - women and men, girls and boys, and especially developing babies and infants.  In my view, I already have enough hormone disruption going on in my body I don\'t need to add to it. And for some women removing xenoestrogens from their day-to-day lives may just hold the answer in solving their hormone health problems.\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n	<li></li>\r\n</ul>','X is for Xenoestrogens','','inherit','open','open','','962-revision-3','','','2012-11-22 14:07:28','2012-11-22 19:07:28','',962,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/962-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(969,1,'2012-11-22 14:12:42','2012-11-22 19:12:42','[caption id=\"attachment_887\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Toxic-Chemicals-in-Food-Supply1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-887\" title=\"Toxic Chemicals in our Food Supply\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Toxic-Chemicals-in-Food-Supply1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Toxins in our Food\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Toxins in our Food[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt would be<strong> </strong>irresponsible of me to not discuss hormone disruptors on a website about hormone health.  My own hormone health issues have made me question healthcare, medication, and nutrition and yes, hormone disruptors all around me.  Knowledge is power - the positive outcomes I have had with my hormone health have been as a direct result of me educating myself about my health and the options available to me.  By no means do I think my hormone issues are over - I still have menopause to face and wonder in the back of my mind what the effect years of estrogen dominance will have on my future health.  It\'s not that I live in fear, but rather I want to give my body the best chance at a long and healthy life, which is the reason behind my research into the negative health effects of hormone disruptors.  Even more importantly for me is to do the research for the health of my children\'s developing bodies.\r\n\r\nThis post has tons of information - I hope you find something useful.  I encourage you to take the list of the hormone disuptors, especially the ones that are known carcinogens (cancer-causing) and go to your cosmetic bag, your bathroom shelf or your bathtub shelf and see if you can find any of these hormone disruptors.    I am sure you\'ll be surprised - they might even be in your baby wash. Get your kids involved - they\'ll go on a hunt through your household products for you.  You\'ll be clearing out your shelves of harmful products and educating your kids at the same time.\r\n<h3><strong>Negative Health Effects of Hormone Disruptors</strong></h3>\r\n<strong>Hormone disruptors also called endocrine disruptors </strong>are being blamed for our rising rates of:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Endometrial cancer</li>\r\n	<li>Breast cancer</li>\r\n	<li>PCOS - Poly-cycstic Ovarian Syndrome</li>\r\n	<li>Endometriosis</li>\r\n	<li>Fibroids</li>\r\n	<li>Infertility</li>\r\n	<li>and other problems, including testicular &amp; prostrate cancer in men.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWe encounter hundreds or thousands of hormone disruptors every day.  They are found in<strong> plastic, metal food cans, household cleaners &amp; detergents, food, flame retardants, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides.</strong>\r\n<h3>Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nBased on the research I\'ve done about hormone disruptors here is a list of some of the more commonly discussed chemicals that mess around with our hormones in one way or another.  Clicking each compound name listed will take you to the Wikipedia® article if you\'d like to read more.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Paraben - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben\" target=\"_blank\">Parabens</a> - known to mimic estrogen &amp; <strong>linked to breast cancer</strong>. Widely found in makeup, moisturizers which may be why one study found significantly higher levels in women than men</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHA - Wikipedia Link\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxyanisole\" target=\"_blank\">BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)</a> - Food preservative also found in moisturizers and cosmetics such as lipsticks. Listed as a <strong>carcinogenic</strong> by the State of California. Health Canada lists BHA as \"<strong>high human health priority\"</strong>.  European Union prohibits it\'s use in fragrances. BHA interferes with hormone function.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHT\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxytoluene\" target=\"_blank\">BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)</a> - closely related to BHA. May mimic estrogen and cause adverse affects to reproductive health.  Health Canada lists BHT as \"moderate human health priority\".</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Phthalate - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate\" target=\"_blank\">Phthalates</a> - are used in a wide variety of products, including nail products, children\'s toys, coating on pharmaceuticals, plastics, etc.  Certain phthalates have been shown to have an adverse affect on reproductive health and disrupt hormones.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Triclosan - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan\" target=\"_blank\">Triclosan</a> - found in antibacterial products such as soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, hand sanitizers,  antiperspirants/deodorants, laundry detergent, facial tissues, trash bags.  Suspected as <strong>interfering with hormone function.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Formaldehyde_releaser\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde_releaser\" target=\"_blank\">Formaldehyde releasing preservatives </a>(DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate) - a <strong>known carcinogen</strong> to humans but still widely used in hair products, moisturizers, nail polishes, building supplies, etc.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"PEG - Polyethylene Glycol\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol\" target=\"_blank\">PEG (polyethylene glycols)</a> - Can be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxans <strong>potentially carcinogenic</strong>. Unfortunately, PEG is frequently found in otherwise safe personal care products.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Petrolatum\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrolatum\" target=\"_blank\">Petrolatum</a> - petroleum jelly - a known endocrine disruptor. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - found in foamy products like soaps, shampoos, cleansers, bubble baths.  Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxan which is <strong>potentially carcinogenic.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Coal Tar Dyes\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_coloring\" target=\"_blank\">Coal Tar Dyes (also p-Phenylenediamine PPD)</a> (colors identified as CI followed by five digits or in the US as FD&amp;C or D&amp;C followed by a number) - used in food as artificial colours, many have been banned over the years but several are still in use, used in hair dyes and cosmetics. May be potential carcinogenic but not added to the official list yet.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Cocamide DEA\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocamide_DEA\" target=\"_blank\">DEA, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA</a> - a<strong> known carcinogenic</strong>. Used to make soaps and shampoos foamy and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Websites I Highly Recommend</h3>\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - click to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  Boy did I feel like a sucker!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the Cleaning Products that you use &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for\r\n\r\n<strong>Environmental Working Group</strong> has a list of every chemical under the sun! You can look up virtually any compound on their website and find out the good, bad and the ugly.  Check out their<a title=\"EWG\'s list of ALL chemicals\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/list\" target=\"_blank\"> list of all chemicals</a> or read more on their site about hormone disruptors, such as formaldehyde-releasers in baby formulas.\r\n\r\n<strong>David Suzuki Foundation</strong> has a great website and also lists the <a title=\"David Suzuki Foundation Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics\" href=\"http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Dirty Dozen\"</a> chemicals to avoid in cosmetics.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\" target=\"_blank\">Health Canada</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site includes a Cosmetics Hotlist - many chemicals have been banned or have to be labelled in Canada. Not as good as in the EU but much better than in the USA. (To all my cross-border shopping friends - you may be getting more than your bargained for if you shop for cosmetics and body care products south of the border).  Explains how to read the labels, warnings and recalls, and a place for you to report adverse affects.\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Theo Colborn\'s book \"Our Stolen Future\"</strong> is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of hormone disruption.  Click here for a more detailed chart from their website:  <a title=\"Chart of Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Basics/chemlist.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Endocrine Disruptor Chart from OurStolenFuture.org</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book,</strong><strong> <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\" target=\"_blank\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong>\r\n<h3>Get the Facts About Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nClick on the links below to read more about hormone disruptors:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Medical News Today - Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245485.php\" target=\"_blank\">Medical News Today</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institute of Health Sciences\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Study\" href=\"http://www.endo-society.org/journals/ScientificStatements/upload/EDC_Scientific_Statement.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Statement </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange\" href=\"http://www.endocrinedisruption.com/home.php\" target=\"_blank\">TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health - Endocrine Disrupters\" href=\"http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/713696/\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Wikipedia - Endorcrine Disruptor\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia - Endocrine Disruptor</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Natural Resources Defence Council\" href=\"http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Resources Defence Council</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"EPA\" href=\"http://www.epa.gov/endocrine/#eds\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/endocrine_research_resources.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources </a>\r\n\r\nPlease feel free to point me toward any studies or further reading that my readers would find informative. Thanks!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> X is for Xenoestrogens</strong></a></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Known and Suspected Hormone Disruptors','','publish','open','open','','known-and-suspected-hormone-disruptors','','','2012-11-22 14:13:16','2012-11-22 19:13:16','',745,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?page_id=969',3,'page','',0),(970,1,'2012-11-22 14:10:48','2012-11-22 19:10:48','','Auto Draft','','inherit','open','open','','969-revision','','','2012-11-22 14:10:48','2012-11-22 19:10:48','',969,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/969-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(971,1,'2012-11-22 14:11:14','2012-11-22 19:11:14','It would be<strong> </strong>irresponsible of me to not discuss hormone disruptors on a website about hormone health.  My own hormone health issues have made me question healthcare, medication, and nutrition and yes, hormone disruptors all around me.  Knowledge is power - the positive outcomes I have had with my hormone health have been as a direct result of me educating myself about my health and the options available to me.  By no means do I think my hormone issues are over - I still have menopause to face and wonder in the back of my mind what the effect years of estrogen dominance will have on my future health.  It\'s not that I live in fear, but rather I want to give my body the best chance at a long and healthy life, which is the reason behind my research into the negative health effects of hormone disruptors.  Even more importantly for me is to do the research for the health of my children\'s developing bodies.\r\n\r\nThis post has tons of information - I hope you find something useful.  I encourage you to take the list of the hormone disuptors, especially the ones that are known carcinogens (cancer-causing) and go to your cosmetic bag, your bathroom shelf or your bathtub shelf and see if you can find any of these hormone disruptors.    I am sure you\'ll be surprised - they might even be in your baby wash. Get your kids involved - they\'ll go on a hunt through your household products for you.  You\'ll be clearing out your shelves of harmful products and educating your kids at the same time.\r\n<h3><strong>Negative Health Effects of Hormone Disruptors</strong></h3>\r\n<strong>Hormone disruptors also called endocrine disruptors </strong>are being blamed for our rising rates of:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Endometrial cancer</li>\r\n	<li>Breast cancer</li>\r\n	<li>PCOS - Poly-cycstic Ovarian Syndrome</li>\r\n	<li>Endometriosis</li>\r\n	<li>Fibroids</li>\r\n	<li>Infertility</li>\r\n	<li>and other problems, including testicular &amp; prostrate cancer in men.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWe encounter hundreds or thousands of hormone disruptors every day.  They are found in<strong> plastic, metal food cans, household cleaners &amp; detergents, food, flame retardants, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides.</strong>\r\n<h3>Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nBased on the research I\'ve done about hormone disruptors here is a list of some of the more commonly discussed chemicals that mess around with our hormones in one way or another.  Clicking each compound name listed will take you to the Wikipedia® article if you\'d like to read more.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Paraben - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben\" target=\"_blank\">Parabens</a> - known to mimic estrogen &amp; <strong>linked to breast cancer</strong>. Widely found in makeup, moisturizers which may be why one study found significantly higher levels in women than men</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHA - Wikipedia Link\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxyanisole\" target=\"_blank\">BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)</a> - Food preservative also found in moisturizers and cosmetics such as lipsticks. Listed as a <strong>carcinogenic</strong> by the State of California. Health Canada lists BHA as \"<strong>high human health priority\"</strong>.  European Union prohibits it\'s use in fragrances. BHA interferes with hormone function.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHT\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxytoluene\" target=\"_blank\">BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)</a> - closely related to BHA. May mimic estrogen and cause adverse affects to reproductive health.  Health Canada lists BHT as \"moderate human health priority\".</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Phthalate - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate\" target=\"_blank\">Phthalates</a> - are used in a wide variety of products, including nail products, children\'s toys, coating on pharmaceuticals, plastics, etc.  Certain phthalates have been shown to have an adverse affect on reproductive health and disrupt hormones.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Triclosan - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan\" target=\"_blank\">Triclosan</a> - found in antibacterial products such as soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, hand sanitizers,  antiperspirants/deodorants, laundry detergent, facial tissues, trash bags.  Suspected as <strong>interfering with hormone function.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Formaldehyde_releaser\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde_releaser\" target=\"_blank\">Formaldehyde releasing preservatives </a>(DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate) - a <strong>known carcinogen</strong> to humans but still widely used in hair products, moisturizers, nail polishes, building supplies, etc.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"PEG - Polyethylene Glycol\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol\" target=\"_blank\">PEG (polyethylene glycols)</a> - Can be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxans <strong>potentially carcinogenic</strong>. Unfortunately, PEG is frequently found in otherwise safe personal care products.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Petrolatum\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrolatum\" target=\"_blank\">Petrolatum</a> - petroleum jelly - a known endocrine disruptor. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - found in foamy products like soaps, shampoos, cleansers, bubble baths.  Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxan which is <strong>potentially carcinogenic.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Coal Tar Dyes\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_coloring\" target=\"_blank\">Coal Tar Dyes (also p-Phenylenediamine PPD)</a> (colors identified as CI followed by five digits or in the US as FD&amp;C or D&amp;C followed by a number) - used in food as artificial colours, many have been banned over the years but several are still in use, used in hair dyes and cosmetics. May be potential carcinogenic but not added to the official list yet.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Cocamide DEA\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocamide_DEA\" target=\"_blank\">DEA, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA</a> - a<strong> known carcinogenic</strong>. Used to make soaps and shampoos foamy and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Websites I Highly Recommend</h3>\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - click to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  Boy did I feel like a sucker!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the Cleaning Products that you use &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for\r\n\r\n<strong>Environmental Working Group</strong> has a list of every chemical under the sun! You can look up virtually any compound on their website and find out the good, bad and the ugly.  Check out their<a title=\"EWG\'s list of ALL chemicals\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/list\" target=\"_blank\"> list of all chemicals</a> or read more on their site about hormone disruptors, such as formaldehyde-releasers in baby formulas.\r\n\r\n<strong>David Suzuki Foundation</strong> has a great website and also lists the <a title=\"David Suzuki Foundation Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics\" href=\"http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Dirty Dozen\"</a> chemicals to avoid in cosmetics.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\" target=\"_blank\">Health Canada</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site includes a Cosmetics Hotlist - many chemicals have been banned or have to be labelled in Canada. Not as good as in the EU but much better than in the USA. (To all my cross-border shopping friends - you may be getting more than your bargained for if you shop for cosmetics and body care products south of the border).  Explains how to read the labels, warnings and recalls, and a place for you to report adverse affects.\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Theo Colborn\'s book \"Our Stolen Future\"</strong> is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of hormone disruption.  Click here for a more detailed chart from their website:  <a title=\"Chart of Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Basics/chemlist.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Endocrine Disruptor Chart from OurStolenFuture.org</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book,</strong><strong> <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\" target=\"_blank\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong>\r\n<h3>Get the Facts About Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nClick on the links below to read more about hormone disruptors:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Medical News Today - Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245485.php\" target=\"_blank\">Medical News Today</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institute of Health Sciences\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Study\" href=\"http://www.endo-society.org/journals/ScientificStatements/upload/EDC_Scientific_Statement.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Statement </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange\" href=\"http://www.endocrinedisruption.com/home.php\" target=\"_blank\">TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health - Endocrine Disrupters\" href=\"http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/713696/\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Wikipedia - Endorcrine Disruptor\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia - Endocrine Disruptor</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Natural Resources Defence Council\" href=\"http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Resources Defence Council</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"EPA\" href=\"http://www.epa.gov/endocrine/#eds\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/endocrine_research_resources.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources </a>\r\n\r\nPlease feel free to point me toward any studies or further reading that my readers would find informative. Thanks!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> X is for Xenoestrogens</strong></a></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Known and Suspected Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','969-revision-2','','','2012-11-22 14:11:14','2012-11-22 19:11:14','',969,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/969-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(972,1,'2012-11-22 14:12:43','2012-11-22 19:12:43',' ','','','publish','open','open','','972','','','2013-01-22 11:30:59','2013-01-22 16:30:59','',745,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/972/',9,'nav_menu_item','',0),(973,1,'2012-11-22 14:12:42','2012-11-22 19:12:42','[caption id=\"attachment_887\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Toxic-Chemicals-in-Food-Supply1.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-887\" title=\"Toxic Chemicals in our Food Supply\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Toxic-Chemicals-in-Food-Supply1-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Toxins in our Food\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Toxins in our Food[/caption]\r\n\r\nIt would be<strong> </strong>irresponsible of me to not discuss hormone disruptors on a website about hormone health.  My own hormone health issues have made me question healthcare, medication, and nutrition and yes, hormone disruptors all around me.  Knowledge is power - the positive outcomes I have had with my hormone health have been as a direct result of me educating myself about my health and the options available to me.  By no means do I think my hormone issues are over - I still have menopause to face and wonder in the back of my mind what the effect years of estrogen dominance will have on my future health.  It\'s not that I live in fear, but rather I want to give my body the best chance at a long and healthy life, which is the reason behind my research into the negative health effects of hormone disruptors.  Even more importantly for me is to do the research for the health of my children\'s developing bodies.\r\n\r\nThis post has tons of information - I hope you find something useful.  I encourage you to take the list of the hormone disuptors, especially the ones that are known carcinogens (cancer-causing) and go to your cosmetic bag, your bathroom shelf or your bathtub shelf and see if you can find any of these hormone disruptors.    I am sure you\'ll be surprised - they might even be in your baby wash. Get your kids involved - they\'ll go on a hunt through your household products for you.  You\'ll be clearing out your shelves of harmful products and educating your kids at the same time.\r\n<h3><strong>Negative Health Effects of Hormone Disruptors</strong></h3>\r\n<strong>Hormone disruptors also called endocrine disruptors </strong>are being blamed for our rising rates of:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Endometrial cancer</li>\r\n	<li>Breast cancer</li>\r\n	<li>PCOS - Poly-cycstic Ovarian Syndrome</li>\r\n	<li>Endometriosis</li>\r\n	<li>Fibroids</li>\r\n	<li>Infertility</li>\r\n	<li>and other problems, including testicular &amp; prostrate cancer in men.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWe encounter hundreds or thousands of hormone disruptors every day.  They are found in<strong> plastic, metal food cans, household cleaners &amp; detergents, food, flame retardants, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides.</strong>\r\n<h3>Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nBased on the research I\'ve done about hormone disruptors here is a list of some of the more commonly discussed chemicals that mess around with our hormones in one way or another.  Clicking each compound name listed will take you to the Wikipedia® article if you\'d like to read more.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Paraben - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben\" target=\"_blank\">Parabens</a> - known to mimic estrogen &amp; <strong>linked to breast cancer</strong>. Widely found in makeup, moisturizers which may be why one study found significantly higher levels in women than men</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHA - Wikipedia Link\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxyanisole\" target=\"_blank\">BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole)</a> - Food preservative also found in moisturizers and cosmetics such as lipsticks. Listed as a <strong>carcinogenic</strong> by the State of California. Health Canada lists BHA as \"<strong>high human health priority\"</strong>.  European Union prohibits it\'s use in fragrances. BHA interferes with hormone function.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"BHT\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butylated_hydroxytoluene\" target=\"_blank\">BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene)</a> - closely related to BHA. May mimic estrogen and cause adverse affects to reproductive health.  Health Canada lists BHT as \"moderate human health priority\".</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Phthalate - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate\" target=\"_blank\">Phthalates</a> - are used in a wide variety of products, including nail products, children\'s toys, coating on pharmaceuticals, plastics, etc.  Certain phthalates have been shown to have an adverse affect on reproductive health and disrupt hormones.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Triclosan - Wikipedia\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triclosan\" target=\"_blank\">Triclosan</a> - found in antibacterial products such as soaps, toothpastes, mouthwashes, hand sanitizers,  antiperspirants/deodorants, laundry detergent, facial tissues, trash bags.  Suspected as <strong>interfering with hormone function.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Formaldehyde_releaser\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde_releaser\" target=\"_blank\">Formaldehyde releasing preservatives </a>(DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine, quaternium-15 and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate) - a <strong>known carcinogen</strong> to humans but still widely used in hair products, moisturizers, nail polishes, building supplies, etc.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"PEG - Polyethylene Glycol\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol\" target=\"_blank\">PEG (polyethylene glycols)</a> - Can be contaminated with 1, 4 dioxans <strong>potentially carcinogenic</strong>. Unfortunately, PEG is frequently found in otherwise safe personal care products.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Petrolatum\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrolatum\" target=\"_blank\">Petrolatum</a> - petroleum jelly - a known endocrine disruptor. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate (SLS/SLES) - found in foamy products like soaps, shampoos, cleansers, bubble baths.  Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxan which is <strong>potentially carcinogenic.</strong></li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Coal Tar Dyes\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_coloring\" target=\"_blank\">Coal Tar Dyes (also p-Phenylenediamine PPD)</a> (colors identified as CI followed by five digits or in the US as FD&amp;C or D&amp;C followed by a number) - used in food as artificial colours, many have been banned over the years but several are still in use, used in hair dyes and cosmetics. May be potential carcinogenic but not added to the official list yet.</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Cocamide DEA\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocamide_DEA\" target=\"_blank\">DEA, cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA</a> - a<strong> known carcinogenic</strong>. Used to make soaps and shampoos foamy and as an emulsifying agent in cosmetics.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3>Websites I Highly Recommend</h3>\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a> - click to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  Boy did I feel like a sucker!\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\" target=\"_blank\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> - Look up the Cleaning Products that you use &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for\r\n\r\n<strong>Environmental Working Group</strong> has a list of every chemical under the sun! You can look up virtually any compound on their website and find out the good, bad and the ugly.  Check out their<a title=\"EWG\'s list of ALL chemicals\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/list\" target=\"_blank\"> list of all chemicals</a> or read more on their site about hormone disruptors, such as formaldehyde-releasers in baby formulas.\r\n\r\n<strong>David Suzuki Foundation</strong> has a great website and also lists the <a title=\"David Suzuki Foundation Dirty Dozen Chemicals in Cosmetics\" href=\"http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Dirty Dozen\"</a> chemicals to avoid in cosmetics.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\" target=\"_blank\">Health Canada</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site includes a Cosmetics Hotlist - many chemicals have been banned or have to be labelled in Canada. Not as good as in the EU but much better than in the USA. (To all my cross-border shopping friends - you may be getting more than your bargained for if you shop for cosmetics and body care products south of the border).  Explains how to read the labels, warnings and recalls, and a place for you to report adverse affects.\r\n\r\n<strong>Dr. Theo Colborn\'s book \"Our Stolen Future\"</strong> is a must-read for anyone interested in the topic of hormone disruption.  Click here for a more detailed chart from their website:  <a title=\"Chart of Endocrine Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/Basics/chemlist.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Endocrine Disruptor Chart from OurStolenFuture.org</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book,</strong><strong> <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\" target=\"_blank\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong>\r\n<h3>Get the Facts About Hormone Disruptors</h3>\r\nClick on the links below to read more about hormone disruptors:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Medical News Today - Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/245485.php\" target=\"_blank\">Medical News Today</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"National Institute of Health Sciences\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Study\" href=\"http://www.endo-society.org/journals/ScientificStatements/upload/EDC_Scientific_Statement.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">The Endocrine Society - Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals - A Scientific Statement </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange\" href=\"http://www.endocrinedisruption.com/home.php\" target=\"_blank\">TEDx - The Endocrine Disruption Exchange</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health - Endocrine Disrupters\" href=\"http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/713696/\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Environmental &amp; Public Health</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Wikipedia - Endorcrine Disruptor\" href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia - Endocrine Disruptor</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Natural Resources Defence Council\" href=\"http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp\" target=\"_blank\">Natural Resources Defence Council</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"EPA\" href=\"http://www.epa.gov/endocrine/#eds\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Protection Agency </a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources\" href=\"http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/assets/docs_a_e/endocrine_research_resources.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">NIEHS - Recent Endocrine Research Resources </a>\r\n\r\nPlease feel free to point me toward any studies or further reading that my readers would find informative. Thanks!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong> X is for Xenoestrogens</strong></a></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;','Known and Suspected Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','969-revision-3','','','2012-11-22 14:12:42','2012-11-22 19:12:42','',969,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/969-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(974,1,'2012-11-16 00:19:31','2012-11-16 05:19:31','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in one study to be full of chemicals.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I like pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics - find natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></span></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Big Carrot\"</span></a> in Toronto, Ontario, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a></span> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Detox Market\"</span></a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a></span>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and look for either organic/natural products - there are more and more organic spas popping up</li>\r\n	<li>I use <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a></span> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a></span> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Avoid anti-bacterial products</li>\r\n	<li>Avoid fragrances - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>Use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners</li>\r\n	<li>I splurged and bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out all products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a></span> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> </span>- Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a></span> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','How I Reduce My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','767-revision-34','','','2012-11-16 00:19:31','2012-11-16 05:19:31','',767,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/767-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(975,1,'2012-11-22 14:14:57','2012-11-22 19:14:57','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in one study to be full of chemicals.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I like pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics - find natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></span></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Big Carrot\"</span></a> in Toronto, Ontario, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a></span> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Detox Market\"</span></a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a></span>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and look for either organic/natural products - there are more and more organic spas popping up</li>\r\n	<li>I use <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a></span> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a></span> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Avoid anti-bacterial products</li>\r\n	<li>Avoid fragrances - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>Use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners</li>\r\n	<li>I splurged and bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out all products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a></span> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> </span>- Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a></span> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','How I Reduce My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','767-revision-35','','','2012-11-22 14:14:57','2012-11-22 19:14:57','',767,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/767-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(976,1,'2012-11-22 14:15:43','2012-11-22 19:15:43','I\'ve been estrogen dominant my entire adult life - it has affected my life in profound ways.  I know I\'m not the only woman who is living with disrupted hormones.  Sure I use compounded hormone cream to achieve balance, but what\'s the point of using hormones to balance if I\'m going to just spend my days causing further disruption?\r\n\r\nThe one thing I\'ve found throughout my research is that merely living on earth puts you at risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals - they are everywhere! Even newborn babies born today have been contaminated with chemicals known to cause endocrine disruption.  Umbilical cords have been found in one study to be full of chemicals.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think if you met me you\'d automatically think that I\'m a granola-crunching, tree-hugger.  I wear makeup, I colour my hair, I like pedicures and manicures, I love to eat good food &amp; drink red wine, I recycle and compost as much as the next person.  I\'m not a fanatic I guess you could say, BUT, I believe that there are ways we can reduce the negative impact these things have on our health. I\'m not an expert, but more of a student - I\'m learning all the time about things I\'ve been doing or products I\'ve been using that are not only hurtful to the environment but harmful to my delicate hormonal balance.  More and more, my concern is for my children and the future of their health, including their hormone health.\r\n\r\nHere\'s some of the things I do to try to reduce my family\'s risk of exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals:\r\n<h1>Plastics:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>We avoid ALL plastics when we can - particularly 7, 6 &amp; 3.  Even my children know  \"7, 6 and 3 are not for me\".   When we were getting 100% rid of \"bad\" plastics I taught my children how to identify the plastic by the symbol and number.  I told them I\'d give them $1 for every bad plastic they found in our house!  They ran around the house like crazy.  Fortunately they only found 3 pieces of \"bad\" plastic in our house.</li>\r\n	<li>we never microwave anything in plastic</li>\r\n	<li>use glass or ceramics to store food</li>\r\n	<li>we don\'t let babies chew on plastics - find natural products/toys instead, I like shopping for eco-friendly kids stuff at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Little Footprints Toys\" href=\"http://www.littlefootprintstoys.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Littlefootprintstoys.com</a></span></li>\r\n	<li>I breastfed my babies for well over a year &amp; I didn\'t use pacifiers - it was my choice not merely because of the plastic exposure but the \"plastic\" factor definitely belongs on the pro side to breastfeeding and thumb sucking over pacifiers, as well many formulas are soy based and it wasn\'t all that long ago that nasty endocrine disruptors were found in formula.  I didn\'t know that my own exposure to phthalates, for example, meant that my breast milk would pass this endocrine disruptor onto my babies.</li>\r\n	<li>we avoid plastic water bottles but we don\'t like stainless steel so found some good glass bottles that are wrapped in rubber so they are safe for my kids\' backpacks</li>\r\n	<li>we\'ve switched from Teflon pans to good old-fashion cast iron pans</li>\r\n	<li>we\'re getting rid of anything plastic that has a natural alternative - like exchanging plastic cutting boards for wooden boards</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Cosmetics &amp; Body Care Products:</h1>\r\nWhen you consider that our skin is the largest organ in our body and it has direct exposure to many of the hormone disruptors.  Ever since I read that the average woman puts on 515 chemicals each morning I\'ve tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I put on my skin.  Finding out that I was putting things like formaldehyde on my skin each day just grossed me out.  Thinking about how I use topical progesterone cream made me realize even more how effective our skin is allowing both good and bad compounds into our body!\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I have switched my cosmetics and body care products to natural products. There are many cosmetic choices that don\'t involve hormone disruptors. Many of the large health food stores like <a title=\"The Big Carrot - Body Care\" href=\"http://thebigcarrot.ca/index.php?id=27\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Big Carrot\"</span></a> in Toronto, Ontario, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Nature\'s Emporium - Newmarket\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">\"Natures Emporium\"</a></span> in Newmarket, Ontario carry really nice body care &amp; cosmetic lines that are all natural.  Also their employees are super-informed about this stuff.  I also shop at <a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/our-location\" target=\"_blank\">\"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The Detox Market\"</span></a> in Toronto, they have locations in LA and San Fransisco as well and they carry a small line of wonderful cosmetics and body care products.  And a small but lovely line of products at <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Elemi Organics\" href=\"http://www.elemi.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Elemi Organics</a></span>. And if you can\'t give up your Sephora addiction - they even carry natural cosmetic lines.  I\'ve found when I ask for a product the natural ones are NEVER suggested - they don\'t rush you over to them, you have to specifically ask for natural products.  And their staff isn\'t really educated about the benefits of natural products. Also their website doesn\'t have a way of searching for their organic makeup so unless you know the name of the brand you\'ll have trouble figuring out which ones are natural. The good news about natural cosmetics? They work just as well, they are on-trend, they don\'t always have to cost more and are free of known hormone disruptors.</li>\r\n	<li>I confess I\'m a spa lover and look for either organic/natural products - there are more and more organic spas popping up</li>\r\n	<li>I use <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Skin Deep\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Cosmetic Database - Skin Deep</a></span> to check on my family\'s body care products.  It\'s an invaluable resource for me.</li>\r\n	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Campaign for Safe Cosmetics\" href=\"http://safecosmetics.org/\">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a></span> - a great site, full of information about cosmetics as well as how you can encourage safer cosmetics and demand cosmetic companies stop putting harmful chemicals in our makeup and body care products.</li>\r\n	<li>I keep informed also on <a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" title=\"Health Canada\" href=\"http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/cosmet-person/index-eng.php\">Health Canada\'s website</a> - the Canadian Government\'s site explains how to read the labels, has a Hotlist and most importantly publishes warnings and recalls on cosmetic items.</li>\r\n	<li>I\'ve read <strong>Gillian Deacon\'s book, <a title=\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick\" href=\"http://www.amazon.ca/Theres-Lead-In-Your-Lipstick/dp/0143172506\">\"There\'s Lead in Your Lipstick: Toxins in Our Everyday Body Care and How to Avoid Them\"</a></strong> - she really is an expert in this area and offers real advice about cosmetics and how to avoid chemicals</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Avoid anti-bacterial products</li>\r\n	<li>Avoid fragrances - they are jam-packed with hormone disruptors and have been able to make breast cancer cells grow in a lab environment! I used to wear perfume everyday and I am going to admit I miss it!  I spray it on once in a while (my clothes - even though I know I\'m still inhaling it) but I always feel like I am a walking endocrine disruptor!  So my fragrance use is very very minimal now.</li>\r\n	<li>Use natural sunscreen - I am going to admit I worry about slathering sunscreen all over my kids as much as I am concerned about their exposure to too much sun! My children spend a lot of time outdoors but I really do wonder what\'s worse for them - the chemicals or the sun?  I switched to natural sunscreen and feel better about it.</li>\r\n	<li>I buy natural deodorant and so far no one has ever told me I stink!  I am teaching my tween daughter why it\'s better for her than the stuff she sees all the other girls using.  Maybe instead of her being influenced by her peers using the trendy products, she\'ll be able to teach her friends about the benefits of using natural products.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h1>Household Products</h1>\r\nI used to love the clean smell of certain lemony or piney smelling cleaners! I just felt like my house smelled so clean! When I first switched I\'ll admit that I missed that \"just-cleaned\" smell.  Now when I encounter those same \"clean\" smells I just feel like holding my breath!  It\'s all in what you get used to.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda or plant based cleaners</li>\r\n	<li>I splurged and bought a floor steamer - it uses only tap water - no harsh chemicals</li>\r\n	<li>I don\'t use fabric softeners in the dryer - again, fragrances are loaded with hormone disruptors.  A bit of static never killed anyone, but fragrances....well...?</li>\r\n	<li>I check out all products on Environmental Working Groups database - I was surprised by some of the products I used - products that I thought were  green actually have chemicals in them!  I felt like such a sucker!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame\" href=\"http://static.ewg.org/reports/2012/cleaners_hallofshame/cleaners_hallofshame.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Hall of Shame</a></span> - Click here to see the worst offenders - some of these toxic chemicals are banned in certain countries, some have ingredients known to be carcinogenic.   And some of these products pretend they are \"green\" - some I\'ve had them in my own home thinking I was doing the right thing by buying \"Green\" products!  I\'m a sucker!\r\n\r\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Cleaners\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners\" target=\"_blank\">Environmental Working Group\'s Guide to Healthy Cleaning</a> </span>- Look up the cleaning products that you use on their database &amp; see what you\'re bringing into your house maybe without even knowing it!  EWG - rates common products for their safety.\r\n<h1>Food:</h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>I try to feed my family organic food as much as is possible based on what I have access to.</li>\r\n	<li>For many years I have been fortunate enough to be able to grow some of my own produce.</li>\r\n	<li>Again EWG to my rescue!  I keep informed with their <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"EWG - Shoppers Guide to Pesticides\" href=\"http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/\" target=\"_blank\">Shoppers Guide to Pesticides</a></span> - I keep a copy of their published Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables.  If you can\'t find all the organics where you live then at least focusing on the produce that has been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticide or the worst types of pesticide contamination</li>\r\n	<li>we have recently gone dairy-free at my house - once in a while some dairy slips into our diet but when it does I try to keep it organic.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhat\'s interesting is that once I began reducing my family\'s exposure, each action I took revealed another that I should or could take.  I\'m still figuring things out every day to improve our hormone health.  I you have any thoughts, ideas or tips - I\'d love to hear from you.\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\nTo stay informed:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><strong>Read my previous posts</strong> about: <strong><a title=\"What Does it Mean to be Estrogen Dominant\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">Estrogen dominance</a> </strong>&amp; <strong><a title=\"Why You Need to Care About Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/why-you-need-to-care-about-estrogen-dominance/\" target=\"_blank\">Why Estrogen Dominance Matters to You</a></strong><strong> </strong>&amp;<strong><a title=\"X is for Xenoestrogens\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/x-is-for-xenoestrogens/\" target=\"_blank\"> X is for Xenoestrogens</a> &amp; <a title=\"Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/known-suspected-hormone-disruptors/\" target=\"_blank\">Known &amp; Suspected Hormone Disruptors</a> </strong></li>\r\n	<li><strong><a title=\"Keep Up-to-Date\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Sign up</a> </strong>for updates if you\'d like to read <strong>more</strong> of my series of articles about  estrogen, endocrine disruptors and other hormone imbalance.</li>\r\n	<li><strong>Share this article</strong> If you learned something</li>\r\n	<li><a title=\"Share Your Story with Hormone Soup\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/share-your-story/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Share your Story</strong></a> so other women can benefit</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n&nbsp;','How I Reduce My Family\'s Exposure to Hormone Disruptors','','inherit','open','open','','767-revision-36','','','2012-11-22 14:15:43','2012-11-22 19:15:43','',767,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/767-revision-36/',0,'revision','',0),(977,1,'2012-12-28 11:10:40','2012-12-28 16:10:40','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar.  Many doctors have not kept themselves informed about the hormone research and, in fact, base their treatment decision upon the WHI study of 2002 which basically revealed \"synthetic\" hormones were increasing cancer rates among women.  Some assumed that the results of the study would be the same for bio-identical hormones.  The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\n<h3><strong>Doctors Who Practise Functional Medicine </strong></h3>\nThe <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"What is Functional Medicine\" href=\"http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/\" target=\"_blank\">Institute of Functional Medicine</a></span> describes Functional Medicine this way:\n\n\"Functional medicine <strong>addresses the underlying causes of disease</strong>, using a systems-oriented approach and <strong>engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership</strong>. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.\"\n\nI promise you that when you find a respected doctor who practises functional medicine - you will be in partnership with your doctor about your health.  It is empowering to be able to have discussions about your own body and your own health with your doctor.\n\nThe best advice I can give you is to Google functional medicine doctors for your area or alternatively contact a compounding pharmacy:\n<h3><strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong></h3>\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Association of Compounding Pharmacists of Canada</a></span>  (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\n<h3><strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong></h3>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a></span>\n\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a></span>\n<h3>Rocky Mountain Analytical Lab</h3>\nThis is the only accredited lab in Canada that does saliva hormone testing and they have a list of over 1500 medical and naturopathic doctors that use their services.  You can search their list based on your Province and City.  Check it out <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Rocky Mountain Analytical - Find a Healthcare Professional\" href=\"http://rmalab.com/patients/find-healthcare-professional\" target=\"_blank\">Rocky Mountain Analytical - Find a Healthcare Professional</a></span><a title=\"Rocky Mountain Analytical - Find a Healthcare Professional\" href=\"http://rmalab.com/patients/find-healthcare-professional\" target=\"_blank\">\n</a>\n<h3><strong>Health Food Stores</strong></h3>\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Natures Emporium</span> </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-autosave','','','2012-12-28 11:10:40','2012-12-28 16:10:40','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(978,1,'2012-09-28 12:05:57','2012-09-28 17:05:57','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar. The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\r\n\r\n<strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong>\r\n\r\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Compounding Pharmacies</a> http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\r\n\r\n<strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Health Food Stores</strong>\r\n\r\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Natures Emporium </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-revision-11','','','2012-09-28 12:05:57','2012-09-28 17:05:57','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(979,1,'2012-11-22 14:36:55','2012-11-22 19:36:55','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar.  Many doctors have not kept themselves informed about the hormone research and, in fact, base their treatment decision upon the WHI study of 2002 which basically revealed synthetic hormones were increasing cancer rates among women.  Some assumed that the results of the study would be the same for bioidentical hormones.  The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\r\n<h3><strong>Doctors Who Practise Functional Medicine </strong></h3>\r\nFunctional Medicine is\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h3><strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong></h3>\r\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Compounding Pharmacies</a> http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\r\n<h3><strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong></h3>\r\n<a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Health Food Stores</strong></h3>\r\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Natures Emporium </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-revision-12','','','2012-11-22 14:36:55','2012-11-22 19:36:55','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(980,1,'2012-11-22 14:45:16','2012-11-22 19:45:16','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar.  Many doctors have not kept themselves informed about the hormone research and, in fact, base their treatment decision upon the WHI study of 2002 which basically revealed synthetic hormones were increasing cancer rates among women.  Some assumed that the results of the study would be the same for bioidentical hormones.  The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\r\n<h3><strong>Doctors Who Practise Functional Medicine </strong></h3>\r\nThe <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"What is Functional Medicine\" href=\"http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/\" target=\"_blank\">Institute of Functional Medicine</a></span> describes it this way:\r\n\r\n\"Functional medicine <strong>addresses the underlying causes of disease</strong>, using a systems-oriented approach and <strong>engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership</strong>. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.\"\r\n\r\nI promise you that when you find a respected doctor who practises functional medicine - you will be in partnership with your doctor about your health.  It is empowering to be able to have discussions about your own body and your own health with your doctor.\r\n\r\nThe best advice I can give you is to Google functional medicine doctors for your area or alternatively contact a compounding pharmacy.\r\n<h3><strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong></h3>\r\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Compounding Pharmacies</a> http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\r\n<h3><strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong></h3>\r\n<a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Health Food Stores</strong></h3>\r\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Natures Emporium </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-revision-13','','','2012-11-22 14:45:16','2012-11-22 19:45:16','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(981,1,'2012-11-22 14:45:51','2012-11-22 19:45:51','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar.  Many doctors have not kept themselves informed about the hormone research and, in fact, base their treatment decision upon the WHI study of 2002 which basically revealed synthetic hormones were increasing cancer rates among women.  Some assumed that the results of the study would be the same for bioidentical hormones.  The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\r\n<h3><strong>Doctors Who Practise Functional Medicine </strong></h3>\r\nThe <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"What is Functional Medicine\" href=\"http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/\" target=\"_blank\">Institute of Functional Medicine</a></span> describes Functional Medicine this way:\r\n\r\n\"Functional medicine <strong>addresses the underlying causes of disease</strong>, using a systems-oriented approach and <strong>engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership</strong>. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.\"\r\n\r\nI promise you that when you find a respected doctor who practises functional medicine - you will be in partnership with your doctor about your health.  It is empowering to be able to have discussions about your own body and your own health with your doctor.\r\n\r\nThe best advice I can give you is to Google functional medicine doctors for your area or alternatively contact a compounding pharmacy.\r\n<h3><strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong></h3>\r\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Compounding Pharmacies</a> http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\r\n<h3><strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong></h3>\r\n<a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Health Food Stores</strong></h3>\r\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Natures Emporium </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-revision-14','','','2012-11-22 14:45:51','2012-11-22 19:45:51','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(982,1,'2012-11-22 14:46:41','2012-11-22 19:46:41','There are a few ways to find a Doctor that has expertise in the use of bioidentical hormones. Not all doctors are versed on the use of bioidentical hormones, in fact, some doctors may try to dissuade you and/or tell you that synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones are similar.  Many doctors have not kept themselves informed about the hormone research and, in fact, base their treatment decision upon the WHI study of 2002 which basically revealed synthetic hormones were increasing cancer rates among women.  Some assumed that the results of the study would be the same for bioidentical hormones.  The hormone experts that I follow insist that there is a difference.\r\n<h3><strong>Doctors Who Practise Functional Medicine </strong></h3>\r\nThe <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"What is Functional Medicine\" href=\"http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/\" target=\"_blank\">Institute of Functional Medicine</a></span> describes Functional Medicine this way:\r\n\r\n\"Functional medicine <strong>addresses the underlying causes of disease</strong>, using a systems-oriented approach and <strong>engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership</strong>. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.\"\r\n\r\nI promise you that when you find a respected doctor who practises functional medicine - you will be in partnership with your doctor about your health.  It is empowering to be able to have discussions about your own body and your own health with your doctor.\r\n\r\nThe best advice I can give you is to Google functional medicine doctors for your area or alternatively contact a compounding pharmacy.\r\n<h3><strong>Compounding Pharmacy</strong></h3>\r\nYour compounding pharmacist will know the local doctors who prescribe bioidentical hormones and may be able to provide you with a list. To find a compounding pharmacy in your area you can search Google or check out <a title=\"Association of Compounding  Pharmacists  of Canada\" href=\"http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Compounding Pharmacies</a> http://www.acpcrx.org/pharmacies.htm (it is by no means an exhaustive list but it has a few pharmacies listed)\r\n<h3><strong>Naturopathic Doctors</strong></h3>\r\n<a title=\"Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors\" href=\"http://www.cand.ca/index.php?L=0\" target=\"_blank\">Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"American Association of Naturopathic Physicians\" href=\"http://www.naturopathic.org/\" target=\"_blank\">American Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a>\r\n<h3><strong>Health Food Stores</strong></h3>\r\nYour local health food store may have information about doctors that prescribe natural hormones. Some health food stores like <a title=\"Natures Emporium\" href=\"http://www.naturesemporium.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Natures Emporium </a>in Newmarket, Ontario even hold workshops and have naturopathic doctors on-site.','Find a Doctor ','','inherit','open','open','','532-revision-15','','','2012-11-22 14:46:41','2012-11-22 19:46:41','',532,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/532-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1558,1,'2013-02-21 12:21:38','2013-02-21 17:21:38','Advocate, Advocate Advocate!\n\nIt took me some time to get to the point in my life where I took charge of my health and by doing so I began to see the doctor-patient relationship much differently.  When I was a young(er) woman, I saw my doctor as being the expert and basically allowed the doctors that I saw to be in charge of MY health!   Looking back, if it wasn\'t so sad - the idea is almost laughable to me now.  At times, I\'d leave the doctor\'s office with more questions than answers.  It\'s only now in my 40\'s that I realize the profound effect the unanswered questions have had on my health.\n\nIf there is any question in your mind about the doctor-patient relationship you have, watch this video and ask yourself if you are going to wait until something drastic happens in your health or if you are going to choose today to stand up for YOUR health.  I assure you that your doctor stands up for his/her own health and that of his/her family.  Your doctor should respect your need to self-advocate and be willing to be part of a team.  Most peopdon\'t need to go get a new doctor but you may have to take your doctor by the hand and lead the way....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://embed.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html\" height=\"200\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','I Have 3 Words for You...','','inherit','open','open','','1550-revision-8','','','2013-02-21 12:21:38','2013-02-21 17:21:38','',1550,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1550-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1559,1,'2013-02-21 12:22:19','2013-02-21 17:22:19','Advocate, Advocate Advocate!\r\n\r\nIt took me some time to get to the point in my life where I took charge of my health and by doing so I began to see the doctor-patient relationship much differently.  When I was a young(er) woman, I saw my doctor as being the expert and basically allowed the doctors that I saw to be in charge of MY health!   Looking back, if it wasn\'t so sad - the idea is almost laughable to me now.  At times, I\'d leave the doctor\'s office with more questions than answers.  It\'s only now in my 40\'s that I realize the profound effect the unanswered questions have had on my health.\r\n\r\nIf there is any question in your mind about the doctor-patient relationship you have, watch this video and ask yourself if you are going to wait until something drastic happens in your health or if you are going to choose today to stand up for YOUR health.  I assure you that your doctor stands up for his/her own health and that of his/her family.  Your doctor should respect your need to self-advocate and be willing to be part of a team.  You may not need to get a new doctor but you may have to be willing to take your doctor by the hand and lead the way....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://embed.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html\" height=\"200\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','I Have 3 Words for You...','','inherit','open','open','','1550-revision-9','','','2013-02-21 12:22:19','2013-02-21 17:22:19','',1550,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1550-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1560,1,'2013-02-21 12:23:40','2013-02-21 17:23:40','Advocate, Advocate Advocate!\n\nIt took me some time to get to the point in my life where I took charge of my health and by doing so I began to see the doctor-patient relationship much differently.  When I was a young(er) woman, I saw my doctor as being the expert and basically allowed the doctors that I saw to be in charge of MY health!   Looking back, if it wasn\'t so sad - the idea is almost laughable to me now.  At times, I\'d leave the doctor\'s office with more questions than answers.  It\'s only now in my 40\'s that I realize the profound effect the unanswered questions have had on my health.\n\nIf there is any question in your mind about the doctor-patient relationship you have, watch this video and ask yourself if you are going to wait until something drastic happens in your health or if you are going to choose today to stand up for YOUR health.  I assure you that your doctor stands up for his/her own health and that of his/her family.  Your doctor should respect your need to self-advocate and be willing to be part of a team.  You may not need to get a new doctor but you may have to be willing to take your doctor by the hand and lead the way....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://embed.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html\" height=\"200\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','I Have 3 Words for You...','','inherit','open','open','','1550-revision-10','','','2013-02-21 12:23:40','2013-02-21 17:23:40','',1550,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1550-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1561,1,'2013-02-21 12:41:05','2013-02-21 17:41:05','Advocate, Advocate Advocate!\r\n\r\nIt took me some time to get to the point in my life where I took charge of my health and by doing so I began to see the doctor-patient relationship much differently.  When I was a young(er) woman, I saw my doctor as being the expert and basically allowed the doctors that I saw to be in charge of MY health!   Looking back, if it wasn\'t so sad - the idea is almost laughable to me now.  At times, I\'d leave the doctor\'s office with more questions than answers.  It\'s only now in my 40\'s that I realize the profound effect the unanswered questions have had on my health.\r\n\r\nIf there is any question in your mind about the doctor-patient relationship you have, watch this video and ask yourself if you are going to wait until something drastic happens in your health or if you are going to choose today to stand up for YOUR health.  I assure you that your doctor stands up for his/her own health and that of his/her family.  Your doctor should respect your need to self-advocate and be willing to be part of a team.  You may not need to get a new doctor but you may have to be willing to take your doctor by the hand and lead the way....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"http://embed.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html\" height=\"200\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','I Have 3 Words for You...','','inherit','open','open','','1550-revision-11','','','2013-02-21 12:41:05','2013-02-21 17:41:05','',1550,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1550-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1562,1,'2013-02-21 13:42:57','2013-02-21 18:42:57','[caption id=\"attachment_1563\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/epatient-dave-this-is-the-year-of-the-patients-rising.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1563\" alt=\"ePatient Dave\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/epatient-dave-this-is-the-year-of-the-patients-rising-150x128.jpeg\" width=\"150\" height=\"128\" /></a> ePatient Dave[/caption]\n\n<span style=\"font-size: large;\"><strong>Advocate, Advocate, Advocate!</strong></span>\n\nIt took me some time to get to the point in my life where I took charge of my health and by doing so I began to see the doctor-patient relationship much differently.  When I was a young(er) woman, I saw my doctor as being the expert and basically allowed the doctors that I saw to be in charge of MY health!   Looking back, if it wasn\'t so sad - the idea is almost laughable to me now.  At times, I\'d leave the doctor\'s office with more questions than answers.  It\'s only now in my 40\'s that I realize the profound effect the unanswered questions have had on my health.\n\nIf there is any question in your mind about the doctor-patient relationship you have, watch this video and ask yourself if you are going to wait until something drastic happens in your health or if you are going to choose today to stand up for YOUR health.  I assure you that your doctor stands up for his/her own health and that of his/her family.  Your doctor should respect your need to self-advocate and be willing to be part of a team.  You may not need to get a new doctor but you may have to be willing to take your doctor by the hand and lead the way....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe src=\"http://embed.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html\" height=\"200\" width=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>','I Have 3 Words for You...','','inherit','open','open','','1550-autosave','','','2013-02-21 13:42:57','2013-02-21 18:42:57','',1550,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1550-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1068,1,'2012-12-02 23:19:33','2012-12-03 04:19:33','Searching for Balance - how people find Hormone Soup...\n\n&nbsp;\n\nwhy did my doctor prescribe anti-depressants for acne\n\n&nbsp;','Searching for Answers','','inherit','open','open','','1067-revision','','','2012-12-02 23:19:33','2012-12-03 04:19:33','',1067,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1067-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1003,1,'2012-10-30 09:48:13','2012-10-30 14:48:13','The purpose of this page is to educate you about everything you missed out on in middle school and high school sex education class.   If you don\'t know what a healthy cycle looks like it can be hard to tell if you have a problem.  And in order to be your own health advocate you should understand how your body works.\r\n\r\nMost of what I know about my body\'s reproductive system I learned when I was experiencing infertility!  <em><strong>Sex education</strong></em> in school was probably supposed to teach me about my body but back then I really only cared about the \"important stuff\" in a teenager\'s life.  The thing is depending where you\'re at in life, what becomes interesting and important to you changes!\r\n\r\nTo be honest when I started really learning about my reproductive system I had already been menstruating for 16 years!  I got my period at age 12 and began my infertility journey when I was 28 years old.  All that time I didn\'t even realize that I was anovulatory...but that\'s another story.  The point is, I was embarrassed at how little I knew.  I know there are tons of women in the same boat and if you have young daughters they are headed in the same direction.  I\'ve noticed a number of visitors to my blog are looking for some basic but really important information about what a normal reproductive system is. I was reading book reviews about Toni Weschler\'s book, \"Taking Charge of Your Fertility\" and so many women were saying the same thing - they finally realized how little they knew about their own bodies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nMore Coming Soon...subscribe to my blog to get the updates.','Sex Ed 101','','inherit','open','open','','570-revision-3','','','2012-10-30 09:48:13','2012-10-30 14:48:13','',570,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/570-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1005,1,'2012-10-11 09:53:36','2012-10-11 14:53:36','<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dreamstime_xs_9756264.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-630\" title=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/-image9756264\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dreamstime_xs_9756264-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Balance\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>I read somewhere that the physiological disorder, Pre-Menstrual Symptom (PMS) was hi-jacked by psychologists. It got me wondering if Postpartum Mood Disorder (PMDD) was also a victim of hi-jacking. I’m not a doctor, but as a woman who has survived almost every hormonal disruption possible, my intuition says that I didn’t have a mental illness called Postpartum Anxiety Disorder but rather a physiological disease that could be called Postpartum Progesterone Deficiency or better yet Postpartum Hormone Disruption Syndrome. It’s not that I am afraid of admitting that I had anxiety after my baby was born, but I question how something going on inside my body was solved so elegantly, so swiftly by balancing my hormones.\r\n\r\nWe know that a symptom of low progesterone is anxiety and we know low estrogen causes depression. We know many women are unnecessarily being prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication for hormonal imbalances like PMS and menopause, etc. So does it stand to reason that a hormone disrupting event could be treated with a hormone balancing treatment? Perhaps it sounds like I am trying to simplify a complicated illness, however, interestingly, visits to a variety of respected North American medical websites reveal the same disturbing information: they all mention fluctuating hormones as a possible or probable factor in postpartum mood disorders but almost never mention balancing hormones as a treatment! Somehow that doesn’t sit right with me, layperson though I am. Instead the popular websites indicate that treatment for postpartum depression/anxiety is medication and psychotherapy and in extreme cases shock therapy!\r\n\r\nThe more informed I become the more I get the sense that women’s health issues are being blatantly branded as mental health disorders that need to be treated with anti-depressants. I have been offered anti-depressants to treat PMS as well as postpartum mood disorder, both of which were easily treated with bio-identical hormones and free of adverse side-effects.\r\n\r\nHow long are women going to have to suffer because of the suspicion and lack of research over bio-identical hormones, yet anti-depressants are handed out like candies, knowing full well the myriad side-effects that go with them.\r\n\r\n***Postpartum Psychosis is a medical emergency - if you or someone you know is suffering please seek immediate medical help. My opinions are my own, based on my own experience, which may differ from other women\'s. The intention of this blog is not to provide specific medical advice. For full disclaimer click <a title=\"Disclaimer\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/who-am-i/who-i-am-not/\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>','PPMD: Balance my Body Don\'t Shock My Brain','','inherit','open','open','','625-revision-8','','','2012-10-11 09:53:36','2012-10-11 14:53:36','',625,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/625-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1006,1,'2012-10-10 22:24:22','2012-10-11 03:24:22','[caption id=\"\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"280\"]<a title=\"Wordle: Postpartum Mood Disorder\" href=\"http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/5820895/Postpartum_Mood_Disorder\"><img style=\"padding: 4px;\" title=\"Postpartum Mood Disorder\" src=\"http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/5820895/Postpartum_Mood_Disorder\" alt=\"Wordle: Postpartum Mood Disorder\" width=\"320\" height=\"280\" /></a> Please Help Spread Awareness about Postpartum Mood Disorder - Share this Word Cloud[/caption]\r\n\r\nWhen you are the one in the throesof a postpartum mood disorder (PPMD) you may be the last one to be aware of it. &nbsp;Even your family and friends may not recognize what\'s happening to you.\r\nPart of the problem is that many people don\'t know what postpartum mood disorder looks like. &nbsp;Before I had postpartum mood disorder I thought that it was called Postpartum Depression (PPD) &nbsp;<em><strong>but</strong>&nbsp;<strong>that\'s only a small part of it</strong></em>. &nbsp;That\'s why you won\'t usually hear me referring to PPD or Postpartum Depression - it\'s misleading. &nbsp;Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) covers all the mood disorders so I prefer the term and think it needs to be more widely used. &nbsp;Here\'s why:Before I realized I had PPMD the view I had of postpartum mood disorders was that it was depression that lasted longer than the baby blues and was more severe. &nbsp;I pictured a woman with postpartum depression having trouble connecting with her baby, feeling sad, depressed, and hopeless, taking little interest in her baby and finding no pleasure in things. &nbsp;And while that may be true for a lot of women who suffer from postpartum depression, it doesn\'t show the entire picture of women suffering from postpartum mood disorders.\r\n\r\nThanks to many awareness campaigns and efforts to bring postpartum issues to light I knew about the baby blues and I knew about postpartum depression. &nbsp;And because of highly publicized tragedy\'s I had also heard of postpartum psychosis. So while the flow of information has been happening in greater and greater amounts over the years, never once had I heard about <strong>postpartum anxiety</strong> or <strong>postpartum OCD</strong>. That\'s because they are usually just lumped in with the \"symptoms\" of postpartum depression. &nbsp;If we are going to talk about awareness we need to make sure to start talking about PPMD which cover the spectrum of disorders.\r\n\r\nHere\'s the best description I\'ve found to explain the different types - Click here:&nbsp;<a title=\"Postpartum Mood Disorders\" href=\"http://psychotherapy.com/mom.html\" target=\"_blank\">Postpartum Mood Disorders</a>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAlso here are a couple of Ontario sites that are also doing a great job referring to PPMD:\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Perinatal Mood &amp; Anxiety Disorders\" href=\"http://www.helpformom.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders</a>\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Peel Postpartum Mood Disorder Program\" href=\"http://www.pmdinpeel.ca/\" target=\"_blank\">Peel Postpartum Mood Disorder Program</a>\r\n<div></div>\r\n','PPMD not PPD please','','inherit','open','open','','614-revision-10','','','2012-10-10 22:24:22','2012-10-11 03:24:22','',614,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/614-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1018,1,'2012-11-22 23:36:37','2012-11-23 04:36:37','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well I\'ll tell you that my spit is priceless.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each drop of spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nMy spit isn\'t just priceless because it is so preciously limited when it comes to filling test tubes, it is priceless because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  I went to the doctor\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','The Benefit of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision','','','2012-11-22 23:36:37','2012-11-23 04:36:37','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1013,1,'2012-10-30 09:55:48','2012-10-30 14:55:48','','About Me','','inherit','open','open','','7-revision-v1','','','2012-10-30 09:55:48','2012-10-30 14:55:48','',7,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/7-revision-34/',0,'revision','',0),(1014,1,'2012-11-22 23:23:39','2012-11-23 04:23:39','','About','','inherit','open','open','','7-revision-v1','','','2012-11-22 23:23:39','2012-11-23 04:23:39','',7,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/7-revision-35/',0,'revision','',0),(1017,1,'2012-11-23 23:33:15','2012-11-24 04:33:15','[caption id=\"attachment_1028\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1028\" title=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Saliva in Test Tubes[/caption]\r\n\r\nWho knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\r\n\r\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing, important and insightful things.  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\r\n\r\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\r\n\r\nThe discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer (read my post on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominance</a></span>)</li>\r\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\r\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\r\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body and my liver to help with hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\r\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him!).</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me he knows I have all the resources I need for me to be able to handle this and to put my hormones in the fridge (they will keep for up to 6 months).</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>I\'ve had to come to grips that my hormonal utopia may have ended.  This time around it\'s a bit different; it\'s kind of comforting knowing that I\'ve got Dr. W only a phone call away, My Beloved who is my biggest supporter, all the resources and information I\'ve gathered over the years, oh and of course a fridge full of hormones!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>So I\'m ready to put my body to the test - without any hormones - I still can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride... If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>','The Price of Spit ','','publish','open','open','','the-benefit-of-spit','','','2012-11-23 23:33:15','2012-11-24 04:33:15','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=1017',0,'post','',0),(1020,1,'2012-11-23 00:00:57','2012-11-23 05:00:57','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well I\'ll tell you that my spit is priceless.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nMy spit isn\'t just priceless because it is limited when it comes to filling test tubes, it is priceless because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  I went to the doctor yesterday to discuss the results of my saliva hormone test.\n\nAs expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter!  I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I didn\'t want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - f</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','The Benefit of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-3','','','2012-11-23 00:00:57','2012-11-23 05:00:57','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1021,1,'2012-11-23 00:01:35','2012-11-23 05:01:35','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well I\'ll tell you that my spit is priceless.\r\n\r\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\r\n\r\nMy spit isn\'t just priceless because it is limited when it comes to filling test tubes, it is priceless because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  I went to the doctor yesterday to discuss the results of my saliva hormone test.\r\n\r\nAs expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter!  I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\r\n\r\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I didn\'t want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\r\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\r\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Benefit of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-4','','','2012-11-23 00:01:35','2012-11-23 05:01:35','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1022,1,'2012-11-23 09:33:17','2012-11-23 14:33:17','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless. I actually value my spit so much because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  One of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and my body produces is through saliva hormone tests.\n\nMy test results came in so off to the doctor I went to discuss the results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\n	<li>my breast cancer marker test revealed that I am at the very top end of the</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and then said, \"You understand my fear don\'t you\"</div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\nhormonal utopia has ended but I have faith that it will return!\n\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-5','','','2012-11-23 09:33:17','2012-11-23 14:33:17','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1023,1,'2012-11-23 09:44:19','2012-11-23 14:44:19','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless. I actually value my spit so much because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  One of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and my body produces is through saliva hormone tests.\n\nMy test results came in so off to the doctor I went to discuss the results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(</div>\n<div>yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  Let\'s take a break and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No not unt</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\nhormonal utopia has ended but I have faith that it will return!\n\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-6','','','2012-11-23 09:44:19','2012-11-23 14:44:19','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1024,1,'2012-11-23 09:44:55','2012-11-23 14:44:55','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\r\n\r\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\r\n\r\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless. I actually value my spit so much because of the information I\'ve gathered from it.  One of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and my body produces is through saliva hormone tests.\r\n\r\nMy test results came in so off to the doctor I went to discuss the results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\r\n\r\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\r\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\r\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\r\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\r\n<div>(</div>\r\n<div>yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him).</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  Let\'s take a break and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>Me: \"Whats your cell phone number!?\"</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div>We laugh but I tell him I may be just as scared to go without any hormones!</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\r\n\r\nhormonal utopia has ended but I have faith that it will return!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-7','','','2012-11-23 09:44:55','2012-11-23 14:44:55','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1025,1,'2012-11-23 14:49:01','2012-11-23 19:49:01','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing and important things!  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I was only able to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me to put my hormones in the fridge and they will keep for up to 6 months from when they were compounded. I definitely will keep them - it\'s kind of nice knowing they\'re there.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>So here I am ready to start a new adventure without any hormones - I can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\nhormonal utopia has ended but I have faith that it will return!\n\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-8','','','2012-11-23 14:49:01','2012-11-23 19:49:01','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1026,1,'2012-11-23 17:48:12','2012-11-23 22:48:12','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent a half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing and important things!  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I was only able to enjoy a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nSo clearly the discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body\'s cyclical hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me to put my hormones in the fridge and they will keep for up to 6 months from when they were compounded. I definitely will keep them - it\'s kind of nice knowing they\'re there.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>So here I am ready to start a new adventure without any hormones - I can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nto spit or not to spit that is the question....\n\nhormonal utopia has ended but I have faith that it will return!\n\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-9','','','2012-11-23 17:48:12','2012-11-23 22:48:12','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1028,1,'2012-11-23 23:21:54','2012-11-24 04:21:54','Saliva in Test Tubes','Saliva in Test Tubes','Saliva in Test Tubes','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image21153332','','','2012-11-23 23:21:54','2012-11-24 04:21:54','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1027,1,'2012-11-23 23:13:56','2012-11-24 04:13:56','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing, important and insightful things.  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nThe discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer (read my post on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominance</a></span>)</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body and my liver to help with hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him!).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me he knows I have all the resources I need for me to be able to handle this and to put my hormones in the fridge (they will keep for up to 6 months).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>I\'ve had to come to grips that my hormonal utopia may have ended.  This time around it\'s a bit different; it\'s kind of comforting knowing that I\'ve got Dr. W only a phone call away, My Beloved who is my biggest supporter, all the resources and information I\'ve gathered over the years, oh and of course a fridge full of hormones!  So I\'m ready to put my body to the test - without any hormones - I still can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride...</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-10','','','2012-11-23 23:13:56','2012-11-24 04:13:56','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1029,1,'2012-11-23 23:15:28','2012-11-24 04:15:28','Who knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing, important and insightful things.  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nThe discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer (read my post on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominance</a></span>)</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body and my liver to help with hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him!).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me he knows I have all the resources I need for me to be able to handle this and to put my hormones in the fridge (they will keep for up to 6 months).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>I\'ve had to come to grips that my hormonal utopia may have ended.  This time around it\'s a bit different; it\'s kind of comforting knowing that I\'ve got Dr. W only a phone call away, My Beloved who is my biggest supporter, all the resources and information I\'ve gathered over the years, oh and of course a fridge full of hormones!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>So I\'m ready to put my body to the test - without any hormones - I still can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride... If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-11','','','2012-11-23 23:15:28','2012-11-24 04:15:28','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1030,1,'2012-11-23 23:32:27','2012-11-24 04:32:27','[caption id=\"attachment_1028\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1028\" title=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Saliva in Test Tubes[/caption]\n\nWho knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing, important and insightful things.  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nThe discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer (read my post on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominance</a></span>)</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body and my liver to help with hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him!).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormoens and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me he knows I have all the resources I need for me to be able to handle this and to put my hormones in the fridge (they will keep for up to 6 months).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>I\'ve had to come to grips that my hormonal utopia may have ended.  This time around it\'s a bit different; it\'s kind of comforting knowing that I\'ve got Dr. W only a phone call away, My Beloved who is my biggest supporter, all the resources and information I\'ve gathered over the years, oh and of course a fridge full of hormones!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>So I\'m ready to put my body to the test - without any hormones - I still can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride... If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-revision-12','','','2012-11-23 23:32:27','2012-11-24 04:32:27','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1031,1,'2012-11-27 18:59:25','2012-11-27 23:59:25','[caption id=\"attachment_1028\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1028\" title=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_saliva-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Saliva in Test Tubes\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Saliva in Test Tubes[/caption]\n\nWho knew spit could be so valuable?  What\'s the price of spit you ask?  Well let me just tell you that my spit is <em><strong>priceless</strong></em>.\n\nSeveral weeks ago I woke up one morning on Day 21 of my cycle and spent half an hour in bed spitting into a test tube.  I know test tubes may appear small but geez do they take a long time to fill up with spit!  If you\'ve taken a saliva hormone test before you what I\'m talking about.  You only learn how valuable each and every drop of your spit is when you actually have to produce a test tube full of it!\n\nBut that\'s not the only thing that makes my spit priceless - the truth is my spit tells me things; amazing, important and insightful things.  Well not me actually but the lab tech and the doctor and then eventually I get the news too.  In fact, one of the ways that my doctor and I check on what my body is doing with the hormones I take and the ones my body produces is through occasional saliva hormone tests.\n\nYesterday I went to see my doctor to discuss my test results.  As we expected, my precious saliva revealed that my estrogen level is low and my progesterone is high.  My beautiful, blissful hormonal balance has been thrown off-kilter and in the craziest most unexpected way! Well, ok, maybe it\'s not that unexpected - I\'m very likely feeling the effects of peri-menopause. And while it\'s a bit disheartening that after all my years of dealing with devastating hormone problems I only got a few short years with harmonious hormones - I feel like I am armed with all the resources I need to figure this out.\n\nThe discussion with my doctor revolved around how to deal with this new information.  I admitted that I did NOT want to take estrogen - bioidentical or not.  The reasons being:\n<ul>\n	<li>my fear that being estrogen dominant my entire life already puts me at increased risk for breast cancer and endometrial cancer (read my post on <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Estrogen Dominance\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-estrogen-dominant/\" target=\"_blank\">estrogen dominance</a></span>)</li>\n	<li>my blood test for breast cancer markers revealed that I am at the very top end of the \"normal\" range</li>\n	<li> there hasn\'t been much long-term research about bio-identical estrogen</li>\n	<li>there are ways to nutritionally support my body and my liver to help with hormones - food is always the best first medicine</li>\n</ul>\n<div>I explained all of this to the doctor and this is what our conversation sounded like:</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"You understand my fear don\'t you?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  (Looks me in the eye)  \"Sonya, of course I do.  I care about you.\"</div>\n<div>(yes my doctor actually told me he cares about me - and I believe him!).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"What\'s the point of you taking something that causes you stress. I don\'t want you to be stressed, our goal is for you to feel great! Let\'s take you off all your hormones and see what your body will produce by itself.  It will be a good time for you to take a break from the bioidentical hormones and then we will meet again in three months and decide how to proceed.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Now I have to explain that after all these years the idea of <em><strong>my</strong></em> body producing anything resembling hormonal normalcy on it\'s own is hard to believe! Even though I know that our hormones change throughout our life and in theory it\'s all possible - I have serious doubts!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"You mean now? Christmas is only one month away - in exactly one month my head might be spinning off my neck and My Beloved may be calling you begging you to give me back my hormones!\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W:  \"I\'m only a phone call away.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me:  \"Are you going on holidays?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W: \"No, I\'ll be around.\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Me: \"What\'s your cell phone number!?\"</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Dr. W laughs. He tells me he knows I have all the resources I need for me to be able to handle this and to put my hormones in the fridge (they will keep for up to 6 months).</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>I\'ve had to come to grips that my hormonal utopia may have ended.  This time around it\'s a bit different; it\'s kind of comforting knowing that I\'ve got Dr. W only a phone call away, My Beloved who is my biggest supporter, all the resources and information I\'ve gathered over the years, oh and of course a fridge full of hormones!</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>So I\'m ready to put my body to the test - without any hormones - I still can\'t help but wonder if it will be a wild ride... If you\'re you up for coming along for the ride to see how it turns out...sign up to get my blog updates.</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>','The Price of Spit ','','inherit','open','open','','1017-autosave','','','2012-11-27 18:59:25','2012-11-27 23:59:25','',1017,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1017-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1032,1,'2012-12-07 12:11:28','0000-00-00 00:00:00','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests over 8 years - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean.  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'ve attempted to try to sort through the confusion and have read a lot of opinions on the subject.  I\'m curious from a patient perspective to know which is the preferred method and if so why.  I\'d, of course, like to know if I\'m just wasting my money on a saliva hormone test.   Because I\'m a critical thinker at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some would suggest, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies.</li>\n	<li>In the US some insurance companies cover saliva hormone testing.</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab offering saliva hormone testing: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Rocky Mountain Analytical\" href=\"http://rmalab.com/node/42\" target=\"_blank\">Rocky Mountain Analytical</a> </span>is approximately $255 for a basic female panel which tests Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S &amp; Cortisol. It must be obtained through a healthcare professional and the results are only sent to a healthcare professional.</li>\n	<li>The cost is the USA varies - expect to pay about $170. Tests can be ordered online in the USA.  Don\'t choose the lab based on cost alone: choose a reputable lab - check out the lab\'s website.  A lab like ZRT is committed to research and has analysed tens of thousands of women\'s hormone levels.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels.</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by labs in North America on thousands of women during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n	<li>The reason saliva hormone testing was considered to be the preferred method is that it has been believed that the hormone levels in the saliva represented the amount of \"bio-available\" or \"free\" hormone levesl</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit. Critics say that contamination is possible when not done under laboratory conditions.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive but are done under laboratory conditions.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n	<li>During my research I came across \"experts\" that say saliva</li>\n</ul>\n<div>In my view the medical community still seems unable to make up their own mind as to which method is preferable.  One well-respected holistic doctor says saliva hormone tests are a waste of time but his I can\'t find anywhere on his website why he feels that way - he doesn\'t back it up. Other well-respected women\'s health websites that I follow say saliva testing is still the preferred method. Medical doctors who are against \"holistic\" views of medicine call all of this \"quakery\" and instead choose to prescribe anti-depressants and birth control pills.</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Here\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!</div>\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.\n\nThat being said, there is a certain comfort level for me that my doctor is validating my symptom checklist by looking at both saliva and blood results.  In fact, my recent symptoms really seem to point to estrogen deficiency but in actual fact my estrogen is only slightly low but my progesterone is very high.  According to the lab that completed my tests and analysis - my progesterone level is higher than expected for someone taking transdermal progesterone cream. So it gave us a good look at the picture and we could discuss my symptoms along with the results.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','draft','open','open','','to-spit-or-not-to-spit','','','2012-12-07 12:11:28','2012-12-07 17:11:28','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=1032',0,'post','',0),(1033,1,'2012-11-24 23:13:50','2012-11-25 04:13:50','That appears to be the question some doctors are asking.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision','','','2012-11-24 23:13:50','2012-11-25 04:13:50','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1034,1,'2012-11-24 23:31:25','2012-11-25 04:31:25','That appears to be the question some doctors are asking.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through saliva.  I have had three saliva hormone tests done to date. I\'ve had more blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and the next says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\nBlood:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-2','','','2012-11-24 23:31:25','2012-11-25 04:31:25','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1035,1,'2012-11-26 19:57:54','2012-11-27 00:57:54','That appears to be the question some doctors are asking.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done . More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-3','','','2012-11-26 19:57:54','2012-11-27 00:57:54','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1036,1,'2012-11-26 22:26:14','2012-11-27 03:26:14','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\nDr Erika - says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her.  The reason learning about your body is so important.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-4','','','2012-11-26 22:26:14','2012-11-27 03:26:14','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1037,1,'2012-11-26 22:28:05','2012-11-27 03:28:05','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\nDr Erika - says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her then she can be a better doctor!  She doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are alive and dynamic! This is the reason learning about your body is so important.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-5','','','2012-11-26 22:28:05','2012-11-27 03:28:05','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1038,1,'2012-11-26 22:31:44','2012-11-27 03:31:44','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\nDr Erika - says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her then she can be a better doctor!  She doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-6','','','2012-11-26 22:31:44','2012-11-27 03:31:44','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1040,1,'2012-11-26 22:39:38','2012-11-27 03:39:38','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know <strong>I LOVE HER</strong>! In it she says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her then she can be a better doctor!  She doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-8','','','2012-11-26 22:39:38','2012-11-27 03:39:38','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1039,1,'2012-11-26 22:37:47','2012-11-27 03:37:47','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe>\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you kI LOVE HER!  She says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her then she can be a better doctor!  She doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-7','','','2012-11-26 22:37:47','2012-11-27 03:37:47','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1041,1,'2012-11-26 22:43:57','2012-11-27 03:43:57','That appears to be the question some doctors and naturopaths are asking lately.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know <strong>I LOVE HER</strong>! In it she says she teaches her patients to learn how they feel and learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her then she can be a better doctor!  She doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&lt;iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;\n<div></div>','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-9','','','2012-11-26 22:43:57','2012-11-27 03:43:57','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1042,1,'2012-11-27 18:54:46','2012-11-27 23:54:46','That appears to be the question some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nSaliva:\n\n&nbsp;\n\n: Blood\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!  In this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&lt;iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;\n<div></div>','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-10','','','2012-11-27 18:54:46','2012-11-27 23:54:46','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1043,1,'2012-11-27 21:08:34','2012-11-28 02:08:34','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!  In this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&lt;iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;\n<div></div>','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-11','','','2012-11-27 21:08:34','2012-11-28 02:08:34','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1044,1,'2012-11-27 21:09:55','2012-11-28 02:09:55','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\n\nVirginia Hopkins\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!  In this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div></div>\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"500\" height=\"3\"></iframe>','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-12','','','2012-11-27 21:09:55','2012-11-28 02:09:55','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1045,1,'2012-11-27 21:10:01','2012-11-28 02:10:01','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\r\n\r\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\r\n\r\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone levels.  Or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\r\n\r\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you:\r\n\r\nVirginia Hopkins\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWatch this You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!  In this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div></div>\r\n<iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"500\" height=\"290\"></iframe>','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-13','','','2012-11-27 21:10:01','2012-11-28 02:10:01','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-13/',0,'revision','',0),(1047,1,'2012-11-29 06:01:39','2012-11-29 11:01:39','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject and of course, if you know me you know I have my own humble opinionated opinion!\n\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although my Testosterone Blood Test just cost me $60</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\n\ncut?\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-14','','','2012-11-29 06:01:39','2012-11-29 11:01:39','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-14/',0,'revision','',0),(1048,1,'2012-11-29 06:16:27','2012-11-29 11:16:27','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject and of course, if you know me you know I have my own humble opinionated opinion!\n\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although my Testosterone Blood Test just cost me $60</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\n<div></div>\n<div>History:</div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Collection:</div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home</li>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\n\ncut?\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-15','','','2012-11-29 06:16:27','2012-11-29 11:16:27','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-15/',0,'revision','',0),(1049,1,'2012-11-29 10:49:37','2012-11-29 15:49:37','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject.  I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some people say, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone Blood levels</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\n<div></div>\n<div>History:</div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Collection:</div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\nThe critics of saliva hormone testing report:\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\n\ncut?\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-16','','','2012-11-29 10:49:37','2012-11-29 15:49:37','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-16/',0,'revision','',0),(1050,1,'2012-11-29 10:51:23','2012-11-29 15:51:23','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject.  I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some people say, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone Blood levels</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\n<div></div>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions.</li>\n</ul>\n&nbsp;\n\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div></div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\n\ncut?\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-17','','','2012-11-29 10:51:23','2012-11-29 15:51:23','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(1051,1,'2012-11-29 11:13:43','2012-11-29 16:13:43','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\r\n\r\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\r\n\r\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\r\n\r\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject.  I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some people say, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\r\n\r\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\r\n\r\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\r\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\r\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\r\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\r\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone Blood levels</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\r\n<div>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\r\n<div>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\r\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\r\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<div></div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div></div>\r\n<div></div>\r\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\r\n\r\ncut?\r\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-18','','','2012-11-29 11:13:43','2012-11-29 16:13:43','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(1052,1,'2012-11-29 11:46:57','2012-11-29 16:46:57','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests done - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath just to remind you!) but I\'ve read a LOT of opinions on this subject.  I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some people say, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Effectiveness:</strong></div>\n<div></div>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n	<li></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\n\ncut?\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-19','','','2012-11-29 11:46:57','2012-11-29 16:46:57','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-19/',0,'revision','',0),(1053,1,'2012-11-29 22:57:31','2012-11-30 03:57:31','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests over 8 years - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath!) but I\'ve read alot of opinions on this subject. I\'m curious from a patient perspective to know which is the preferred method and if I\'m just wasting my money on a saliva hormone test.   I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some would suggest, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n</ul>\n<div>In my view the medical community still seems unable to make up their own mind as to which method is preferable.  One well-respected holistic doctor says saliva hormone tests are a waste of time but his I can\'t find anywhere on his website why he feels that way - he doesn\'t back it up. Other well-respected women\'s health websites that I follow say saliva testing is still the preferred method.</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.\n\nThat being said, there is a certain comfort level in the fact that my doctor is backing up our check of my symptoms by looking at saliva and blood results.  In fact, my recent symptoms really point to estrogen deficiency but in actual fact my estrogen is slightly low but my progesterone is very high.  According to the lab that completed my tests and analysis - my progesterone level is higher than expected for someone taking transdermal progesterone cream. So it gave us a good look at the picture and we could discuss my symptoms along with the results.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-20','','','2012-11-29 22:57:31','2012-11-30 03:57:31','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-20/',0,'revision','',0),(1054,1,'2012-11-29 22:59:37','2012-11-30 03:59:37','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests over 8 years - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean!  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'m going to try to sort through the confusion for you and let you know what I think (I\'m not a doctor or a naturopath!) but I\'ve read alot of opinions on this subject. I\'m curious from a patient perspective to know which is the preferred method and if I\'m just wasting my money on a saliva hormone test.   I\'m a critical thinker so at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some would suggest, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies</li>\n	<li>In the US most insurance companies don\'t cover saliva tests</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab is approximately $250</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women mostly during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n</ul>\n<div>In my view the medical community still seems unable to make up their own mind as to which method is preferable.  One well-respected holistic doctor says saliva hormone tests are a waste of time but his I can\'t find anywhere on his website why he feels that way - he doesn\'t back it up. Other well-respected women\'s health websites that I follow say saliva testing is still the preferred method.</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.\n\nThat being said, there is a certain comfort level in the fact that my doctor is validating my symptom checklist by looking at both saliva and blood results.  In fact, my recent symptoms really seem to point to estrogen deficiency but in actual fact my estrogen is only slightly low but my progesterone is very high.  According to the lab that completed my tests and analysis - my progesterone level is higher than expected for someone taking transdermal progesterone cream. So it gave us a good look at the picture and we could discuss my symptoms along with the results.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-21','','','2012-11-29 22:59:37','2012-11-30 03:59:37','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-21/',0,'revision','',0),(1067,1,'2012-12-11 16:44:55','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Searching for Balance - how people find Hormone Soup...\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nwhy did my doctor prescribe anti-depressants for acne\r\n\r\ngoing off anti-anxiety medications by balancing hormones\r\n\r\ncan progesterone calm down my hormones\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Searching for Answers','','draft','open','open','','searching-for-answers','','','2012-12-11 16:44:55','2012-12-11 21:44:55','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=1067',0,'post','',0),(1055,1,'2012-11-30 11:01:52','2012-11-30 16:01:52','What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?','Doctor\'s Palette','What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?','inherit','open','open','','httpwww-dreamstime-com-image19131322','','','2012-11-30 11:01:52','2012-11-30 16:01:52','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1056,1,'2012-11-30 11:09:13','2012-11-30 16:09:13','[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291608552.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]','What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-2','','','2012-11-30 11:09:13','2012-11-30 16:09:13','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1057,1,'2012-11-30 11:11:09','2012-11-30 16:11:09','I have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we\'ve had a great conversation recently about how \"diagnosis\" is an art.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\r\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\r\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\r\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\r\n	<li>Nutritional Supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\r\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\r\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\r\n	<li></li>\r\n	<li></li>\r\n</ul>','What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-3','','','2012-11-30 11:11:09','2012-11-30 16:11:09','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1058,1,'2012-11-30 11:19:31','2012-11-30 16:19:31','I have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we\'ve had a great conversation recently about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art</strong>.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Nutritional Supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Magnesium!</li>\n</ul>','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-4','','','2012-11-30 11:19:31','2012-11-30 16:19:31','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1059,1,'2012-11-30 11:28:28','2012-11-30 16:28:28','I have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we had a great conversation recently about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art</strong>.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas where I live, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-5','','','2012-11-30 11:28:28','2012-11-30 16:28:28','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1060,1,'2012-11-30 11:35:10','2012-11-30 16:35:10','I have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we had a great conversation recently about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art</strong>.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in bio-identical hormones or functional medicine or naturopathy read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-6','','','2012-11-30 11:35:10','2012-11-30 16:35:10','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1061,1,'2012-11-30 11:37:55','2012-11-30 16:37:55','I have a dear friend who is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and we had a great conversation recently about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art</strong>.  I am not a doctor but I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!   I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-7','','','2012-11-30 11:37:55','2012-11-30 16:37:55','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1062,1,'2012-11-30 11:54:44','2012-11-30 16:54:44','I recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\n\nAlso recently my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes which I thought was great but it got me thinking that really it\'s not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\n\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me - I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-8','','','2012-11-30 11:54:44','2012-11-30 16:54:44','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1063,1,'2012-11-30 11:55:05','2012-11-30 16:55:05','I recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\r\n\r\nAlso recently my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes which I thought was great but it got me thinking that really it\'s not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\r\n\r\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me &amp; I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\r\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\r\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\r\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\r\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\r\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\r\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\r\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\r\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\r\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\r\n\r\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-9','','','2012-11-30 11:55:05','2012-11-30 16:55:05','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1064,1,'2012-11-30 12:10:20','2012-11-30 17:10:20','[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n\nI recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\n\nI also recently listened while my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes. I thought he gave her a great way to conceptualize what a naturopath does but it got me thinking that really what he has is not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\n\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me &amp; I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\n</ul>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-10','','','2012-11-30 12:10:20','2012-11-30 17:10:20','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1065,1,'2012-11-30 12:11:44','2012-11-30 17:11:44','[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n\nI recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\n\nI also recently listened while my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes. I thought he gave her a great way to conceptualize what a naturopath does but it got me thinking that really what he has is not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\n\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me &amp; I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\n</ul>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-11','','','2012-11-30 12:11:44','2012-11-30 17:11:44','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1066,1,'2012-11-30 12:13:01','2012-11-30 17:13:01','[caption id=\"attachment_1055\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"140\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1055\" title=\"Doctor\'s Palette\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/dreamstime_artist-palette-e1354291724554-140x150.jpg\" alt=\"Artist with Palette\" width=\"140\" height=\"150\" /></a> What\'s on Your Doctor\'s Palette?[/caption]\n\nI recently had a great conversation about how <strong>\"diagnosis\" is an art.  </strong>My dear friend is a well-respected doctor, world-renowned in his particular field (nothing to do with hormones) and he explained to me that diagnosing patients is only partly about science but rather, is a form of art.  I really believe what my amazing doctor does for me definitely falls in the category of art!\n\nI also recently listened while my daughter\'s naturopath was explaining to her what his \"toolbox\" includes. I thought he gave her a great way to conceptualize what a naturopath does but it got me thinking that really what he has is not a toolbox but rather an artist\'s palette.\n\nMy doctor uses a colorful palette to create a beautiful picture of health for me &amp; I feel so fortunate that my doctor\'s palette includes:\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n	<li>Symptom checklist (very detailed!) every three months!</li>\n	<li>Blood tests (every three months)</li>\n	<li>Saliva hormone testing (once in a while)</li>\n	<li>Bio-identical Hormones</li>\n	<li>Magnesium! and other nutritional supplements based on <strong>MY</strong> needs not someone else\'s</li>\n	<li>Keeping up-to-date on the latest research</li>\n	<li>Most importantly he LISTENs to ME!</li>\n	<li>Nutrition advice</li>\n	<li>Always a smile and a good conversation!</li>\n	<li>A caring attitude</li>\n</ul>\n</ul>\n</ul>\nIn this day and age in Canada, especially in the rural areas, it is difficult to find a doctor who is even accepting new patients!  So when the demand is greater than the supply of doctors many people are just grateful to have a family doctor.   It may take a bit of searching but you will be able to find a doctor with a bright palette full of amazing colors so he or she can help paint the best picture of health for you!  I know, from my own experience, when you do you won\'t regret it.\n\nFor tips on how to find a doctor who specializes in functional medicine or naturopathy or bio-identical hormones read my post on how to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Find a Doctor\" href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/steps-to-take-now/how-to-find-a/\" target=\"_blank\">Find a Doctor</a></span>.','Diagnosis is An Art: What Does Your Doctor\'s Palette Look Like?','','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-12','','','2012-11-30 12:13:01','2012-11-30 17:13:01','',942,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/942-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1069,1,'2012-12-11 16:38:13','0000-00-00 00:00:00','Mother-to-be Postpartum care kit - info about postpartum mood disorder - fish oil\r\n\r\nBaby shower: postpartum prevention\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Gift Giving Postpartum/Mother-to-Be','','draft','open','open','','gift-giving','','','2012-12-11 16:38:13','2012-12-11 21:38:13','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=1069',0,'post','',0),(1070,1,'2012-12-03 01:00:50','2012-12-03 06:00:50','Mother-to-be: postpartum mood disorder - fish oil','Gift Giving ','','inherit','open','open','','1069-revision','','','2012-12-03 01:00:50','2012-12-03 06:00:50','',1069,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1069-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1071,1,'2012-12-04 12:05:30','2012-12-04 17:05:30','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests over 8 years - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean.  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'ve attempted to try to sort through the confusion and have read a lot of opinions on the subject.  I\'m curious from a patient perspective to know which is the preferred method and if so why.  I\'d, of course, like to know if I\'m just wasting my money on a saliva hormone test.   Because I\'m a critical thinker at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some would suggest, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies.</li>\n	<li>In the US some insurance companies cover saliva hormone testing.</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab offering saliva hormone testing: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Rocky Mountain Analytical\" href=\"http://rmalab.com/node/42\" target=\"_blank\">Rocky Mountain Analytical</a> </span>is approximately $255 for a basic female panel which tests Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S &amp; Cortisol. It must be obtained through a healthcare professional and the results are only sent to a healthcare professional.</li>\n	<li>The cost is the USA varies - expect to pay about $170. Tests can be ordered online in the USA.  Don\'t choose the lab based on cost alone: choose a reputable lab - check out the lab\'s website.  A lab like ZRT is committed to research and has analysed tens of thousands of women\'s hormone levels.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels.</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by reputable labs in North America on thousands of women during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n	<li>The reason saliva hormone testing was considered to be the preferred method is that it has been believed that the hormone levels in the saliva represented</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive and done under labratory conditions</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n</ul>\n<div>In my view the medical community still seems unable to make up their own mind as to which method is preferable.  One well-respected holistic doctor says saliva hormone tests are a waste of time but his I can\'t find anywhere on his website why he feels that way - he doesn\'t back it up. Other well-respected women\'s health websites that I follow say saliva testing is still the preferred method.</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\nHere\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!\n\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.\n\nThat being said, there is a certain comfort level in the fact that my doctor is validating my symptom checklist by looking at both saliva and blood results.  In fact, my recent symptoms really seem to point to estrogen deficiency but in actual fact my estrogen is only slightly low but my progesterone is very high.  According to the lab that completed my tests and analysis - my progesterone level is higher than expected for someone taking transdermal progesterone cream. So it gave us a good look at the picture and we could discuss my symptoms along with the results.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-22','','','2012-12-04 12:05:30','2012-12-04 17:05:30','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-22/',0,'revision','',0),(1122,1,'2012-12-14 16:27:22','0000-00-00 00:00:00','If she\'s anxious about her babies or her own health and tells you about a symptom or something going on, Do NOT reply, \"That\'s weird\" or \"That\'s Strange\"\r\n\r\nThat\'s Weird or That\'s strange are words that can send a new mom with postpartum anxiety into a tail spin.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nEverything will be fine','What Not to Say to A Woman with Postpartum Anxiety','','draft','open','open','','what-not-to-say-to-a-woman-with-postpartum-anxiety','','','2012-12-14 16:27:22','2012-12-14 21:27:22','',0,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/?p=1122',0,'post','',0),(1074,1,'2012-12-07 11:54:58','2012-12-07 16:54:58','To Spit or Not to Spit....that is the question....some doctors and natural medicine doctors are asking these days.\n\nIf you follow my blog you\'ll know that I have recently had my hormones tested through my saliva.  This is the third time I\'ve had saliva hormone tests over 8 years - this is the first time I specifically asked for it. More often, I have had blood tests but mostly I\'ve filled out symptom charts and had discussions with my doctor to indicate what is happening with my hormone levels.\n\nThere is some debate over whether saliva or blood is the best way to measure hormone level or whether testing is even necessary at all! Just try googling saliva vs blood hormone testing and you\'ll see what I mean.  One expert says saliva is the only accurate way, another says blood serum levels and then you read a blog that says neither is necessary because the patient\'s symptoms tell the whole story! Wow, talk about confusing!\n\nI\'ve attempted to try to sort through the confusion and have read a lot of opinions on the subject.  I\'m curious from a patient perspective to know which is the preferred method and if so why.  I\'d, of course, like to know if I\'m just wasting my money on a saliva hormone test.   Because I\'m a critical thinker at first glance I doubt the issue is as black and white as some would suggest, but rather there must be features that are attractive with both types of testing.\n<h1>Saliva Hormone Testing vs Blood Testing</h1>\n<strong>Cost:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>In Canada provincial health care doesn\'t cover saliva hormone tests &amp; neither do most extended health insurance companies.</li>\n	<li>In the US some insurance companies cover saliva hormone testing.</li>\n	<li>The cost at Canada\'s only lab offering saliva hormone testing: <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Rocky Mountain Analytical\" href=\"http://rmalab.com/node/42\" target=\"_blank\">Rocky Mountain Analytical</a> </span>is approximately $255 for a basic female panel which tests Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S &amp; Cortisol. It must be obtained through a healthcare professional and the results are only sent to a healthcare professional.</li>\n	<li>The cost is the USA varies - expect to pay about $170. Tests can be ordered online in the USA.  Don\'t choose the lab based on cost alone: choose a reputable lab - check out the lab\'s website.  A lab like ZRT is committed to research and has analysed tens of thousands of women\'s hormone levels.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests for most hormone tests in Canada are covered, although I just paid out of pocket $60 to check my testosterone blood levels.</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>History:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Hormones have been tested through Saliva for 30+ years and much data has been gathered by labs in North America on thousands of women during specific days of their cycles.</li>\n	<li>The reason saliva hormone testing was considered to be the preferred method is that it has been believed that the hormone levels in the saliva represented the amount of \"bio-available\" or \"free\" hormone levesl</li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n<div><strong>Collection:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>Saliva tests are non-invasive and are done at home following the instructions in the test kit. Critics say that contamination is possible when not done under laboratory conditions.</li>\n	<li>Blood tests are invasive but are done under laboratory conditions.</li>\n</ul>\n<strong>Test Tubes:</strong>\n<ul>\n	<li>saliva hormone test kits include plastic tubes which research have been shown to leech estrogen-like compounds into the sample possibly altering the test results.</li>\n	<li>I called around to some local labs out of curiousity and they advised that they also use plastic tubes to collect blood for hormone testing.  Wouldn\'t the estrogen mimicking compounds also affect blood test results in the same way it would affect saliva tests?</li>\n</ul>\n<div><strong>Saliva Levels and Blood Levels:</strong></div>\n<div>\n<ul>\n	<li>I\'ve read a study that says blood serum levels change such as in pregnancy and in older adults so they say that saliva is better.</li>\n	<li>I\'ve read a report that says certain medications decrease saliva production which may change the concentration of \"free\" hormone in the saliva.</li>\n	<li>During my research I came across \"experts\" that say saliva</li>\n</ul>\n<div>In my view the medical community still seems unable to make up their own mind as to which method is preferable.  One well-respected holistic doctor says saliva hormone tests are a waste of time but his I can\'t find anywhere on his website why he feels that way - he doesn\'t back it up. Other well-respected women\'s health websites that I follow say saliva testing is still the preferred method. Medical doctors who are against \"holistic\" views of medicine call all of this \"quakery\" and instead choose to prescribe anti-depressants and birth control pills.</div>\n</div>\n</div>\n<div></div>\n<div>Here\'s a You Tube Video of Dr. Erika - Just so you know - <strong>I love her</strong>!</div>\nIn this video Dr. Erika says she teaches her patients to \"learn how they feel\" and \"learn how to comunicate how they are feeling to her\" and then she can be a better doctor!  She reveals she doesn\'t treat blood tests, she treats her patients.  A blood test is a snapshot in time and we are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>alive and dynamic!</strong></span>  You are the one who determines the kind of care you get!  What you demand from your doctor - <strong>what you get from your doctor is reflected by you actually put into the relationship!</strong>  This is the reason learning about your body is so important.  Your doctor will respect you - my doctor and I have a great relationship because we actually DISCUSS my care. He respects me (I believe) for understanding and listening to my own body!  He knows my fears and he knows that while he may not need to see test results it is about <strong>MY</strong> comfort level!\n\n&nbsp;\n<div><iframe src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/rxXpYENsIwI\" frameborder=\"0\" width=\"450\" height=\"240\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\nHere\'s the way I feel about the benefits of saliva hormone testing.\nI personally like Dr. Erika\'s style and belief - she believes in listening to her patients and their symptoms. That feels intuitive to me. If you read my post \"The Price of Spit\" you should have got the impression that my own doctor has a similar style to Dr. Erika.\n\nThat being said, there is a certain comfort level for me that my doctor is validating my symptom checklist by looking at both saliva and blood results.  In fact, my recent symptoms really seem to point to estrogen deficiency but in actual fact my estrogen is only slightly low but my progesterone is very high.  According to the lab that completed my tests and analysis - my progesterone level is higher than expected for someone taking transdermal progesterone cream. So it gave us a good look at the picture and we could discuss my symptoms along with the results.','To Spit or Not to Spit....','','inherit','open','open','','1032-revision-23','','','2012-12-07 11:54:58','2012-12-07 16:54:58','',1032,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1032-revision-23/',0,'revision','',0),(1076,1,'2012-12-08 23:12:29','2012-12-09 04:12:29','','Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market','Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market','inherit','open','open','','lavender-usb-diffuser-detox-market','','','2012-12-08 23:12:29','2012-12-09 04:12:29','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1077,1,'2012-12-08 23:33:51','2012-12-09 04:33:51','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>I absolutely <span style=\"color: #db233d;\">L♥VE!</span> this USB stick sold by <a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. (Available in lavender &amp; grapefruit.)</h4>\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Last Minute Gifts that are Kind to Your Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision','','','2012-12-08 23:33:51','2012-12-09 04:33:51','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1078,1,'2012-12-08 23:41:23','2012-12-09 04:41:23','','Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection','Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection','inherit','open','open','','tsi_la_organics_mini_collection_grande','','','2012-12-08 23:41:23','2012-12-09 04:41:23','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1079,1,'2012-12-09 00:00:59','2012-12-09 05:00:59','Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box ','Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box','Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box','inherit','open','open','','moonstruck-organic-cheese-box','','','2012-12-09 00:00:59','2012-12-09 05:00:59','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1080,1,'2012-12-08 23:59:55','2012-12-09 04:59:55','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>I absolutely <span style=\"color: #db233d;\">L♥VE!</span> this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.</h4>\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>!</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nEvery party host I know would be thrilled to get a wooden board with organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift - a wooden board avoids the problems with plastic cutting boards and organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  <a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a> in Toronto sells many organic cheeses.  Or order an organic cheese box to be shipped directly to your <a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a>.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Gifts that are Kind to Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-2','','','2012-12-08 23:59:55','2012-12-09 04:59:55','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1081,1,'2012-12-09 00:03:02','2012-12-09 05:03:02','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>I absolutely <span style=\"color: #db233d;\">L♥VE!</span> this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.</h4>\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>!</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n\nEvery party host I know would be thrilled to get a wooden board with organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift - a wooden board avoids the problems with plastic cutting boards and organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  <a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a> in Toronto sells many organic cheeses.  Or order an organic cheese box from <a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Detox Market has gorgeou\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Gifts that are Kind to Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-3','','','2012-12-09 00:03:02','2012-12-09 05:03:02','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1083,1,'2012-12-09 07:27:12','2012-12-09 12:27:12','<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a>\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.</h4>\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe Detox Market has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Gifts that are Kind to Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-5','','','2012-12-09 07:27:12','2012-12-09 12:27:12','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1082,1,'2012-12-09 00:03:37','2012-12-09 05:03:37','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\r\n<h4>I absolutely <span style=\"color: #db233d;\">L♥VE!</span> this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.</h4>\r\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection[/caption]\r\n<h4></h4>\r\n<h4>Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>!</span></h4>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\r\n\r\nEvery party host I know would be thrilled to get a wooden board with organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift - a wooden board avoids the problems with plastic cutting boards and organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  <a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a> in Toronto sells many organic cheeses.  Or order an organic cheese box from <a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe Detox Market has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Gifts that are Kind to Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-4','','','2012-12-09 00:03:37','2012-12-09 05:03:37','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1084,1,'2012-12-09 07:40:24','2012-12-09 12:40:24','Glass Water Bottle from Life Factory','Life Factory Glass Water Bottle','Life Factory - Glass Water Bottle','inherit','open','open','','life-factory-water-bottle','','','2012-12-09 07:40:24','2012-12-09 12:40:24','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Life-Factory-Water-Bottle.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1085,1,'2012-12-09 07:44:17','2012-12-09 12:44:17','Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory','Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory','Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory','inherit','open','open','','glass-water-bottles-lifefactory','','','2012-12-09 07:44:17','2012-12-09 12:44:17','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1086,1,'2012-12-09 08:03:51','2012-12-09 13:03:51','Bloor West Organic Spa','Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones','Bloor West Organic Spa','inherit','open','open','','beautiful-young-woman-holding-plant-growing-up-through-stones','','','2012-12-09 08:03:51','2012-12-09 13:03:51','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1087,1,'2012-12-09 08:07:08','2012-12-09 13:07:08','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and the person on your gift list will enjoy the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.</h4>\n<h4>Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1085\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1085\" title=\"Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory[/caption]\n<h4>4. These glass bottles from<a title=\"Life Factory\" href=\"http://www.lifefactory.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Life Factory</a> are so fun and come in so many colors - my kids and I love them.  They are made of glass so are hormone-friendly and covered in BPA-free silicone so they can still go to school in my kids backpacks.  We like that they don\'t leave a taste like stainless steel bottles!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1086\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1086 \" title=\"Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bloor West Organic Spa[/caption]\n<h4>5.   A gift certificate to an organic spa like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Bloor West Organic Spa\" href=\"http://www.bloorwestspa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bloor West Organic Spa</a></span> is sure to be a big hit  - I know I\'d sure appreciate it (hint, hint).  It\'s especially important for the expectant mother on your list so she can avoid absorbing hormone disruptors.  If you can\'t find a 100% Organic Spa many spas offer organic services on their spa menu.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n6. For the wine lover on your list give the gift of organic wine!  One of my personal favorites is Bonterra\n<h4>The Detox Market has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Favorite Gifts that are Kind to Hormones!','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-6','','','2012-12-09 08:07:08','2012-12-09 13:07:08','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1088,1,'2012-12-09 08:13:18','2012-12-09 13:13:18','Bonterra Organic Wines','Bonterra Organic Wines','Bonterra Organic Wines','inherit','open','open','','bonterra-organic-wines','','','2012-12-09 08:13:18','2012-12-09 13:13:18','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1089,1,'2012-12-09 08:29:06','2012-12-09 13:29:06','The Detox Market will personalize a Gift Box for you based on your budget. ','The Detox Market Gift Box','The Detox Market Gift Box','inherit','open','open','','the-detox-market-gift-box','','','2012-12-09 08:29:06','2012-12-09 13:29:06','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1090,1,'2012-12-09 08:38:06','2012-12-09 13:38:06','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and soon will  be enjoying the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.  Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1085\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1085\" title=\"Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory[/caption]\n<h4>4. These glass bottles from<a title=\"Life Factory\" href=\"http://www.lifefactory.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Life Factory</a> are so fun and come in so many colors - my kids and I love them.  They are made of glass so are hormone-friendly and covered in BPA-free silicone so they can still go to school in my kids backpacks.  We like that they don\'t leave a taste like stainless steel bottles!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1086\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1086 \" title=\"Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bloor West Organic Spa[/caption]\n<h4>5.   A gift certificate to an organic spa like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Bloor West Organic Spa\" href=\"http://www.bloorwestspa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bloor West Organic Spa</a></span> is sure to be a big hit  - I know I\'d sure appreciate it (hint, hint).  It\'s especially important for the expectant mother on your list so she can avoid absorbing hormone disruptors.  If you can\'t find a 100% Organic Spa many spas offer organic services on their spa menu.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1088\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1088\" title=\"Bonterra Organic Wines\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bonterra Organic Wines[/caption]\n<h4>6. For the wine lover on your list give the gift of organic wine!  One of my personal favorites is Bonterra\'s Organic Zinfandel - an organic red from Mendocino County. It\'s a beautiful wine you can feel good about giving.  Found in the Vintage Section of L</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1089\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1089\" title=\"The Detox Market Gift Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> The Detox Market Gift Box[/caption]\n<h4>7.  An organic gift basket is a great idea especially when it\'s full of organic goodness.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a> </span>has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.  Whether it\'s chocolate, teas or beauty products they can make a gift box to meet your budget.  They have locations in Hollywood, San Fransico &amp; (I\'m so lucky) Toronto but don\'t worry you can shop online too!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Top Ten Favorite Hormone-Friendly Gifts','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-7','','','2012-12-09 08:38:06','2012-12-09 13:38:06','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1091,1,'2012-12-09 08:45:12','2012-12-09 13:45:12','Non-Toxic Nail Polish from HoneyBee Gardens','Non-Toxic Nail Polish','Non-Toxic Nail Polish','inherit','open','open','','water-based-nail-polish','','','2012-12-09 08:45:12','2012-12-09 13:45:12','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1092,1,'2012-12-09 09:03:25','2012-12-09 14:03:25','Bamboo PJ\'s by Yala','Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala','Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala','inherit','open','open','','bamboo-pajama-set','','','2012-12-09 09:03:25','2012-12-09 14:03:25','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set.jpeg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1093,1,'2012-12-09 09:15:30','2012-12-09 14:15:30','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and soon will  be enjoying the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.  Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1085\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1085\" title=\"Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory[/caption]\n<h4>4. These glass bottles from<a title=\"Life Factory\" href=\"http://www.lifefactory.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Life Factory</a> are so fun and come in so many colors - my kids and I love them.  They are made of glass so are hormone-friendly and covered in BPA-free silicone so they can still go to school in my kids backpacks.  We like that they don\'t leave a taste like stainless steel bottles!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1086\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1086 \" title=\"Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bloor West Organic Spa[/caption]\n<h4>5.   A gift certificate to an organic spa like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Bloor West Organic Spa\" href=\"http://www.bloorwestspa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bloor West Organic Spa</a></span> is sure to be a big hit  - I know I\'d sure appreciate it (hint, hint).  It\'s especially important for the expectant mother on your list so she can avoid absorbing hormone disruptors.  If you can\'t find a 100% Organic Spa many spas offer organic services on their spa menu.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1088\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1088\" title=\"Bonterra Organic Wines\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bonterra Organic Wines[/caption]\n<h4>6. For the wine lover on your list give the gift of organic wine!  One of my personal favorites is Bonterra\'s Organic Zinfandel - an organic red from Mendocino County. It\'s a beautiful wine you can feel good about giving.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1089\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1089\" title=\"The Detox Market Gift Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> The Detox Market Gift Box[/caption]\n<h4>7.  An organic gift basket is a great idea especially when it\'s full of organic goodness.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a> </span>has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.  Whether it\'s chocolate, teas or beauty products they can make a gift box to meet your budget.  They have locations in Hollywood, San Fransico &amp; (I\'m so lucky) Toronto but don\'t worry you can shop online too!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1091\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1091\" title=\"Non-Toxic Nail Polish\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Non-Toxic Nail Polish[/caption]\n<h4>8.  Non-Toxic nail polish - I\'ve been wanting to try this water-based non-peeling nail polish from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Honey Bee Gardens\" href=\"http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/products/npwcne.html#different\" target=\"_blank\">Honey Bee Gardens</a></span>.  The colors look delicious and the fact that it\'s not going to disrupt my hormones makes me happy :)  I haven\'t tried it yet but it was recommended to me as the safest so I hope Santa delivers some to my stocking!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1092\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1092\" title=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala[/caption]\n<h4>9. Organic PJs are a great gift for any woman but these bamboo pajamas by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Yala Designs\" href=\"http://www.yaladesigns.com/bamboodreamsr-luna-pajama\" target=\"_blank\">Yala Designs</a> </span>are especially perfect for menopausal women due to their natural breathability.  The bamboo fabric is  eco-friendly and free from chemicals used in typical clothing.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Top Ten Favorite Hormone-Friendly Gifts','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-8','','','2012-12-09 09:15:30','2012-12-09 14:15:30','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1094,1,'2012-12-09 09:17:11','2012-12-09 14:17:11','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and soon will  be enjoying the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.  Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1085\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1085\" title=\"Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory[/caption]\n<h4>4. These glass bottles from<a title=\"Life Factory\" href=\"http://www.lifefactory.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Life Factory</a> are so fun and come in so many colors - my kids and I love them.  They are made of glass so are hormone-friendly and covered in BPA-free silicone so they can still go to school in my kids backpacks.  We like that they don\'t leave a taste like stainless steel bottles!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1086\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1086 \" title=\"Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bloor West Organic Spa[/caption]\n<h4>5.   A gift certificate to an organic spa like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Bloor West Organic Spa\" href=\"http://www.bloorwestspa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bloor West Organic Spa</a></span> is sure to be a big hit  - I know I\'d sure appreciate it (hint, hint).  It\'s especially important for the expectant mother on your list so she can avoid absorbing hormone disruptors.  If you can\'t find a 100% Organic Spa many spas offer organic services on their spa menu.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1088\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1088\" title=\"Bonterra Organic Wines\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bonterra Organic Wines[/caption]\n<h4>6. For the wine lover on your list give the gift of organic wine!  One of my personal favorites is Bonterra\'s Organic Zinfandel - an organic red from Mendocino County. It\'s a beautiful wine you can feel good about giving.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1089\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1089\" title=\"The Detox Market Gift Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> The Detox Market Gift Box[/caption]\n<h4>7.  An organic gift basket is a great idea especially when it\'s full of organic goodness.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a> </span>has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.  Whether it\'s chocolate, teas or beauty products they can make a gift box to meet your budget.  They have locations in Hollywood, San Fransico &amp; (I\'m so lucky) Toronto but don\'t worry you can shop online too!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1091\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1091\" title=\"Non-Toxic Nail Polish\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Non-Toxic Nail Polish[/caption]\n<h4>8.  Non-Toxic nail polish - I\'ve been wanting to try this water-based non-peeling nail polish from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Honey Bee Gardens\" href=\"http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/products/npwcne.html#different\" target=\"_blank\">Honey Bee Gardens</a></span>.  The colors look delicious and the fact that it\'s not going to disrupt my hormones makes me happy :)  I haven\'t tried it yet but it was recommended to me as the safest so I hope Santa delivers some to my stocking!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1092\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1092\" title=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala[/caption]\n<h4>9. Organic PJs are a great gift for any woman but these bamboo pajamas by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Yala Designs\" href=\"http://www.yaladesigns.com/bamboodreamsr-luna-pajama\" target=\"_blank\">Yala Designs</a> </span>are especially perfect for menopausal women due to their natural breathability.  The bamboo fabric is  eco-friendly and free from chemicals used in typical clothing.  If you can\'t decide Yala also offers gift cards - love that idea!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Top Ten Favorite Hormone-Friendly Gifts','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-9','','','2012-12-09 09:17:11','2012-12-09 14:17:11','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1095,1,'2012-12-09 09:20:15','2012-12-09 14:20:15','[caption id=\"attachment_1076\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1076\" title=\"Lavender USB diffuser - Detox Market\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Lavender-USB-diffuser-Detox-Market-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Lavender USB diffuser - the Detox Market\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Lavender USB diffuser - The Detox Market[/caption]\n<h4>1.  I absolutely L♥VE! this USB stick sold by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"USB Diffuser - The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/products/essential-oil-usb-diffuser-lavender\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a>!</span>  It\'s a diffuser - simply plug it into your laptop and soon will  be enjoying the relaxing and detoxifying effects of the 100% Organic Essential Oils. It comes  in lavender &amp; grapefruit.  Room sprays and scented candles are full of hormone disrupters so besides being a totally cool idea - this USB stick makes a hormone safe gift choice!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1078\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1078\" title=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/tsi_la_organics_mini_Collection_grande-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collection\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Tsi La Organics Mini Fragrance Collectio[/caption]\n<h4></h4>\n<h4>2.  Give fragrances that aren\'t going to disrupt delicate hormones.  Since I\'ve gone off of traditional perfume I\'m dying to try this trial pack of organic perfume that contains no harmful endocrine disruptors from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Max &amp; Mia Organic Perfume\" href=\"http://www.maxandmia.ca/collections/fragrance/products/tsi-la-ilang-ilang-mini-eau-de-parfum-oil\" target=\"_blank\"> Max and Mia Organics</a>.</span></h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1079\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1079\" title=\"Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Moonstruck-Organic-Cheese-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Moonstruck Organic Cheese Box[/caption]\n<h4>3.  Everyone I know would be thrilled to receive organic cheese!  It\'s a simple but thoughtful gift.  Organic cheese just tastes so much better knowing it\'s free from hormones and antibiotics!  A specialty cheese shop like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Art of Cheese\" href=\"http://www.theartofcheese.ca/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">The Art of Cheese</a></span> in Toronto sells or you can order an organic cheese box from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Moonstruck Cheese - Organic Cheese Box\" href=\"http://www.moonstruckcheese.com/special.php\" target=\"_blank\">Moonstruck Organic Cheese</a></span> and they\'ll send it directly to the lucky recipient!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1085\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1085\" title=\"Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Glass-Water-Bottles-LifeFactory-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Glass Water Bottles from Life Factory[/caption]\n<h4>4. These glass bottles from<a title=\"Life Factory\" href=\"http://www.lifefactory.com/\" target=\"_blank\"> Life Factory</a> are so fun and come in so many colors - my kids and I love them.  They are made of glass so are hormone-friendly and covered in BPA-free silicone so they can still go to school in my kids backpacks.  We like that they don\'t leave a taste like stainless steel bottles!</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1086\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1086 \" title=\"Beautiful young woman holding plant growing up through stones\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bloor-West-Organic-Spa-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bloor West Organic Spa[/caption]\n<h4>5.   A gift certificate to an organic spa like <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Bloor West Organic Spa\" href=\"http://www.bloorwestspa.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bloor West Organic Spa</a></span> is sure to be a big hit  - I know I\'d sure appreciate it (hint, hint).  It\'s especially important for the expectant mother on your list so she can avoid absorbing hormone disruptors.  If you can\'t find a 100% Organic Spa many spas offer organic services on their spa menu.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1088\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1088\" title=\"Bonterra Organic Wines\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bonterra-Organic-Wines-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bonterra Organic Wines[/caption]\n<h4>6. For the wine lover on your list give the gift of organic wine!  One of my personal favorites is Bonterra\'s Organic Zinfandel - an organic red from Mendocino County. It\'s a beautiful wine you can feel good about giving.</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1089\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1089\" title=\"The Detox Market Gift Box\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Detox-Market-Gift-Box-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> The Detox Market Gift Box[/caption]\n<h4>7.  An organic gift basket is a great idea especially when it\'s full of organic goodness.  <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"The Detox Market\" href=\"http://www.thedetoxmarket.com/\" target=\"_blank\">The Detox Market</a> </span>has gorgeous gift boxes - you can call for a selection and they\'ll make you something irresistable.  Whether it\'s chocolate, teas or beauty products they can make a gift box to meet your budget.  They have locations in Hollywood, San Fransico &amp; (I\'m so lucky) Toronto but don\'t worry you can shop online too!</h4>\n[caption id=\"attachment_1091\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish.jpg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1091\" title=\"Non-Toxic Nail Polish\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Water-Based-Nail-Polish-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Non-Toxic Nail Polish[/caption]\n<h4>8.  Non-Toxic nail polish - I\'ve been wanting to try this water-based non-peeling nail polish from <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Honey Bee Gardens\" href=\"http://www.honeybeegardens.com/natural-cosmetics/products/npwcne.html#different\" target=\"_blank\">Honey Bee Gardens</a></span>.  The colors look delicious and the fact that it\'s not going to disrupt my hormones makes me happy :)  I haven\'t tried it yet but it was recommended to me as the safest so I hope Santa delivers some to my stocking!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1092\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"150\"]<a href=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-thumbnail wp-image-1092\" title=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" src=\"http://www.hormonesoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Bamboo-Pajama-Set-150x150.jpeg\" alt=\"Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" /></a> Bamboo Pajama Set by Yala[/caption]\n<h4>9. Organic PJs are a great gift for any woman but these bamboo pajamas by <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a title=\"Yala Designs\" href=\"http://www.yaladesigns.com/bamboodreamsr-luna-pajama\" target=\"_blank\">Yala Designs</a> </span>are especially perfect for menopausal women due to their natural breathability.  The bamboo fabric is  eco-friendly and free from chemicals used in typical clothing.  If you can\'t decide Yala also offers gift cards - love that idea!</h4>\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;\n\n&nbsp;','My Top Ten Favorite Hormone-Friendly Gifts','','inherit','open','open','','1075-revision-10','','','2012-12-09 09:20:15','2012-12-09 14:20:15','',1075,'http://www.hormonesoup.com/1075-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),