24/03/2026
Everyone is talking about “balancing hormones.”
But very few are talking about how we clear them.
From a naturopathic perspective, hormone health isn’t just about production—it’s about how effectively your body can metabolise and eliminate what it no longer needs.
Because if your detoxification pathways—particularly Phase I and Phase II—aren’t well supported, oestrogen may be broken down into more proliferative or inflammatory metabolites, such as:
• 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OH)
• 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OH)
These metabolites are associated with increased tissue proliferation and can contribute to symptoms of oestrogen excess when not properly cleared.
Ideally, we want to favour the production of:
• 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH) — considered the more protective pathway ✔️
But here’s the key…
If Phase II detoxification isn’t working efficiently, even these metabolites aren’t effectively conjugated and eliminated, allowing them to recirculate in the body.
Which means—you can eat well, do all the right things, and still experience symptoms like:
sluggishness, inflammation, painful periods, and PMS.
✔️ Hormone balance = healthy production and efficient clearance
✔️ Phase I + Phase II must work in synergy
✔️ Phase II relies on adequate protein, key nutrients, fibre, and gut support
✔️ You can’t out-supplement poor diet and lifestyle—your foundations matter most
When these pathways are supported—and your foundations are in place—your body can more effectively process and eliminate hormones, helping you feel clearer, lighter, and more balanced.
Comment RESET if you’re ready to understand your body more deeply, support your detox pathways, and reduce your daily toxic load 🧪🌿